A movie is a work of cinematic art that uses images and sounds to tell a story or teach a lesson. Generally, movies are created to entertain, and the most popular genres are those that make people laugh (comedy), cry (tragedy or drama), or feel afraid (horror). Movies can be fiction, nonfiction, or a combination of the two, but most have some kind of plot.
Some movies are blockbusters, which are made by huge film companies and take in a lot of money in ticket and DVD sales. Others are ‘independent’ or ‘art’ films, which are usually made by small companies or individuals without much financial backing. Independent and art films can be very successful, often becoming cult classics that are both popular and critically acclaimed.
In addition to discussing the content of a film, a movie review should also examine its form or structure. A good review will look at how the formal elements of a movie, such as lighting, music, and camera movement, affect its overall tone. It will also analyze how the filmmaker’s choices in these areas contribute to the movie’s narrative and thematic arc.
Actors or actresses read scripts to learn what to say and do in a movie, while a cameraman films them saying and doing those things. A director oversees the artistic vision of a movie and guides actors, cinematographers, and other crew members to bring that vision to life on screen. A great director can elevate even a mundane movie, and legendary directors like Alfred Hitchcock (Psycho), Steven Spielberg (Jurassic Park), and Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction) have left lasting impacts on cinema.