Becoming a Film Critic: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Critics

Are you a 16-year-old who dreams of becoming a film critic but aren’t sure where to begin? This guide explores the journey of acquiring the skills and establishing a career in film criticism, drawing insights from the book ldquo;Five Stars: How To Become A Film Critic The Worlds Greatest Jobrdquo; by Christopher Null.

Introduction to Film Criticism and the Book

There aren't many resources dedicated to the craft of film criticism, but Christopher Null's book ldquo;Five Stars: How To Become A Film Critic The Worlds Greatest Jobrdquo; steps into this void. Null is the founder of one of the largest and most successful movie review websites, The Best Movie in Cinematic History, and this manual has been widely recognized as the first of its kind. His book aims to guide newcomers through the complexities of film reviewing and build a career in the field.

Key Chapters and Topics Covered

The book is divided into fifteen chapters, each focusing on various aspects of film criticism, including:

Market for Film Criticism Film History and Film Making Reviewing Concepts and Techniques Grading Starting Your Career Building a Movie Review Site Securing Complimentary Movie Passes Film Critic Etiquette Handling Your Criticism Interviewing Appendix: 300 Must-See Films for Aspiring Critics

Breakdown of the Book

Each chapter is laid out in a lively and organized manner, providing a comprehensive overview of the film industry. For example, the chapter on different genres includes:

Slapstick Comedy Satire Sequels and Remakes Documentaries Foreign Films Classics Children's Movies Oddball Movies

These sections offer detailed guidance on what to look for in each genre, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of films. Additionally, Null provides a framework of questions to ask while watching movies:

Did the movie achieve its goal? Is the story interesting? How are the performances? How is the direction? What about the support crew? Was it too long? How well does it all come together?

These questions, while not checklists, are invaluable for critically evaluating any film.

Breadth of the Manual

The book's remarkable breadth makes it a valuable resource for anyone with an inclination towards film criticism, even those without aspirations in the field. It successfully demystifies the basics of appreciating movies, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For those who dream of becoming a film critic, this book serves as an essential guide. It offers a step-by-step approach to mastering the art of film reviewing and building a successful career in the field.

By understanding the complexities of film criticism and the nuances of different movie genres, you can not only enhance your own appreciation but also contribute meaningful insights to the broader conversation. Who knows? You might even find yourself impressing your friends and peers with the knowledge you've gained from this comprehensive manual.

Keywords: film critic, movie reviewing, becoming a film critic