Film Reflections

Get the current Film Reflection Assignment Here

What Are They?

A film reflection is like a reaction piece to a reading, except that you are reacting to the film rather than something you've read. For our class, your reaction will include a response to a question from the current Film Reflection Assignment. Specific requirements are on the assignment itself.

Although it is not the same as a film review, it should contain some of the basic elements of a review. It may be useful for you to engage in some prewriting work before you launch into the film reflection and to be sure you include useful information typically included in a good book or film review. Specific requirements are on the assignment itself.

Writing Process

Often getting started with writing is the hard part, especially if you are overwhelmed and don't know where to start. And even with an informal piece such as a film reflection, you need an introduction (with thesis statement), body, and conclusion. Often, writers refer to this structure as the "five-paragraph essay." This is a little simplistic, but it is a good place to start if you are unsure of your writing.

The final stage of writing a paper is editing, revising, and proofreading. Your word processor's spell- and grammar-checker can help, but it isn't infallible. There is no substitute for a human!

Paper Format

Your paper needs to follow MLA format. For your convenience, I have created an MLA paper template. Right-click here and save the file to your desktop. When you want to type a paper using this template, open it up, and rename it (e.g., SmithReflection1.doc). Before you start typing over what's there, please read it, because it contains instructions. The original template will remain untouched on your desktop for you to use again, or you can just download it again from here.

For citations, you need to follow MLA format. This citation machine is pretty handy.

Are you required to use citations? Well, follow this rule: if what you are writing is not your own original thought, idea, or wording, then, yes, you must have a citation. If you mention a book or film in such a way that a reader might want to find it or you quote directly from something, then you also need a citation. If you have citations, you automatically need a Works Cited page at the end. In addition, if you are wanting to convey factual, objective information and/or persuade your audience, you should back up your argument with credible evidence. If you are at all unsure about the entire citation process, you should look at my page on Plagiarism and MLA Citation. For extra credit, you can work through the tutorial at Indiana University, do the "test" and turn in the certificate.

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