A movie (British English) or film (American English), also called a motion picture, photoplay, picture, photo-movie or flick is an audiovisual presentation of moving images with accompanying sounds that creates a story and conveys ideas, perceptions, feelings, beauty, and atmosphere. Unlike video, which describes short clips or files on the Internet, movies are longer and created for public viewing.
An important part of evaluating the content of a movie is determining whether the director’s vision is well executed throughout the film. Like an architect or songwriter, directors have their own unique vision that they try to implement into their films. When a director’s vision is lacking, the film can often seem aimless and without purpose. For example, Sir Alfred Hitchcock’s use of suspense in his thriller classics helped him to establish a clear style and theme throughout his work.
The acting and characterization of the characters in a movie is another aspect to consider when evaluating its overall quality. Actors should be believable and compelling in their roles. Evaluate the character’s background and personality and how their choices impact the plot of the movie. Then, examine the relationships between the characters and determine if the actors are able to develop their characters through their performances.
Costumes, music, set design and other creative elements can add to the enjoyment of a movie. Evaluate these aspects for their ability to complement the film’s visual style and contribute to its overall narrative. Also, evaluate how the film’s sound and music is used to convey emotions, accentuate specific scenes, or to provide tension or relaxation.
A movie that is able to capture the essence of a historical event or era can be particularly memorable for audiences. For instance, the film Schindler’s List is a powerful depiction of the Nazi persecution of Jews during World War II and has been cited as one of the most influential movies of all time. Similarly, Guillermo Del Toro’s dark, baroque fantasy Pan’s Labyrinth is an otherworldly fairy tale for grown-ups that’s as gorgeous and bizarre as it is genuinely disturbing.