Name__________________________________ Period________

Documentary Film Analysis Worksheet

Step 1. Pre-viewing

Title of Film:

Date Released: 2012

What do you think you will see in this motion picture? List three concepts or ideas
that you might expect to see based on the title of the film or what you already know
about this film.

Concepts/Ideas

1.

2.

3.

Step 2. Viewing
Type of documentary (check where applicable):

__________ Advocacy for social concerns

__________ Biography
__________ Career Profile
__________ Community History
__________ Research/Factual
__________ “How To”
__________ Training/Orientation
__________ Investigative
__________ News/Special Events
___________Skits & Spoofs
__________ Travel/tourism
__________ Nature

Physical qualities of the film: Describe all that apply.

1. Music

2. Live action

3. Narration/voice Over:

4. Background noise/Special effects

5. Animation

6. Color/Black and white

7. Interviews (Who did the filmmaker interview and for what purpose?)
 8. Dramatizations

9. Note how camera angles, lighting, music, narration, and/or editing contribute
to creating an atmosphere in this film.

10. What is the mood or tone of the film? What emotions does the film evoke in
its viewers?

Step 3. Post-viewing (or repeated viewing)

1. Circle the things that you listed in the previewing activity that were validated
by your viewing of the motion picture, then answer the following:
2. What is/are the central message(s) of this documentary? Be specific. Use
examples from the film to support your choice.

3. Discuss the bias in the film (point of view of the filmmakers).

4. Consider the effectiveness of the film in communicating its message. As a tool

of communication, what are its strengths and weaknesses?

5. How do you think the filmmakers wanted the audience to respond?

6. Does this film appeal to the viewer's reason or emotion? Explain the role of
each in this piece.

7. How does it make you feel?

8. Write a question to the filmmaker that is left unanswered by the motion

picture.