|
Generally, the formula for most film reviews goes something like
this:
A) Intro + the reviewer's bottom line
In the Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi
review linked to below (which you should read if you want to submit
a review yourself), this comes at the end of the first paragraph:
"Kajol's immense talent cannot survive such an ill-advised
script."
B) A brief summary of the plot
Generally positive reviews
do NOT include as much information as given in negative reviews,
since they assume the viewer will actually see the film. Positive
reviews summarize to the point where a pivotal question is asked
-- e.g., in a Kuch Kuch Hota Hai review, "Young Anjali sets
out on the daunting task of reuniting her father with his true
love." From this point on, the viewer wants to find out everything
for herself.
Negative reviews have
more leeway in regards to discussing the plot, but no matter how
bad the film is, readers will resent it if you spoil all the plot
twists. They'll make a point of avoiding your reviews in the future.
Plot summary usually takes
anywhere from two to three paragraphs. The sample reviews here
are a bit longer because they are designed for newspapers, but
people really don't like to read very much on the internet...thus
I myself should probably move on to the next point.
C) Highlights and lowlights of the film
Now you've set up the scene
so the reader can follow along with your discussion of the best
and worst points of the film. Because we're writing about Bollywood,
this can and should include dance scenes, music, costuming, etc..
After all, that's a big part of why we watch BW films, no?
Usually this takes up
about two paragraphs -- one for acting and story, and one for
all the other elements (direction, dialogue, dance, etc.). Try
to make your conclusion snappy and witty.
And whatever you write,
please refrain from making comments on an actress's weight.
Despite what a bunch of review sites seem to think,
weight has no relevance to whether a film is worth seeing
or not.
Please check
out the reviews themselves
for more ideas.
|
|
*
When you send a review to me, you'll only be sending the
writing and the GRADE you gave the film (from an A to an
F). I'll do the layout as shown in the sample reviews.
* The
subject heading of the e-mail should read: REVIEW [FILM
NAME]. Send it to the regular address, bollywhat@bollywhat.com.
Please DON'T send it as an attachment -- I can't open those!
Just copy the review into the body of the e-mail.
* The
following information should be included at the top of the
e-mail:
1)
film title and year of release;
2) producer
3) director
4) actors (leads
only)
5) composer/musician
6) lyricist
7) links to stills,
if possible
* If
it's your first time contributing, include an autobiography
explaining who you are, how you got into Bollywood, etc.,
and what your top ten lists are for both films & soundtracks.
I'll be making a page for each of you; that way a visitor
can check out your likes and dislikes and see if they match
his or hers. Also, as you can tell from the forum, people
who visit this site are interested in how everyone started
watching these films. who their favorite actors and actresses
are, etc.! Here's your chance to let them know. I'd also
like to include an e-mail link to you at the bottom
of your reviews so people can let you know what they think.
* I
reserve the right to edit your grammar! Hope I won't have
to -- and that if I do, you won't mind. And thanks for
writing -- it's truly a privilege to receive your reviews!
|
|
