What makes a film good? (400-500wc)

There are many aspects of a film that dictate whether it is “good” or not. Obviously, a person can choose if they like it as they have their own opinion and how well-made the film is can make a significant difference to the success of the film. By having a good plot and a good soundtrack a film can draw in some viewers while a good cast list can draw in others.

Personally, a good film consists of a plot which keeps you asking questions, a film that foreshadows but does not explicitly say what is going to happen, films like Shutter Island (2010, martin Scorsese) or Fight Club (1999, David Fincher). In these films the audience or constantly left in the dark unknowingly waiting for a massive plot twist towards the end of the film. Ironically, both films are based on books with the same name so again that could be a factor in how good a film can be.

Sometimes it is easier to watch a film when we follow a protagonist through their own life or situation like in “500 days of summer” (2009, Marc Webb) we watch Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) review his relationship with a girl called Summer (Zooey Deschanel) and finds out the highs and lows of dating her while simultaneously the audience are watching to see if He’s the bad guy or her. This gives the film a unique point of view and allows a viewer to emotionally connect to the film. To some people this type of connection makes a film “that much” better as they have something to relate to.

An exciting soundtrack can give a film more depth and create an exciting experience for the audience while somewhat furthering someone’s understanding of the film. “Requiem for a dream” (Darren Aronofsky, 2000) is a perfect example of this as it gives the film a more dramatic edge while also displaying to the audience the characters’ emotions, making the film more intense. As well as having a good soundtrack, Aronofsky manages to display chilling message of addiction through his directing and the actors’ outstanding performances.

Along with the plot, the soundtrack and the characters, without the use of a camera a film would not be a thing. So, I think another part of a film which makes it good would be the filming and the camera techniques used throughout shooting. For example, in some modern action films (mission impossible and john wick) the cinematographers use a technique called shaky cam or run-and-gun to make you feel like you are part of the action. This creates a fun atmosphere for watchers and it’s another aspect as to what makes a film “good”.