how to do essay in apa format for film

how to do essay in apa format for film

Writing an essay in APA format about a film involves analyzing and discussing various aspects of the movie within the framework of APA style guidelines. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you write a 1000-word essay on a film in APA format:

1. Select the Film:

• Choose a film that you want to analyze. It could be a classic or contemporary movie, a documentary, or any film relevant to your assignment.

2. Research and Take Notes:

• Watch the film carefully, taking notes on key scenes, characters, themes, and any other elements that you plan to discuss in your essay.

3. Create an Outline:

• Develop an outline for your essay. Consider the following sections:

I. Introduction (Approx. 100 words):

• Provide some background information about the film, including the title, director, and release year.
• Briefly introduce the main themes or topics you will discuss.

II. Plot Summary and Analysis (Approx. 250 words):

• Summarize the film’s plot while avoiding spoilers.
• Analyze the storyline, identifying key plot points, conflicts, and character development.
• Discuss how the plot contributes to the film’s overall impact.

III. Characters and Character Development (Approx. 250 words):

• Introduce and analyze the main characters, their roles, and motivations.
• Discuss character arcs and how they evolve throughout the film.
• Explore the impact of the characters on the story’s progression.

IV. Themes and Symbolism (Approx. 250 words):

• Identify and discuss the major themes explored in the film.
• Analyze any symbolism or metaphors used to convey these themes.
• Provide examples from the film to support your analysis.

V. Cinematic Techniques (Approx. 150 words):

• Examine the film’s use of cinematography, lighting, sound, and editing.
• Discuss how these techniques contribute to the film’s mood and message.
• Include specific scenes or shots as examples.

VI. Conclusion (Approx. 100 words):

• Summarize the key points discussed in your essay.
• Offer your overall impressions and any insights you gained from analyzing the film.

4. Write the Essay:

• Follow your outline and write each section of your essay, adhering to APA format guidelines for citations and references.

5. APA Format for Film Citations:

• When referring to the film in your essay, use italics for the film title (e.g., The Shawshank Redemption).
• When citing specific scenes or dialogue from the film, provide the timestamp in parentheses (e.g., (00:30:15) for 30 minutes and 15 seconds into the film).
• Include in-text citations for any external sources you reference.

6. References:

• List the film in your References page as follows:
• Director(s). (Year). Title of the Film [Film]. Production Company.

7. Proofread and Revise:

• Review your essay for grammar, punctuation, and clarity.
• Ensure that your citations and references are correctly formatted in APA style.

8. Word Count:

• Keep track of your word count to ensure you meet the 1000-word requirement.

9. Final Review:

• Read through your essay one final time to check for APA format compliance and overall cohesiveness.

By following these steps, you can create a well-structured and properly cited essay about a film in APA format.