Select a movie based on the desired criteria of the paper. This could include topics such as its historical or cultural significance, or the filmmaking techniques.
Watch the movie all the way through without stopping. Keep a pen handy to jot down reference points that you'll want to review later, but do not stop the movie. This allows you to experience the film as it was meant to be seen.
Outline your paper by breaking your analysis into separate categories. You'll want to cover such topics as story, theme, structure, plot, characterization, dialogue and filmmaking. You'll also want to address production issues such as lighting, editing and sound.
Write an introductory paragraph summarizing your thoughts on the film. This should be your own personal impression of the film, regardless of what the intent of your paper is.
Watch the film again. Have your outline with you so that you can note specific instances in the film of points you're analyzing. As you watch the film, annotate certain scenes by listing the specific order of shots in the scene.
Write two to three paragraphs about the story, theme, structure and plot of the movie. Discuss the overall story and what makes it work or not work. Analyze the individual components of the movie while keeping the whole in mind. Also, consider the symbolism and relevance of the film.
Write two to three paragraphs about the characterization and dialogue. Discuss the complexity of the characters and how life-like their actions are. Also discuss what their dialogue reveals about them as characters and how it services the story.
Write two to three paragraphs about the filmmaking and production elements. Give considerable attention to the devices of the director, or auteur, if the film calls for it. Discuss the cinematography and use of editing, as well as production design and sound engineering.
Write a concluding paragraph on the film. This should sum up your analysis and justify the points you have made in the body of the paper.