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Javad Karimabadi

Ms. Curtin

English 10 GT

7 June 2019

Results Paper

The results of my research have given me a deeper scope and understanding of the

filmmaking process and the mindset of a filmmaker. Interviewing professionals such as Tim

Delatorre and Rik Swartzwelder allowed me to research different forms of filmmaking

(documentary vs narrative etc.) and have allowed me to implement my own knowledge into the

process of creating my own short film. This is working to shape me into a more well rounded

student of film and have improved my research skills as well.

As for studying films, I watched films of many different genres closely to observe not

only their obvious differences, but subtle similarities as well. For example, when discussing

horror films vs dramas, there is more than just the question of “does the horror film make you

scared” or “does the drama make you cry”. If two films from each genre are effective, that

means that both films take times to invest you in the characters so that you will have the desired

reaction to what may befall them, such as being scared if something scary occurs with them, or

being sad if something sad happens to them.

Surprisingly, I learned a lot about film criticism. In my research into film reception, I

learned that effective criticism doesn’t mean judging all films the same way: it means judging a

film based on if it accomplished the purpose for which it was made. A recent example of this is

the new film ​Godzilla: King of the Monsters​, directed by Michael Dougherty. Dougherty stated
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from the moment he signed on to direct the film that he was looking to recapture the feel of

classic ​Godzilla​ films, and to entertain the audience with impressive visuals and titanic monster

battles. When the film was released, it received a low critic rating of 40% on ratings website

Rotten Tomatoes​. However, the audience rating sat comfortably at an impressive 90%. The key

to this was in how the two demographics critiqued the film. Critics complained that the human

storyline was weak an thusly dragged down the film. Audiences praised the film for paying

honorable tribute to the classic ​Godzilla​ films of old, as well as the impressive visuals and action

sequences, which was the goal of Michael Dougherty from the beginning. This allowed me to

judge the film for myself and thusly, I saw it as successful, due to its ability in accomplishing

what it set out to do.

Prior to my research and especially my results, I wouldn’t have had this sort of insight

into both filmmaking and film criticism. The benefits of understanding film criticism allows a

filmmaker to predict/have a preconceived notion of how they believe their film will be received,

whether it is generally positive or negative. Interviewing filmmakers also allowed me to

understand how criticism can impact a filmmaker. A successful filmmaker will take their

criticism and use it to improve their next film or films (ex. M. Night Shyamalan, Clint Eastwood,

and even Steven Spielberg). A less goal-oriented/motivated filmmaker will see one misfire as a

reason to quit the industry altogether. Research in this topic allowed me to look at myself and put

myself into certain situations. I asked myself questions such as, “How do I take criticism? Am I

motivated? Am I truly passionate about this topic?”, etc. The film industry is shaping me up to

be a better man, and hopefully, a well-rounded filmmaker.