Most computers simply need a program to play DVDs. If one doesn’t come with the computer, as it usually does, look up “DVD Playback Program” online.
YouTube: Any movie that is no longer copyright protected (including many classics from the 50’s, 60’s, and earlier), can be streamed for free online. Crackle: A collection of free-to-watch movies. Top Documentary Films: Free, legal documentaries. SnagFilms: An app-based movie platform for phones and tablets. [1] X Research source
Go online and sign in with your cable/satellite information to see a collection of all available “on-demand” movies.
Only click on the triangular “Play” button or the “Close to Watch Movie” buttons on these sites. Many pop-up ads are meant to trick you with fake “Download/Play” buttons and special offers to view the movie on another site.
You’ll need a torrent client, like uTorrent or BitTorrent, to get and see torrent files. Always click on the “magnet link” for safer downloads. Only download torrents with lots of “seeds” and high reviews. If there are no reviews or comments, it might not be worth the risk. If a link doesn’t feel safe, look for another one. [3] X Research source
Don’t worry about what to take notes on at first. Simply write out everything that comes to mind now, then work on shaping the review or writing later on. [4] X Research source
If you hit pause, what does this “photograph” tell you? What is the mood? How is the shot designed to be interesting (or not) even when the movie is paused? What do you think is the theme or point of the movie? What evidence do you have to back it up? Are there any original or weird artistic choices throughout the movie? Why do you think the director chose to use something unique or different in the movie?[5] X Research source
Production Design: What do the sets look like? How were props and scenery chosen, and how do they add or subtract from the movie? Sound and Music: This is easy to see when movies get it wrong, but ask yourself how the best movies get it right. Amazing sound effects and music pull you seamlessly into the picture. Editing: When are long takes used? What about short, choppy editing, where the image changes 2-3 times a second? Each time an editor cuts, it is to give you new information – are they succeeding?[6] X Research source
“That actor ruined his lines. " Maybe he made too much of a joke out of serious lines. Perhaps he didn’t change his facial expressions, he seemed uncomfortable or out of place, etc. “The cinematography was incredible. " Talk about the lighting in certain scene. Find unique camera angles, or how several key shots commanded your attention. “The movie was 30 minutes too long. " Think about the scenes or sections you would cut. Consider the part of the movie that should have been highlighted instead, or why you wanted a certain ending instead of the one presented. [7] X Research source
Is this movie making some sort of commentary on current or historical events? Look up the director’s, writer’s, and cinematographer’s other movies. How does this one relate to the other?[8] X Research source
How would you set up a scene? What kind of props, lighting, and music would you use in the background? What is the key image or idea of the screenplay? How would you show it on film? What sort of tone would fit the dialogue? Fast, bright, and witty, or slow and dramatic? Are there places the movie breaks from the script? Would you have made the same choices?[9] X Research source
There is no right answer here– you’re just trying to see other filmmakers in action. Even if you don’t think a scene is useful, can you see why the director might think it is important?
