What makes a film “good”?

Film as a genre can be a form of simple escapism or it can be a way to inform and educate. A good film allows us to escape reality and transports us into another world, but it can also help us to see the world through someone else’s eyes and show us a world that we would not normally see encouraging empathy and awareness.

There are many key elements that make this possible. It all starts with a narrative. Films can be both simple and complex but still have the same impact.

The genre of the film whether it be a thriller that leaves you on the edge of your seat or a horror that you almost can’t watch; each genre has specific criteria, and each director has their own style. With good editing, cinematography and music a simple story can become something people can identify with.

Cinematography is one of the important elements as it shows us what we the audience should be looking at (or the director wants to see) and allows us to see things from the perspective of the characters. A good film should include different types of shots to imply meaning. For example, the iconic “what’s in the box” scene from se7en (1999 David Fincher). When filming the character of John Doe (Kevin Spacey), the director (David Fincher) chose to use a mounted camara so that the camera was steady and in control, symbolising John doe is in control of the situation. Whereas for the characters played by Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, Fincher uses handheld camaras which are shaky and out of control. This is used to imply chaos and confusion.

Cinematography, however, is meaningless without editing. Cutting shots and putting them in the right order can be the make-or-break of a good film. It is essential that a good film is edited well as the film will run smoothly and make sense. Editing can also help to build tension; with lots of fast cuts it can create a sense of urgency and drama. As well as this when using more sustained shots it allows the audience to focus more and think about what they are watching.

No movie is complete without music and sound. A Good film should have a score that is instantly recognizable and that evokes meaning and emotion whilst helping to present key themes in a subliminal way. The music is an indicator to the audience on how they should be feeling. For example, the shire theme from the lord of the ring trilogy (2001-2003 Peter Jackson) is repeated throughout the film constantly reminding the audience of home and a safe place. The theme is changed throughout the film for darker moments using shifts in key which imbues a sadder tone. Music helps the audience to connect and invest more in the film.

In my opinion the best films are those that make the audience think and leaves them reflecting on them long after the films have ended and also those that Carry a hidden message and do not directly influence the viewer but instead allow them to make their own decisions.

Ben Elliott,