Motion Picture Analysis Worksheet
Step 1: Pre-viewing
A. Title of film: ________________________________________________
Record Group source: ___________________________________________
B. What do you think you will see in this motion picture? List Three
concepts or ideas that you might expect to see based on the title of the film. List some
people you might expect to see based on the title of the film.
Concepts/Ideas |
People |
1. |
1. |
2. |
2. |
3. |
3. |
Step 2: Viewing
A. Type of motion picture (check where applicable)
____ Animated cartoon
____ Documentary film
____ Newsreel
____ Propaganda film
____ Theatrical short subject
____ Training film
____ Combat film
____ Other
B. Physical qualities of the motion picture (check where applicable)
____ Music
____ Narration
____ Special effects
____ Color
____ Live action
____ Background noise
____ Animation
____ Dramatizations
C. Note how camera angles, lighting, music, narration, and/or
editing contribute to creating an atmosphere in this film. What is the mood or tone of the
film?
Step 3: Post-viewing (or repeated viewing)
A. Circle the things that you listed in the previewing activity that
were validated by your viewing of the motion picture.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
B. What is the central message(s) of this motion picture?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
C. Consider the effectiveness of the film in communicating its
message. As a tool of communication, what are its strengths and weaknesses?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
D. How do you think the filmmakers wanted the audience to respond?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
E. Does this film appeal to the viewers reason or emotion? How
does it make you feel?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
F. List two things this motion picture tells you about life in the
United States at the time it was made:
1.
2.
G. Write a question to the filmmaker that is left unanswered by the
motion picture.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
H. What information do you gain about this event that would not be
conveyed by a written source? Be specific.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Designed and developed by the
Education Staff, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC 20408.