"The Goal of Film Analysis: Articulating Meaning" Summarizer

In analyzing film, there are three basic types of written statements: descriptive, evaluative, and interpretive statements. These three types are usually interlinked to derive a comprehensive meaning that is developed in the work.

Descriptive claims are the simplest; they involve detailing plot events in sequential form to reach a plot summary. They may also note a certain visual or audio style that is prevalent in the film. Descriptive claim can refer to references, allusions, and intertextual connections. Delineation of genre also occurs in descriptive claims.

Interpretive claims are more thorough responses that present a certain argument about the film's meaning. There are an unlimited number of interpretations of any given film; thus, innumerable interpretative claims can be made. However, such claims must be substantiated by descriptive claims and specific details of the film. Using these details, these claims also analyze the abstract ideas and themes the film presents and attempt to solve what the film is commenting about them. Claims must draw a series of analyses of individual scenes, motifs, and other specifics to arrive at an over-arching argument. Therefore, interpretive claims are sophisticated arguments that seek to be conscious of all the elements that comprise a film in order to construe a detailed analysis of the film's message and its  significance. Most importantly, interpretive claims act as catalysts for discussion on subject and themes greater than the film itself.

Lastly, evaluative claims are those that seek to express an author's belief about a film. Strong evaluate claims must include specific reasons that support the claim; of course, every author's standards of evaluations vary. However, by citing reasons, the author gives empirical evidence to evaluate in addition to opinion. Thus, evaluative claims must also follow careful interpretation of a film.

In conclusion, descriptive claims identify details of  a film, interpretive claims argue a film's meaning and significance and evaluative claims critique the quality of a film.