Best Research Tools for Film Studies Students
When it comes to becoming a successful film studies student, research plays a vitally important role. And beyond the classroom, such skills have practical applications for professionals in the industry and cinephiles alike. Thankfully, there are numerous research tools available for students that can streamline the process of conducting research and analysis. In this article, we will explore some of the best research tools that can enhance your critical analysis skills, expand your film knowledge, and provide an in-depth understanding of the film industry.
Understanding the Importance of Research Tools in Film Studies
As a film studies student, you will be evaluated based on your ability to scrutinize and critically analyze the films you are studying. It involves delving into the nuances of visual storytelling, cinematography, sound design, and other cinematic elements to decipher the director's intent. That can be a daunting task, but with the right research tools, it can be streamlined and productive. Research tools provide access to an extensive range of materials, including books, journals, articles, movies, and TV series that you can use to sharpen your analysis and expand your knowledge of film.
However, research tools are not just for students. Filmmakers also use research tools to gain inspiration, expand their knowledge, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry. Whether you are a student or a filmmaker, the following research tools can help you become a better film enthusiast.
Enhancing Critical Analysis Skills
Developing strong analytical skills is essential for success in film studies. To enhance your critical analysis skills, the following research tools are ideal:
JSTOR: JSTOR provides access to a wide range of academic journals, books, and primary sources related to a broad range of fields, including film studies. This platform allows you to search for credible sources and gain insights from a variety of scholarly perspectives. With over 12 million academic articles, books, and primary sources, JSTOR is the perfect research tool for students looking to expand their knowledge of film.
Project MUSE: Project MUSE is similar to JSTOR but is primarily focused on humanities and social sciences. The platform offers curated collections of scholarly books and journals in fields like film studies, literature, and philosophy, making it ideal for conducting targeted research. With over 700 academic publishers, Project MUSE is a comprehensive research tool that can help students and filmmakers alike.
Streamlining the Research Process
Research can be time-consuming and challenging, which is why you need tools to make the process more manageable. Here are some research tools that can help streamline your research process:
The Internet Movie Database (IMDb): IMDb is one of the most popular and comprehensive databases for film and TV information. You can find information about cast and crew, synopsis, critical reviews, ratings, and more. Use it to expand your knowledge of a particular film or director and get inspiration for your next paper or project. With over 6 million titles, IMDb is a must-have research tool for anyone interested in film.
The British Film Institute (BFI) Screenonline: BFI Screenonline is a fantastic resource for those researching British cinema. It offers free access to a vast collection of film and television-related material, including clips, interviews, and historical footage, making it an excellent source of information for anyone studying British cinema. With over 100 years of film and television history, BFI Screenonline is an invaluable research tool for students and filmmakers alike.
Expanding Your Film Knowledge
Expanding your film knowledge is vital in film studies. The following research tools can help you learn more about film theory, history, and other topics related to the film industry:
Kanopy: Kanopy is a video streaming platform that provides access to a vast collection of educational and documentary films. You can use it to watch classic films, foreign language movies, modern indie films, and more remarkable productions. This platform is an excellent resource for those who need to supplement their research with visually stimulating material. With over 30,000 films, Kanopy is a research tool that can help students and filmmakers alike.
MUBI: MUBI is a film streaming platform that focuses on the more artistic and unconventional side of film. It offers a carefully curated selection of independent and classic films, along with commentary and analysis from film critics, scholars, and other professionals. With over 10 million members, MUBI is a research tool that can help you discover new films and gain insights into the art of filmmaking.
The Criterion Channel: The Criterion Channel is an online streaming library that provides access to a vast collection of films curated by film experts. With an extensive collection of films from across the world and different eras, this platform is ideal for discovering new directors and exploring the nuances of film. With over 1,000 films, The Criterion Channel is a research tool that can help students and filmmakers alike.
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video: Both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video can be fantastic resources for film studies students. They offer an eclectic collection of films and TV series, allowing you to explore various genres and gain insight into the work of different directors and actors. With over 200 million subscribers combined, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are research tools that can help you expand your knowledge of film and television.
With these research tools at your disposal, you can become a more knowledgeable and analytical film studies student or filmmaker. Use them to supplement your research, gain inspiration, and expand your understanding of the art of filmmaking.
Books and E-books for Film Studies
In addition to online research tools, books and electronic books can be valuable resources for film studies research. They provide in-depth analysis, academic research, and critical perspectives on various aspects of cinema. Here are some e-books that can help boost your film studies research:
Film Theory and Criticism
Film theory and criticism discuss the principles and concepts of film as an art form. The following books are great for those wanting to delve deeper into film theory and criticism:
What is Cinema? – Andre Bazin
What is Cinema? is a collection of essays by French film critic Andre Bazin. The book discusses the essence of cinema and its relationship to reality. Bazin argues that cinema has the ability to capture reality in a way that no other art form can.
Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema – Laura Mulvey
Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema is a groundbreaking essay by feminist film theorist Laura Mulvey. The essay discusses the male gaze in cinema and how women are often objectified and sexualized in film. Mulvey argues that cinema needs to be reimagined to allow for a female gaze and a more diverse representation of women on screen.
Screenplay: Foundations of Screenwriting – Syd Field
Screenplay: Foundations of Screenwriting is a guide to the art of screenwriting by Syd Field. The book provides a step-by-step guide to developing a screenplay, from concept to finished product. It also includes advice on character development, plot structure, and dialogue.
Film History and Biographies
Film history documents the development of film and its role in society. Biographies provide insight into the lives and works of influential individuals in the film industry. The following books are great resources for studying film history and biographies:
A Short History of Film – Wheeler W Dixon
A Short History of Film is a comprehensive overview of the history of cinema by Wheeler W Dixon. The book covers the development of film from its earliest days to the present day. It also includes information on the major movements and genres in cinema.
The Story of Film – Mark Cousins
The Story of Film is a documentary film and book series by Mark Cousins. The series covers the history of cinema from its earliest days to the present day. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the series, including information on the major movements and genres in cinema.
Alfred Hitchcock: The Man Who Knew Too Much – Michael Wood
Alfred Hitchcock: The Man Who Knew Too Much is a biography of the legendary filmmaker by Michael Wood. The book provides insight into Hitchcock's life and works, including his most famous films. It also includes analysis of his filmmaking techniques and his impact on the film industry.
Screenwriting and Filmmaking Guides
If you're interested in pursuing filmmaking or screenwriting, these books are an excellent way to start:
Save the Cat – Blake Snyder
Save the Cat is a guide to screenwriting by Blake Snyder. The book provides a step-by-step guide to developing a screenplay, from concept to finished product. It also includes advice on character development, plot structure, and dialogue.
Story – Robert McKee
Story is a guide to screenwriting by Robert McKee. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the art of storytelling, including character development, plot structure, and dialogue. It also includes analysis of classic films and their storytelling techniques.
The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers – Christopher Vogler
The Writer's Journey is a guide to screenwriting by Christopher Vogler. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the hero's journey, a storytelling structure found in many myths and legends. It also includes advice on character development, plot structure, and dialogue.
Film Genre and National Cinema Studies
Genre studies and national cinema studies offer insights into how genres are formed and influence different cultures and societies. These books are excellent resources for studying these topics:
Horror, The Film Reader – Mark Jancovich
Horror, The Film Reader is a collection of essays on the horror genre edited by Mark Jancovich. The book covers the history of horror cinema and its impact on society. It also includes analysis of classic horror films and their themes.
Reinventing Hollywood: How 1940s Filmmakers Changed Movie Storytelling – David Bordwell
Reinventing Hollywood is a book by film scholar David Bordwell. The book discusses the changes in Hollywood filmmaking during the 1940s, including the rise of film noir and the influence of European cinema. It also includes analysis of classic Hollywood films and their storytelling techniques.
New Chinese Cinemas: Forms, Identities, Politics – Nick Browne
New Chinese Cinemas is a book by Nick Browne that explores the development of Chinese cinema since the 1980s. The book covers the rise of independent filmmaking in China and its impact on Chinese society. It also includes analysis of classic Chinese films and their themes.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are numerous research tools available for film studies students that can streamline their research and provide deep insights into different aspects of cinema. This article has provided an overview of some of the best research tools available today, including online databases and archives, film streaming services and platforms, and books and e-books for film studies. By incorporating these research tools into your study habits, you can gain deeper insights into the art of film and become a better film studies student.