6.2 Tutor-Marked Assignment
Adopts one form of criticism for your documentary film. Outline areas where you will lay emphasis in your criticism.
7.0 Reference/Further Reading
Owumalam, E.O (2007). Film and Screen Directing. Owerri: Top class publishers.
Unit 3: Functions of a Film Critic
unit is therefore designed to expose you to the specific functions which a critic performs in the world of films. These functions as x-rayed by Owuamalam (2007:303) no doubt will help you appreciate the importance of the art of criticism in films.
2.0 Objectives
The end of the tutorials in this unit, you will be expected to know:
The functions of a film critic
The three significant roles of a critic.
How the critic evaluate a film
How the critic assesses a film
How the critic reviews a film 3.0 Main Content
3.1 Functions of a Film Critic
The functions which a film critic performs are outside the theatre.
His/her duties involve creative imaginations, in the mental realm.
The critic produces an evaluative report, which facilitates an understanding of the work and provides the information, which the audience uses to discuss the work. The critic performs three basic rules of: (a) evaluating the film based on specific standards (b) of assessing the film and (c) reviewing the film. Details of these roles are discussed in the next sub-heading.
3.2 Three Basic Roles of Film Critic
A film critic performs the three basic roles of evaluating assessing and reviewing of a film.
As an evaluator, the critic uses the rhetorical approach to deal with issues pertaining to evaluations. He/she considers the methods and techniques as vital strategies for the realization of the objective of a production and as approaches through which the communication intent of the work is achieved. He/she applies the theory and practice of argumentation, which facilitate a better understanding of a work of art, so as to enhance aesthetic appreciation. For instance, as an evaluator, the critic sees how the scriptwriter has been able to create a message about life and living conditions, through actions and activities of the characters in the film. He/she notes how the systematic approach of the film guides role assignment and performance, in the accomplishment of the activities permitted by situations and circumstances in the film.
As an Assessor, the critic uses theme, subject or topic of discourse, to assess a film. He/she ascertains the theme as indicated by the scriptwriter. It is his/her job to observe how a plot fits the theme and how the characters perform, in order to achieve the import of the theme. The critic uses the theme to ascertain the significance and relevance of the work to the society. The order of the events in the film, the arrangement and use of language and action, are important in the determination of the value of a work.
As a reviewer, the critic expresses opinions, based on rational reasoning, as deduced from the performance. This is because, a review simply means a commentary made after matching or seeing an artistic performance. It is an assessment of the film, as perceived at the time of presentation. He/she analyses the
film to discuss the issues like conflicts, ironies, suspense, surprise, dilemma and other plot strategies, that can excite and retain audience appreciation or patronage of the film. As a reviewer, he/she provides artisitcs information about a film, in an entertaining and educating manner. He/she is therefore a guide to aesthetic appreciation of film.
4.0 Conclusion
The critic is not only relevant to the film industry or to the world of arts in general, he/she is also relevant in the society at large. This is evident in the functions/roles the critic performs. The critic, as has been shown in this unit, provides an illuminating and thought-provoking conclusion, as a judgment on the film, so as to stimulate viewership interest. In this way, he/she brings people to appreciate a specific work through audience engineering. He/she therefore reviews, assesses, and evaluates all works of art, film inclusive.
5.0 Summary
This unit focused attention on the functions of the film critic, emphasis was laid on the three specific roles of evaluating, assessing and reviewing the film.
6.1 Self-Assessed Exercise
Study the three roles of the film critic and note how they overlap.
6.2 Tutor-Marked Assignment
In just one page, describe how the film critic acts as a guide to the aesthetic appreciation of the film.
7.0 Reference/Further Reading
Owuamalam, E.O (2007). Film and Screen Directing. Owerri: Top Class Publishers.
Unit 4: Tips for Film Criticism