the phenomenological response method for encountering film

Use the steps below to give you a framework for beginning to analyse film together in a group. This method is one used in the CineDialogue course. You will find out more about CineDialogue at our annual conference.

STEP 1

Talk about your responses to the following questions

“Gut” response: How did watching the film affect you—your body, your feelings and your thoughts?

“Storyline” response: How do you make sense of, and/or experience the way the story was told through film; it’s use of characters, images, sounds, music, etc?

“Values” response: How do you make sense of, and/or experience the values and the important significant ideas that appear to be portrayed in the film?

STEP 2

After the film, as you feel led, talk about your “gut”, “storyline” and “values” response with the group.

Remember we all tend to see and experience things differently. Watching a film is a subjective experience. There are many interpretations that can be discussed. There are no right or wrong answers, just diverse responses and insights.

© ScreenView 2003. This method is used as part of the CineDialogue course structure. Contact Dr Mark Seton for more information about CineDialogue.