Film Analysis: quizzes, mind maps and notes

Film Analysis sits in the Film Studies strand of Media studies. The resources are mostly mind maps, with flashcard decks, slide sets, notes and quizzes alongside them. Many follow a single film, while others cover techniques and theory.

Single films: Home Alone, Inception, Chinatown, Psycho, Mean Girls and Fight Club each have their own mind map.
Context: the Context for Pan's Labyrinth mind map looks at the social setting of Franco's Spain, and Kiss of the Vampire covers Hammer Film Productions.
Technique: the Toy Story slide set works through mise-en-scene, and The Woman in Black thriller analysis examines an opening scene.

Where to start

Begin with the general material. The notes on Chapter 1: Looking at Movies explain cinematic language, the set of techniques that connects us to a story. Then read the Typical Movie Intro Tropes mind map to see how openings use shots and music.

Next, move to the theory. The Popular Film (Horror) flashcard deck asks about psychoanalytic theory, catharsis theory and excitation transfer theory. These are handy ideas to apply to any horror film you study.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a mind map first, such as American Expressionism and Orson Welles. Then close it and try a quiz. The Straight Outta Compton quiz asks about the poster, the director and the UK release, so it checks facts you have just met. Anything you miss tells you which branch of the map to reread.

Schindler's list and Camera Options Slumdog Millionaire also have quizzes, if you want to test camera work or a single film.

Exams and levels

Most resources are at secondary level, with a good share for university. Several mention GCSE Media Studies, A-level Film Studies and A-level Media Studies. Titles such as Theories I will use for exams AS film and Exam plan suit revision planning.

Teachers can use the slide sets and flowcharts as ready-made starting points for lessons.

Make it your own

Choose a film you are studying, open its map and see what is missing. Then write your own notes or flashcards to fill the gap.

Frequently asked questions

Which resource should I open first?

Start with the notes on Chapter 1: Looking at Movies, which introduce cinematic language. Then try the Typical Movie Intro Tropes mind map. Together they give you the basic vocabulary before you move on to single films such as Psycho or Inception.

What do the mind maps cover?

Most are about one film, such as Home Alone, Chinatown, Mean Girls or La Haine, and cover audience, characters, context and techniques. Others look at wider topics, including American Expressionism and Orson Welles, Narrative Codes, Genre and the representation of women.

Are the resources free to use?

Yes. Every resource listed here is free to open, study and take, with no account needed. They were made by GoConqr users, not by GoConqr itself, so it is worth checking them against your own course notes. A free account also saves your quiz scores and lets you make your own.

Which exams do these resources suit?

Resources on this page mention GCSE Media Studies, A-level Film Studies and A-level Media Studies. Most of the material is secondary level, and some is aimed at university film courses, so check which title matches your own syllabus.

Are there quizzes on specific films?

Yes. You will find quizzes on Straight Outta Compton, Schindler's list, LA Confidential and Thief of Baghdad. There is also one on camera options in Slumdog Millionaire, plus several general film exam quizzes.

What if my film is not listed?

Look for a general resource instead, such as the Film's Micro Features mind map or the Genres flashcards, and apply the ideas to your film. You can then build your own map or notes on it.

Film Analysis

Top Film Analysis resources

Quizzes

Mind maps

Flashcards

Flowcharts

Notes

Slides

Topics in Film Analysis

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About Film Analysis

What this unit covers