Student Viewing Guide for Studying Film

This is a viewing guide created by Contextual Classroom for International Baccalaureate film students or any other students who are viewing films for critical study and analysis.

I used this guide with my IB students to encourage them to record their thoughts as we viewed films for study. The guide is divided into three sections: Pre-Screening, Screening, and Post Screening Reflection.

Pre-Screening Section:

1.Students record key information about the film such as film title and date, director, cinematographer, and any awards or nominations that the film has received.

2.Next, students are asked to record their initial expectations of the film based on prior knowledge and genre.

Screening Report

1.Students record key characters and their roles in the conflict/plot of film.

2.Students focus on cinematography techniques and how the use of light, darkness, and color convey meaning on screen.

Post Screening Report

1.Students reflect on the film by responding to a variety of questions concerning viewer expectations.

2.Students are challenged to explain and defend their responses beyond the “I love it” “I hated it” responses.