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How to Write a Reflection Paper on a Movie: 4 Easy Steps

Nov 22, 2023 | Articles

Writing a reflection paper is one of those rare cases when you get to reflect on your own feelings, ideas, and opinions. Often when you write academic papers, you have to do a lot of research work, but you should use your own opinions to a minimum. Of course, you can use your thoughts in an argumentative essay, but first you must rely on some facts, research, patterns, and so on. When you write a reflection paper, you have the opportunity to express yourself and your attitude to some problem or object of art, in this case, to a film. Writing a reflection paper on a movie is not just about describing how well the movie was shot, or how well the actors performed, or how you liked the movie plot. Therefore, we have prepared a detailed article on how to write a reflection paper on a movie and hope that after reading it you will be able to cope with this task quickly and efficiently.

If, however, you don’t have enough time to deal with a reflection paper on a movie no matter how many great tips you get, it may be the right moment to address trustworthy writing services such as WriteMyPaperHub. You pay someone to process your “ write my paper ” request, you get an experienced author to write, format and edit your essay within a given deadline.

Step #1 Choosing a Movie for Your Reflection Paper

There are three options. The first option, from our point of view, is the most unsuccessful. This is when you have one specific assigned movie for which you need to write a reflection paper, and you cannot change this movie to some other one. There is no choice here, you will simply try to do the maximum in describing the film, even if it is completely uninteresting to you. And the second option is when the teacher gives you several films to choose from, and you just need to choose from this list. Because you roughly understand the direction of all these films and can decide what you think will be the most interesting to reveal in your reflection paper. You can select absolutely any film, often on a specific topic, or with a specific problem, and write a reflection paper on this film. It’s even a little more difficult, because the choice is very large. We advise you not to waste a lot of time, but to take on the first film that seems deep enough and fascinating to you. When deciding a film for a reflection paper, remember that the main thing is not how well its plot develops and how you like the actors, but how easy it will be for you to analyze it and whether it contains enough material to write a high-quality and fascinating essay. An exciting film is not always an interesting option for academic work.

Step #2 Watching the Chosen Movie with Intent

We are sure that trying to teach people to watch films may seem quite strange, because there is nothing complicated about it. The idea is that you just watch the movie from start to finish, you can make some notes, and then you write what you think about it. But we want to talk about how to watch a movie so that later there is no need to return to it again and immediately write a rather deep and successful reflection paper on a movie. First, be sure to watch the movie with a notebook and take lots of notes. We recommend using an old school notebook, that is, pen and paper. Because if you take notes on your phone, you will definitely be distracted by some notifications, social networks and the like. For the same purpose, we advise you to watch the film not at once, but to divide it into two or three significant pieces, such as the beginning, the climax, and the conclusion. Or simply divide the viewing time into half an hour. Because it’s very difficult to focus for two or two and a half hours. It is much better if you watch the film very intently, but in less time. This way you can see more interesting twists, write down more quotes, and it will be easier for you to write a reflection paper on a movie efficiently and quickly.

Step #3 Preparing to Write a Reflection Paper on a Movie

How quickly and efficiently you write an essay depends on how well you prepare for it. At this stage, write down the main ideas of the key insights and messages that you want to reflect in this reflection paper. Do a little research about the film, such as the background of the director, screenwriter, and producer. See if this film has any adaptations for Indian or Korean cinema. Read, maybe this film is based on real events, or based on some book. You don’t need to watch all the adaptations, or read the book. But the received information will help you write a deeper essay and will give you fascinating ideas that you can implement in this reflection paper. During the preparation process, be sure to take notes with references. This will help you quickly structure the work cited page for this essay and add citations inside the paper.

Step #4 Structuring and Writing a Reflective Essay on a Movie

When structuring your essay, you should first summarize what the movie is about in a few sentences. Present a clear thesis statement that outlines the focus of your reflection. Then you need to divide the analysis into several parts that will cover themes, personnel connections and key turning points in the film. If you describe these three parts, you can consider that you already have a fairly high-quality and deep essay. When you write this analysis, you must understand that in the end it must correspond to your primary thesis statement. You once again rewrite this thesis statement as conclusions, based on the analysis you did above. Do not try to invent some new structure for a reflection essay on a movie, because your professor expects from you exactly the same sequence that we have now described.

Don’t forget to leave time for final polishing, namely proofreading and editing. We advise you to make the most of available services on the Internet, such as Grammarly or Hemingway. This will help you avoid mistakes that can detract from the grade of a well-written essay despite good content.

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Introduction

In our fast-paced world, filled with an abundance of visual narratives and stories, reflection papers stand as a beacon of deeper understanding and personal connection. Think about the countless movies you've watched, the books you've read, the interviews you've encountered, and the academic courses you've undertaken. Each of these experiences can leave an indelible mark on one's soul, but how often do we truly stop and reflect on them? That's where the art of reflection writing comes in, allowing both students and film review professionals to bridge the gap between passive consumption and active introspection. From academic assignments in film and theater studies to personal reflection projects on a poignant movie or a transformative course, reflection papers have found their unique niche in the realm of academic writing, film analysis, and beyond.

Reflection Paper Definition

What is a reflection paper.

A reflection paper is a unique blend of personal experience and academic tone. Unlike mere summaries or reviews, reflection papers typically dive deep into an individual's emotional and intellectual response to a topic, whether it's a movie plot, a course topic, or a book's core idea. It's an opportunity to relate personal experience, alter beliefs or thoughts, and evaluate the strong and weak points of the subject matter.

How is it different from regular reviews or summaries?

While reviews often hinge on evaluating the quality or effectiveness of a piece, using criteria set by viewer attitude or professional standards, reflection papers incorporate the student's point of view and personal experiences. Summaries, on the other hand, focus solely on providing a concise overview of the material. In contrast, reflection papers go beyond the surface, often delving into how the material influenced the main idea or evoked personal feelings.

Why Write a Reflection Paper on a Movie?

Movies are more than just a source of entertainment; they are a reflection of society, a mirror to our souls, and a powerful medium that can subvert genre expectations and provoke thought. When we watch a film, we aren't just passive observers; we engage, relate, and often see fragments of our own stories within the narrative. Writing a reflection paper on a movie provides an avenue to articulate these connections, to explore the intricacies of character development, plot twists, and overarching themes. It pushes one to not just appreciate the artistry of filmmaking but to critically analyze and reflect upon its impact on our beliefs, emotions, and worldview. In essence, it transforms a casual viewer into a reflective critic, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the world of cinema.

Writing Tips for an Effective Reflection Paper

Reflection papers offer a unique blend of personal insight and academic analysis. Crafting a well-written reflection paper involves introspection, critical thinking, and clear articulation of thoughts. While the essence of the paper should be genuine and personal, there are certain guidelines and writing tips that can elevate your reflective essay writing. Here's a roadmap to guide you:

Start Your Reflection Paper

Setting the right tone from the outset is pivotal to drawing your readers into your world of reflection. Here's how you can kickstart your reflective journey:

• Engage with a Hook: Begin with a compelling anecdote, question, or observation related to the movie or topic you're reflecting on. This should capture the essence of your reflection.
• Relate Personal Experience: Highlight a personal connection or emotion tied to the movie plot or character. This offers a window into your unique perspective.
• Outline Your Main Idea: Clearly state the core idea or the main takeaway you want the reader to grasp by the end of your paper.

Reread, Rewrite, Edit

An effective reflection paper is not just about pouring your thoughts onto paper, but ensuring those thoughts are clear, concise, and well-articulated:

• Reread for Flow: Once your initial thoughts are down, read through your paper to ensure ideas cross smoothly from one to another.
• Rewrite for Clarity: Reframe sentences or paragraphs that seem convoluted or detract from your main point.
• Edit for Precision: Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and writing style. A polished paper not only reflects your thoughts but showcases your dedication to the writing process.

Subverting Genre Expectations

Cinema is an evolving art form, and sometimes movies subvert genre expectations, challenging our preconceived notions. Addressing these nuances in your reflection can offer a deeper layer of analysis:

• Identify the Unexpected: Note moments or elements in the movie that seemed out of place for its genre or challenged typical conventions.
• Analyze the Purpose: Reflect on why the filmmaker might have chosen to deviate from the norm. Was it to create a specific emotional response, convey a unique message, or perhaps offer a critique?
• Connect to Personal Reflection: Relate how these unexpected elements influenced your perspective or emotions. Did they enhance your viewing experience, confuse you, or prompt deeper thought?

By incorporating these tips into your writing process, you'll be well on your way to crafting a reflective paper that resonates with readers and offers a rich analysis of your chosen topic.

Reflection Paper Format

When it comes to crafting a reflection paper, it's essential to maintain a structured approach while allowing room for personal insights. Here's a standard format to guide your reflection writing:

• Introduction: Begin with a brief overview of the subject – be it a movie, a book, or any other topic. Share a hint about your personal reaction or main takeaway.
• Personal Reaction: Detail your immediate reaction or feelings after engaging with the subject.
• Analysis: Dive into the reasons behind your reactions. Discuss the elements of the movie plot or themes of the book and relate them to your personal experiences.
• Evaluation: Critically assess the work. Were there strong or weak points? How did it alter or confirm your beliefs or thoughts?
• Conclusion: Sum up your reflections, drawing connections to the broader context. Maybe relate it to a larger theme, societal issues, or personal growth.

How to Write a Reflection Paper: Step-by-Step

Crafting an impactful reflection paper involves a thoughtful process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through it:

Choose a Topic

Every reflection starts with an experience or a subject. Whether you're focusing on a current film, an academic course, an interview, or even a book, ensure that it's something that resonated with you or sparked a significant reaction.

Write a Reflection Paper Outline

Organizing your thoughts can make the writing process smoother and more coherent. Here's a basic template to help:

• Subject of reflection
• Personal initial reaction
• Personal Experience: How you relate to the subject
• Analytical Thoughts: Dissecting the topic, drawing parallels, critiquing aspects
• Broader Connections: Linking to broader themes or societal observations
• Personal growth or future reflections

Drafting the Reflection

With your outline as the backbone, start fleshing out your thoughts:

• Be Genuine: Reflective essay writing thrives on authenticity.
• Be Descriptive: Paint a vivid picture of your experiences and reactions.
• Maintain Academic Tone: While personal, strive for a balance between casual narration and academic writing.

Revise and Finalize

Even the most experienced writers don't get it perfect the first time:

• Proofread: Look for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
• Review for Flow: Ensure ideas transition smoothly and maintain a cohesive narrative.
• Seek Feedback: If possible, have someone read your paper to get an external perspective. Their insights might help you see areas for improvement.

Remember, reflection papers are as much about the journey of introspection as they are about the final piece. Embrace the process, and your genuine insights will undoubtedly shine through.

Reflection Paper Examples

Navigating the landscape of reflection papers becomes simpler when you have examples to guide your way. Here are some samples to illuminate the process:

Free Reflection Paper Example

Movie: The Shawshank Redemption

After watching The Shawshank Redemption , my initial reaction was an overwhelming sense of hope. The film, set against the backdrop of a prison, beautifully captures the essence of friendship, resilience, and redemption. What stood out to me was Andy Dufresne's unwavering spirit. Even in the darkest corners of Shawshank, he found ways to breathe life and hope, be it through music or his secret escape plan. The movie serves as a poignant reminder that freedom is a state of mind.

Reflection Movie Review Samples

Horror: Get Out

Jordan Peele's Get Out is not just a horror film; it's a chilling commentary on racism. The movie subverted my genre expectations, using horror tropes to emphasize the real-life terror of racial prejudice.

Romantic Comedy: Crazy Rich Asians

Reflecting on Crazy Rich Asians , I'm struck by its dual narrative. On one hand, it's a delightful rom-com with lavish parties and heartwarming moments. Yet, it also delves into the cultural clashes and the burden of family expectations.

Varieties of Reflection Papers

Reflection papers aren't just confined to movies. Their versatility spans across books, interviews, courses, and more.

Reflection Paper on a Book

When writing reflections on books, it's vital to combine your emotional responses with an analysis of the plot, characters, and themes. Relate personal experiences that resonate with the book's events or messages.

Reflection Paper on an Interview

Whether you've conducted a personal interview or watched a famous one, your reflection should capture the essence of the dialogue, the emotions evoked, and any newfound insights or learnings.

Reflection on a Course

Reflecting on academic courses involves summarizing the content while weaving in personal experiences. Discuss the course's impact, its strong and weak points, and its influence on your academic or personal growth.

Critical Reflection Paper

A critical reflection goes beyond surface-level observations. It delves deep into analytical thought, questioning assumptions, and challenging established norms. It's about viewing the subject from multiple angles and offering a well-rounded perspective.

Self-Reflection Papers

Distinct from other reflection papers, self-reflection papers focus inward. They're introspective examinations of personal experiences, growth, and future aspirations. Such papers allow you to contemplate life events, decisions, and milestones, offering a platform for self-awareness and growth.

Reflection papers, whether on movies, books, or personal experiences, offer a powerful medium for introspection and analysis. They're not just summaries; they're personal journeys interspersed with analytical thought. Whether you're reflecting on a blockbuster movie or an

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Essays About Movies: 7 Examples and 5 Writing Prompts

Check out our guide with essays about movies for budding videographers and artistic students. Learn from our helpful list of examples and prompts.

Watching movies is a part of almost everyone’s life. They entertain us, teach us lessons, and even help us socialize by giving us topics to talk about with others. As long as movies have been produced, everyone has patronized them.  Essays about movies  are a great way to learn all about the meaning behind the picture.

Cinema is an art form in itself. The lighting, camera work, and acting in the most widely acclaimed movies are worthy of praise. Furthermore, a movie can be used to send a message, often discussing issues in contemporary society. Movies are entertaining, but more importantly, they are works of art. If you’re interested in this topic, check out our round-up of screenwriters on Instagram .

5 Helpful Essay Examples 

1. the positive effects of movies on human behaviour by ajay rathod, 2. horror movies by emanuel briggs, 3. casablanca – the greatest hollywood movie ever (author unknown).

• 4.  Dune Review: An Old Story Reshaped For The New 2021 Audience by Oren Cohen

5. Blockbuster movies create booms for tourism — and headaches for locals by Shubhangi Goel

• 6. Moonage Daydream: “Who Is He? What Is He?” by Jonathan Romney
• 7. La Bamba: American Dreaming, Chicano Style by Yolanda Machado

1. My Favorite Movie

2. movies genres, 3. special effects in movies, 4. what do you look for in a movie, 5. the evolution of movies.

“​​Films encourage us to take action. Our favourite characters, superheroes, teach us life lessons. They give us ideas and inspiration to do everything for the better instead of just sitting around, waiting for things to go their way. Films about famous personalities are the perfect way to affect social behaviour positively. Films are a source of knowledge. They can help learn what’s in the trend, find out more about ancient times, or fill out some knowledge gaps.”

In this movie essay, Rathod gives readers three ways watching movies can positively affect us. Movie writers, producers, and directors use their platform to teach viewers life skills, the importance of education, and the contrast between good and evil. Watching movies can also help us improve critical thinking, according to Briggs. Not only do movies entertain us, but they also have many educational benefits. You might also be interested in these  essays about consumerism .

“Many people involving children and adults can effect with their sleeping disturbance and anxiety. Myths, non-realistic, fairy tales could respond differently with being in the real world. Horror movies bring a lot of excitement and entertainment among you and your family. Horror movies can cause physical behavior changes in a person by watching the films. The results of watching horror movies shows that is has really effect people whether you’re an adult, teens, and most likely happens during your childhood.”

In his essay, Briggs acknowledges why people enjoy horror movies so much but warns of their adverse effects on viewers. Most commonly, they cause viewers nightmares, which may cause anxiety and sleep disorders. He focuses on the films’ effects on children, whose more sensitive, less developed brains may respond with worse symptoms, including major trauma. The films can affect all people negatively, but children are the most affected.

“This was the message of Casablanca in late 1942. It was the ideal opportunity for America to utilize its muscles and enter the battle. America was to end up the hesitant gatekeeper of the entire world. The characters of Casablanca, similar to the youthful Americans of the 1960s who stick headed the challenge development, are ‘genuine Americans’ lost in a hostile region, battling to open up another reality.”

In this essay, the author discusses the 1942 film  Casablanca , which is said to be the greatest movie ever made, and explains why it has gotten this reputation. To an extent, the film’s storyline, acting, and even relatability (it was set during World War II) allowed it to shine from its release until the present. It invokes feelings of bravery, passion, and nostalgia, which is why many love the movie. You can also check out these  books about adaption . 

4.   Dune Review: An Old Story Reshaped For The New 2021 Audience by Oren Cohen

“Lady Jessica is a powerful woman in the original book, yet her interactions with Paul diminish her as he thinks of her as slow of thought. Something we don’t like to see in 2021 — and for a good reason. Every book is a product of its time, and every great storyteller knows how to adapt an old story to a new audience. I believe Villeneuve received a lot of hate from diehard Dune fans for making these changes, but I fully support him.”

Like the previous essay, Cohen reviews a film, in this case, Denis Villeneuve’s  Dune , released in 2021. He praises the film, writing about its accurate portrayal of the epic’s vast, dramatic scale, music, and, interestingly, its ability to portray the characters in a way more palatable to contemporary audiences while staying somewhat faithful to the author’s original vision. Cohen enjoyed the movie thoroughly, saying that the movie did the book justice. 

“Those travelers added around 630 million New Zealand dollars ($437 million) to the country’s economy in 2019 alone, the tourism authority told CNBC. A survey by the tourism board, however, showed that almost one in five Kiwis are worried that the country attracts too many tourists. Overcrowding at tourist spots, lack of infrastructure, road congestion and environmental damage are creating tension between locals and visitors, according to a 2019 report by Tourism New Zealand.”

The locations where successful movies are filmed often become tourist destinations for fans of those movies. Goel writes about how “film tourism” affects the residents of popular filming locations. The environment is sometimes damaged, and the locals are caught off guard. Though this is not always the case, film tourism is detrimental to the residents and ecosystem of these locations. You can also check out these  essays about The Great Gatsby .

6. Moonage Daydream:  “Who Is He? What Is He?” by Jonathan Romney

“Right from the start, Brett Morgen’s  Moonage Daydream  (2022) catches us off guard. It begins with an epigraph musing on Friedrich Nietzsche’s proclamation that “God is dead,” then takes us into deep space and onto the surface of the moon. It then unleashes an image storm of rockets, robots, and star-gazers, and rapid-fire fragments of early silent cinema, 1920s science fiction, fifties cartoons, and sixties and seventies newsreel footage, before lingering on a close-up of glittery varnish on fingernails.” 

Moonage Daydream  is a feature film containing never-before-seen footage of David Bowie. In this essay, Romney delves into the process behind creating the movie and how the footage was captured. It also looks at the director’s approach to creating a structured and cohesive film, which took over two years to plan. This essay looks at how Bowie’s essence was captured and preserved in this movie while displaying the intricacies of his mind.

7. La Bamba:  American Dreaming, Chicano Style by Yolanda Machado

“A traumatic memory, awash in hazy neutral tones, arising as a nightmare. Santo & Johnny’s mournful “Sleep Walk” playing. A sudden death, foreshadowing the passing of a star far too young. The opening sequence of Luis Valdez’s  La Bamba  (1987) feels like it could be from another film—what follows is largely a celebration of life and music.”

La Bamba  is a well-known movie about a teenage Mexican migrant who became a rock ‘n’ roll star. His rise to fame is filled with difficult social dynamics, and the star tragically dies in a plane crash at a young age. In this essay, Machado looks at how the tragic death of the star is presented to the viewer, foreshadowing the passing of the young star before flashing back to the beginning of the star’s career. Machado analyses the storyline and directing style, commenting on the detailed depiction of the young star’s life. It’s an in-depth essay that covers everything from plot to writing style to direction.

5 Prompts for Essays About Movies

Simple and straightforward, write about your favorite movie. Explain its premise, characters, and plot, and elaborate on some of the driving messages and themes behind the film. You should also explain why you enjoy the movie so much: what impact does it have on you? Finally, answer this question in your own words for an engaging piece of writing.

From horror to romance, movies can fall into many categories. Choose one of the main genres in cinema and discuss the characteristics of movies under that category. Explain prevalent themes, symbols, and motifs, and give examples of movies belonging to your chosen genre. For example, horror movies often have underlying themes such as mental health issues, trauma, and relationships falling apart. 

Without a doubt, special effects in movies have improved drastically. Both practical and computer-generated effects produce outstanding, detailed effects to depict situations most would consider unfathomable, such as the vast space battles of the  Star Wars  movies. Write about the development of special effects over the years, citing evidence to support your writing. Be sure to detail key highlights in the history of special effects. 

Movies are always made to be appreciated by viewers, but whether or not they enjoy them varies, depending on their preferences. In your essay, write about what you look for in a “good” movie in terms of plot, characters, dialogue, or anything else. You need not go too in-depth but explain your answers adequately. In your opinion, you can use your favorite movie as an example by writing about the key characteristics that make it a great movie.

From the silent black-and-white movies of the early 1900s to the vivid, high-definition movies of today, times have changed concerning movies. Write about how the film industry has improved over time. If this topic seems too broad, feel free to focus on one aspect, such as cinematography, themes, or acting.

For help with your essays, check out our round-up of the  best essay checkers .

If you’re looking for more ideas, check out our  essays about music topic guide !

Meet Rachael, the editor at Become a Writer Today. With years of experience in the field, she is passionate about language and dedicated to producing high-quality content that engages and informs readers. When she's not editing or writing, you can find her exploring the great outdoors, finding inspiration for her next project.

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How to Write a Reflection Paper on a Movie

Students have to write a great variety of academic papers. They have various purposes, and it makes them unique. A certain piece may become your favorite assignment of the worst nightmare. Some students struggle with writing a reflection paper on a movie. It demands to clearly explain the main purpose and the general atmosphere of a certain piece of cinematography. You should focus on a certain motif that has provoked certain feelings and emotions in you. The task is surely interesting.

In the meanwhile, students may not be able to clearly reflect their thoughts on paper. Even if they understand everything, they struggle, and it inevitably leads to a loss of vital grades. Some folks request professional help from custom writing websites whose experts may write papers for you . For sure, you will need to find and pay someone online. However, you should not consider this solution as the common way out. It can be used when you don’t have any other possibility to handle this and other academic tasks. Therefore, we propose to read this informative guide attentively. It describes how to write a flawless reflection paper on a movie.

Treat It as a Literature Piece

You have surely written multiple reflection papers on books, literary analyses, book reports, and reviews. They are quite similar to a reflection paper on a movie. You should reconsider everything you have seen on the screen. However, a reflection project differs a bit. You should not retell the entire plot. The main task is to choose one theme and stick to it.

For example, you have chosen to reflect Joan Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The movie involves various themes, and the theme of love is one of them. You can choose it as your topic. The theme of love is regularly met in most literature pieces and movies. It is “eternal,” and people always discuss how and why it appears, as well as what does it mean. According to the movie, the love of Harry’s mother had rescued his life when he was only 1 year old. It has destroyed the body of an evil wizard called Voldemort. As Harry turned 11, he faced the wizard once again, and though his mother died, her love rescued him again. The evil wizard felt no love at all, and it was his greatest weakness that did not allow him to prevail. You can reflect on the feelings and emotions you felt when the theme of love appeared in the movie.

Of course, you ought to watch the movie at least once. It’s good if you are allowed to choose what movie to describe. You may choose any well-known piece because you know everything about it. In case you are assigned a movie, you should find time to watch it.

It’s not easy to comprehend everything from a single review. If you have additional time, watch it at least twice. Focus on a concrete topic and develop it in your reflection paper.

Take Notes Instantly

A smart student always takes instant notes on the matter. Not all students have a good memory , and even the best of us may forget about something vital. The outcomes may be adverse, and the lacking element may deprive you of many grades. Therefore, take notes while you watch the movie.

Sometimes it is very hard to remember what feelings you experienced during the review. Their brightness withers away, and your reflection may lack reality and fullness. If you record them instantly, you will avoid this problem

Gather All the Possible Facts on the Topic

It’s vital to do some research. This common rule is applied to any scientifically-based project. However, a movie reflection paper is not a reflection of the entire story. Some unknown facts may shed more light on the motif you have chosen. Give heed to –

The cast; Historic events; Locations; Characters of the main heroes; Critics, etc.

Perhaps one actor refused to play the role, and his substitute wasn’t convincing. Thus, you may write: “If Anthony Hopkins played this role, the movie would have been much better because he perfectly shows empathy.” You may also write something like this: “Due to the historical period the movie involved, I’m not convinced that the motif of racial equality suits the plot.”

Do Not Repeat the Story

Many students repeat the same error – they retell the whole movie plot. We remind once again – a reflection paper on a movie focuses on a certain theme and does not retell the plot entirely. You can mention the scenes that are closely related to the chosen issue. You should not –

Retell the plot from the beginning to the end;

Pay attention to costume design;

Dwell upon music supervision;

Mention the lighting, visual support, etc.

Remember that you should avoid critique of the entire piece.

Have a Plan and Follow the Structure

It’s logical and effective to create an outline of your project. It makes you disciplined and organizes the whole process of writing.

The typical outline includes:

Introduction . The part where you familiarize your reader with the movie and explain why you have chosen a certain theme.

Main body. It develops the thesis statement, provides concrete examples from the movie, and justifies your choice.

Conclusion . Summarizes the job done and interprets the outcomes.

Additional tip: Set strict deadlines to control your time.

Edit and Proofread

The last stage of your reflection paper on a movie is to revise it several times. Thus, you increase the chance to avoid unwanted mistakes. A revision stage helps to check:

Grammar; Spelling; Punctuation; Style; Word choice; Plot development; Clearness of delivery; Readability, etc.

Keep in mind the tips and tricks we have mentioned in our informative guide on writing a reflection paper . They are universal and will surely suit whatever movie you need to reflect. Use them wisely, and you will sufficiently increase your chances to enjoy success and get an A+ grade.

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April 12, 2018

Reflective Essay

Reflective Essay  

 Effy Mitchell 

In this essay I will reflect on my production work throughout semester one discussing how these tasks alongside wider reading helped me to develop my production skills and wider understanding of working on film and television projects. 

‘Location scouting involves finding the best location, all things considered – and there is a lot to consider’ – Maier (1994, xii). Choosing and acquiring access to a location is a process of elimination based on various factors which I will discuss in this section of the essay (Maier, 1994) .  Accessibility is a vital part of choosing a location.  Shooting locally can save travel costs and prevent the crew being tired out from long hours spent driving to locations (Rahmel, 1994). Both locations I chose, the Hawthorn Leslie and Pelaw train tracks were local to me as I do not live in York and this personally meant low travel costs and easy access for location photos.  The level of exterior accessibility you need will be dependent on the size of the production for example a large scale film like   Fi ght club  would need a lot of space around the location as well as the location itself. I took this into consideration and with both locations being in fairly quiet and cordoned off abandoned places there’s a lot of space around them for parking. ‘ Governments can make film crews jump through seemingly unnecessary hoops ‘ – shoot factory, 2015. This as well means that we do not have to inform anyone who lives close by, local councils or re direct traffic which will save budget as we won’t have to pay for any permits or for anyone to re-direct traffic.   

Sound conditions internally and externally are something to consider as a microphone can pick up much more than the human ear (Rahmel, 1994).  The Hawthorn Leslie has no power and is the only structure on its side of the street backing onto a river. The Pelaw train tracks back onto countryside and go on for a couple of miles which means noise pollution internal and external in both locations will be minimal as there won’t be noise disruption from traffic or from things like air conditioning.  

‘This process must start early and happen quickly because it can be a long and intensive one ‘ – Rizzo ( 2013,P43). Building a relationship with the people who own the location is important and this is the key to being able to access any location, but business owners tend to be most concerned with liability (Maier, 1994) so you must have an appropriate approach depending on who you are working with. Leading with risk assessments and your safety procedures is a good idea with business owners especially with a derelict site. Arranging a deal with the owners of the sites will probably take time to establish so being in contact with them early on in the process is probably a good idea and is why location scouts are brought on so early in the process ( Chegg, 2017). 

As I have visited both locations before I was already aware of some the potential health and safety issues prior to scouting these are something to keep at the forefront of your mind. ‘The way to stay safe is to look at each shooting set up or location individually and think of what exactly could go wrong ‘ –  Moving Image Education ( 2018).  Issues can be identified with risk assessing, SWOT analysis and with help from the owners of the site (in our case A&P construction company) to ensure everyone’s safety which is vital.  

The location also needs to be appropriate for the story ( McDowell, 2017 ) for instance, the paper street house needs to be large enough to accommodate for the fact that at one point there are supposedly 20+ people living and have enough exists so that the narrator and Tyler can never be in the same room in front of Marla. Being aware of what specific creative details a location needs a film has based on what the director wants ( Maier, 2018) is integral part of being able to find an appropriate location that can then accommodate those need. 

‘Creating a script breakdown is about identifying various elements in a scene to better understand its shooting requirements’  – Studio Binder (2016). I chose a section of script from the film  Lady Bird  to work on, I chose this film because I was familiar with it and it had a variety of interesting but not overly complicated scenes for me to work on including in my script and storyboard.  

Through this task I learnt that there are many different processes to prep a script one of which is colour coding which can be useful for all members of the crew. You have to through each page looking for elements that are important ( Renee, 2016) for example I used purple to point out any object which was prominent in the scene or used by an actor which is useful to the art department, camera department and the cast. One scene had a stunt in it which consisted of Lady Bird rolling out of a moving car which required an orange highlight which is important for the whole crew to know about. Colour coding can let everyone know quickly and efficiently what each part of the script requires without covering it in wordy notes or memorising it.  

Script tramlines are used so that at a quick glance the crew can see what has and hasn’t been shot, How each scene is being shot, who is in each scene and how the script relates to their job on set. Lined scripts can also be useful for editors to give them a quick view of all available coverage at a glance ( Clarke, 2016). In summary tramlines can be useful to everyone in the production process to help everyone can make quicker decisions and for things to run smoother on set.  Script tramlines are vertical lines usually drawn in red ink which correspond with camera shot information. At first I ran into some difficulties as there are many camera shots for each piece of dialogue in the script but after some research and trial and error I figured it out. On reflection I understand how they would be useful for the camera department who could then look at the script to be able to follow how they should be shooting each part of the action as oppose to having a separate shot lit solely to work off of.  

A storyboard is at the basis of any good production. It helps string the scenes and the story together. It is a visualisation on paper. – Woodsman (2016). Storyboarding was challenging for me as I am not a very good artist, so I focused on the story board being simplistic and easily readable as it would have to be understood by many members of the crew.  I was aiming for a ‘shooting board’ which as the title suggests reflects the camera angles that are suitable for the cinematographer to use as reference ( Jew, 2013).  Story boards can be elaborate or as minimal as the film calls for but long as the layout of the location, camera angle and positioning of cast is correct the story board is usable.  

‘Light will enhance or diminish the efforts of the all the people who create sets, the costumes and the make up’ – Malkiewicz (2012 p2). This was a group task where we shot a scripted scene in the studio.  My role was lighting assistant. I discovered that the relationship with the director and other crew members is important since my role mainly involved collaborating with the other people to achieve the directors vision. Since we worked so closely with the director during the pre-production process the filming process ran quite smoothly and there were no discrepancies that got in the way of filming. Although there were some minor issues on the day I will discuss later. 

Bauman when interviewed by O’falt ( 2018) talks about how when working on  Phantom Thread  due to the low levels of light there had to be a longer experimentation period which we also encountered. We began by setting up many different kinds of lighting around the set using different filters, kinds of lights and positioning of lights to trial various ideas our director had. One of the methods we tried was creating our own filters for the blind effects but I found this very difficult as it was hard to mimic the clean lines that the shadow of the blinds create by hand. However it was still a useful technique to learn. Malkiewicz (2012) describes lights as paints in a painter’s pallet since lighting can completely change the tone or mood of a story. We wanted to do low key lighting to make the atmosphere cold and dark creating lots of shadows to fit with the tone of the story.  

An issue we faced was forgetting to note down the order in which the gels where on the light and the exact colours we used which cost us time on the second day of filming and could have caused continuity errors. Reflecting on this I learnt that balancing the creative elements and the technical elements like properly recording how each light was set up is important to remember.  

”what you do not see is as important as what you do see’  Malkiewicz (2012 p2). Throughout filming we had to make further adjustments because of things like the lights being directly in the actors in eyelines, shadows on faces and lights being able to be seen on camera. There was a light behind the door for instance which was accidently in shot that we had to move because it meant the actors could not open the door properly without it being scene. I worked alongside the production designer to solve these issues and find out the set and lights would affect one another. 

Being a Gaffer requires strong technical knowledge as well as a creative mind for how the lights will be set and adjusted and which ones are most appropriate for what the director wants (Brinkhaus, 2010). We worked with the techs to develop our technical knowledge and to help us make decisions on what kinds of lights we should use based on our requirements. We worked on doing as this safely as we were using high powered lights that can get incredibly hot and a heavy light falling into a set or crew member could be disastrous. One of the safety issues we had was the gels staying on the lights as we had multiple layers of gels on one light to achieve a specific shade of orange. We solved this by using clips instead of tape as they were sturdier. 

For the group live task we got the opportunity to film a live performance at the York theatre royal. My role in the group was assistant floor manager. The floor manager essentially liaisons between director and crew members and manages what happens on the floor (Newby, 1997) so effective communication is key.  Since we were working a big space and spread out two were required for the filming of the event. It was useful to have multiple people to oversee the area so tasks can be carried out quickly rather than one person running around between everyone especially on bigger productions. The director having briefed everyone beforehand meant that everyone knew what was expected of them on the night and we knew how the filming was supposed to run. However during filming the director and producer often can’t see all aspects of the studio from the gallery so it’s the responsibility is that of the floor manager to keep the them informed to enable them to make quick decisions when needed ( Utterback, 2016). 

You need to have a full overview of how everything is supposed to run and the skills to understand everyone in your crew and their cues coming through the intercom system in order to keep things running smoothly ( Utterback, 2016).  On the night we ran into the issue of the walkie talkies not working. Which meant during half time we had to go in person during half time to communicate with the crew. I learnt from this that effective communication is vital during a live task as when the walkie talkies cut out this meant the producer and floor manager couldn’t do their job effectively. The floor manager in many cases is also responsible for health and safety during filming (Utterback, 2016) as they have a full overview of what’s going on, every member of our crew had to be briefed on health and safety before filming at the theatre royal however it would be my responsibility to inform everyone if something were to go wrong.  

 A floor manager can have large range of tasks that varies depending on the kind of production, but they usually work with the crew and in some cases the talent ( Carr, 2016). My main task was to collect and label the memory cards for the camera operator at the end of the night, I had to label the cards A & B so that the editor knew which footage would be on each card. In order for a live filming event to run smoothly everyone has to do their job correctly so it doesn’t create a knock on effect for example mislabelling the cards would of created confusion for the editor.  There was some minor issues on the night such as one of the cameras briefly cutting out but this was quickly dealt with the help of the tech’s. Overall the filming went well and everyone worked effectively as a team and filming a live event was a good opportunity for everyone to work on a real event and gain some experience. 

For this task I wrote  an Essay on the short film  Mas o K is sed     which is a film produced by second year students for the 48 hour film challenge. I evaluated the film whilst taking into consideration its form and production criteria which consisted of the 48 hour time limit and the two genre’s which had to be implemented which were comedy and horror.  

To evaluate the film fairly I researched the short film form to better understand what makes a good short film and what their structure is like compared to feature film. I did this by reading interviews by with established short film makers from SXSW ( O’falt 2016) and watching some short films such as  I love Sarah Jane  . This research then gave me something to compare  Masokissed     too and helped me understand why they made certain decisions. For instance putting the audience right in the centre of the story with no introductions (O’falt 2016)  is a good idea because ‘You never have enough time to tell your entire story ‘ –  Hodge interviewed by O’falt ( 2016). Which I discovered makes the audience ask a lot of questions and continue watching whilst also saving screen time . 

 I think you’re on the wrong track if you don’t choose a story that you have some personal connection with’ – Munroe (2009, P8). I had to find out what makes a bad short film so it gave me some idea of the criteria I was marking this film up against. According to Jollard (2016) some short film cliché’s include writing none personal stories that have been told many times. Authenticity seems to be an important part of a short film as they only have a short amount of time to make an emotional connection to the audience.  

‘ Horror abounds with pragmatic aesthetics’ – Sipos (2010, P28. )I then had to look at the technical choices the team made like lighting choices, camera angles and use of location and how they related to their story and genre. I mainly used wider reading into the horror genre and the  short form itself to give depth to my analysis of  Ma sokissed . An issue I encountered was having to make a lot of assumptions based on what I saw on screen as I was not involved in the production.  The consequence of which are that some of my points may not be entirely accurate for instance I assumed that using members of crew as actors was due to the time constraints when it could have been a more conscious choice as they may have acting experience. This however gave me an impartial point of view which made my evaluation quite fair. Overall with this essay I attempted to use research and evidence from the film to make informed opinions about the film this group produced.  

‘ I would view sound design more as the process of creating new sounds either from scratch or by heavily manipulating existing sounds’ – Langford (2014, P3).  In this assignment we were tasked with creating the sound for one of a few selected video clips. By either creating our own foley or using sound clips from online sound libraries like ‘ Freesfx.co.uk ‘. I ended up using mostly hard effects from these libraries for things such as the dropping of objects in the supermarket. I have very little experiencing editing at all so I found this task particularly challenging however I did complete the task and now know my editing skills are an area I need to improve upon.  

I chose a clip from  Go  (1999) because I hadn’t seen the film before and thought it was quite funny. I tried to emulate this humour with my choice of music (  Shut  Me up  by M.S.I) that was kind of ridiculous and exaggerated like the whole scene itself. The music also contrasted against the clip and which I think is similar to how the characters actions contradict their very mundane appearances and environment. I chose the music to drive the scene as too many sonic elements could be confusing ( Fougner, 2013) and too much when paired with the action on screen. I used ambience to create the soundscape of the supermarket and had to think about what kind of noises you would here there like the checkouts and other customers.  

A challenge I encountered was finding sound clips to match the noise of things being taken off of the shelves and put into the girl’s pockets as there were no specific noises for that as well as things falling onto the floor out of frame as I had to guess when they would hit the floor and hope it seemed realistic. Creating my own sounds could have been a solution for this. However, I ended up using things that sounded right even if they weren’t accurate for example I used the sound of leaves falling for the sound of the green beans being thrown up into the air. I did struggle with the volumes of each sound clip as some clips ending up drowning out other sound effects I used which made the soundscape seem really flat especially when the music came in. Layering sound is an important part of creating a soundscape (Powell, 2015) and a skill I need to develop as every sound should be heard / at the right volume for the clip.  

To conclude I think both my practical skill development and wider reading contributed to my personal development as a filmmaker throughout this semester. I was not entirely successful in all of my tasks however I did reflect on these mistakes to not make them again in the future. There is a great deal of personal, creative, technical and theoretical knowledge that needs to be combined in order to be successful in production and I will continue to develop these skills in my work at university.  

Bibliography  

Bauman, Micheal interviewed by O’fault, Chris. 2018.  How Paul Thomas Anderson Dirtied-Up ‘Phantom Thread’ to Avoid the Polish of ‘The Crown’. [ Website Article]. Available at: http://www.indiewire.com/2017/12/phantom-thread-paul-thomas-anderson-cinematography-1201909965/. [ Accessed on 10.04.2018]. 

Brinkhaus, Andrew. (2010). The role of a Gaffer . [ Website Article]. Available at: https://cinematography.wonderhowto.com/news/role-gaffer-0114468/. [ Accessed on 10.04.2018]. 

Carr, Tim. 2016). Meet the this morning team – Floor manager Tim Carr.  [ Youtube Video]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb61rQr30y8. [ Accessed on 04.10.2018]. 

Clarke, Amy. ( 2016).  How to line a film script . [ Website Article]. Available at: https://www.amyclarkefilms.com/blog/how-to-line-a-film-script. [ Accessed on 10.04.2018]. 

Chegg. (2017).  Location Scout.  [ Website article]. Available at:    http://www.chegg.com/career-center/explore/location-scout. [ Accessed on 10.04.2018]. 

Fougner, Jon. (2013).  [ Website article].   8 Tips for Making Your Film Sound Great from the Industry’s Top Sound Designers and Execs. Available at:  http://www.indiewire.com/2013/02/8-tips-for-making-your-film-sound-great-from-the-industrys-top-sound-designers-and-execs-41471/. [ Acessed on 11.04.2018] 

Go . (1999). [ Film]. Directed by Doug Liman. Las Vegas, Banner Entertainment.  

I  Love Sarah Jane.  ( 2008). [ Film]. Directed by Spencer Susser. Australia, Aquarius Films. 

Jolland, Stephanie. ( 2012). 7 Rules for writing short films. [ Website article]. Available at: https://www.raindance.org/7-rules-for-writing-short-films/. [ Acessed on 11.04.2018].  

Lady Bird.  (2018). [ Film]. Directed by Greta Gerwig. Sacramento, California. A24. 

Langford, Simon. ( 2014).  Digital Audio Editing.  Oxon, Focal Press. 

Fight Club . (1999). [ Film]. Directed by David Fincher. California. Regency enterprises.  

Maier, Robert .  (1994) .  L ocation   scouting and management handbook .  Newton, Focal Press. 

Malkiewicz, Kris. ( 2012).   Film Lighting: Talks with Hollywood’s Cinematographers and Gaffers . New york, Touch Stone. 

Massokissed . [ Film]. Directed by Sam Gladstone. York, Socks and sandals Films.  

McDowell, Alex. ( 2017).  Alex McDowell Design Manchester . [ Youtube video]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsgJHrLFf5k. [ Accessed on 04.10.2018]. 

Moving Image Education. (2018).  Health and Safety. [ Website article].  Available from: https://movingimageeducation.org/create-films/production/the-production-department/health-and-safety/ [ Accessed on 10.04.2018].  

 Munroe, Robert. (2009).  Ho w  not to make a short  film.   New York, Harper Collins. 

Newby, Julian. (1997)   Inside Broadcasting.  London, Routledge. 

O’falt, Chris. ( 2012).  SXSW 2016: What is the key to writing a good short film script.  [ Website article ]. Available at: http://www.indiewire.com/2016/03/sxsw-2016-what-is-the-key-to-writing-a-good-short-film-script-58016/. [ Accessed on 11.04.2018].  

Powell, Dan. (2013).  5 Independent Films  With  Great Sound  Design .[ Website Article]. Available at: https://www.raindance.org/5-independent-films-with-great-sound-design/. [ Accessed on 11.04.2018]. 

Rahmel, Dan. (2013).  Nuts and Bolts Filmmaking: Practical Techniques for the Guerilla Filmmaker.   Burlington, Focal press. 

Renee, V. (2016).   A Step-by-Step Guide to Breaking Down a Script for Production.  [ Website article ]. Available at: https://nofilmschool.com/2016/02/step-step-guide-breaking-down-script-production. [ Accessed on 10.04.2018]. 

Rizzo, Michael . (2013) .  The Art Direction Handbook for Film . Burlington, Focal Press.  

Shoot Factory. (2015).  ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR BECOMING A FILM LOCATION SCOUT.   [ Website article]. Available at: http://www.shootfactory.co.uk/essential-information-for-becoming-a-film-location-scout/. [ Accessed on 10.04.2018].  

Sipos, Thomas. (2010).  Horror Film Aesthetics: Creating the Visual Language of  Fear. North Carolina, Mcf arland and Company  inc.  

Studio Binder. ( 2016).  How to Break Down a Script . [ Website Article]. Available at: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/free-script-breakdown-sheet/. ( Accessed on 10.04.2018). 

Jew, Anson. (2013) .  Professional Storyboarding: Rules of Thumb.  Burlington, Focal press. 

Utterback, Andrew. ( 2016).  Studio Television Production and Directing: Concepts, Equipment, and Procedures.  New York, Focal press. 

Woodsman Film Company. ( 2016).  The importance of storyboarding in filmmaking.  [ Website article]. Available at: http://www.thewoodsmanfilm.com/importance-storyboarding-filmmaking/. [ Acessed on 10.04.2018].  

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January 5, 2019

3MD004 – Production Design and Cinematography

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Guide on How to Write a Reflection Paper with Free Tips and Example

A reflection paper is a very common type of paper among college students. Almost any subject you enroll in requires you to express your opinion on certain matters. In this article, we will explain how to write a reflection paper and provide examples and useful tips to make the essay writing process easier.

Reflection papers should have an academic tone yet be personal and subjective. In this paper, you should analyze and reflect upon how an experience, academic task, article, or lecture shaped your perception and thoughts on a subject.

Here is what you need to know about writing an effective critical reflection paper. Stick around until the end of our guide to get some useful writing tips from the writing team at EssayPro — a research paper writing service

What Is a Reflection Paper

A reflection paper is a type of paper that requires you to write your opinion on a topic, supporting it with your observations and personal experiences. As opposed to presenting your reader with the views of other academics and writers, in this essay, you get an opportunity to write your point of view—and the best part is that there is no wrong answer. It is YOUR opinion, and it is your job to express your thoughts in a manner that will be understandable and clear for all readers that will read your paper. The topic range is endless. Here are some examples: whether or not you think aliens exist, your favorite TV show, or your opinion on the outcome of WWII. You can write about pretty much anything.

There are three types of reflection paper; depending on which one you end up with, the tone you write with can be slightly different. The first type is the educational reflective paper. Here your job is to write feedback about a book, movie, or seminar you attended—in a manner that teaches the reader about it. The second is the professional paper. Usually, it is written by people who study or work in education or psychology. For example, it can be a reflection of someone’s behavior. And the last is the personal type, which explores your thoughts and feelings about an individual subject.

However, reflection paper writing will stop eventually with one very important final paper to write - your resume. This is where you will need to reflect on your entire life leading up to that moment. To learn how to list education on resume perfectly, follow the link on our dissertation writing services .

Unlock the potential of your thoughts with EssayPro . Order a reflection paper and explore a range of other academic services tailored to your needs. Dive deep into your experiences, analyze them with expert guidance, and turn your insights into an impactful reflection paper.

Free Reflection Paper Example

Now that we went over all of the essentials about a reflection paper and how to approach it, we would like to show you some examples that will definitely help you with getting started on your paper.

Reflection Paper Format

Reflection papers typically do not follow any specific format. Since it is your opinion, professors usually let you handle them in any comfortable way. It is best to write your thoughts freely, without guideline constraints. If a personal reflection paper was assigned to you, the format of your paper might depend on the criteria set by your professor. College reflection papers (also known as reflection essays) can typically range from about 400-800 words in length.

Here’s how we can suggest you format your reflection paper:

How to Start a Reflection Paper

The first thing to do when beginning to work on a reflection essay is to read your article thoroughly while taking notes. Whether you are reflecting on, for example, an activity, book/newspaper, or academic essay, you want to highlight key ideas and concepts.

You can start writing your reflection paper by summarizing the main concept of your notes to see if your essay includes all the information needed for your readers. It is helpful to add charts, diagrams, and lists to deliver your ideas to the audience in a better fashion.

After you have finished reading your article, it’s time to brainstorm. We’ve got a simple brainstorming technique for writing reflection papers. Just answer some of the basic questions below:

• How did the article affect you?
• How does this article catch the reader’s attention (or does it all)?
• Has the article changed your mind about something? If so, explain how.
• Has the article left you with any questions?
• Were there any unaddressed critical issues that didn’t appear in the article?
• Does the article relate to anything from your past reading experiences?
• Does the article agree with any of your past reading experiences?

Here are some reflection paper topic examples for you to keep in mind before preparing to write your own:

• How my views on rap music have changed over time
• My reflection and interpretation of Moby Dick by Herman Melville
• Why my theory about the size of the universe has changed over time
• How my observations for clinical psychological studies have developed in the last year

The result of your brainstorming should be a written outline of the contents of your future paper. Do not skip this step, as it will ensure that your essay will have a proper flow and appropriate organization.

Another good way to organize your ideas is to write them down in a 3-column chart or table.

Do you want your task look awesome?

If you would like your reflection paper to look professional, feel free to check out one of our articles on how to format MLA, APA or Chicago style

Writing a Reflection Paper Outline

Reflection paper should contain few key elements:

Introduction

Your introduction should specify what you’re reflecting upon. Make sure that your thesis informs your reader about your general position, or opinion, toward your subject.

• State what you are analyzing: a passage, a lecture, an academic article, an experience, etc...)
• Briefly summarize the work.
• Write a thesis statement stating how your subject has affected you.

One way you can start your thesis is to write:

Example: “After reading/experiencing (your chosen topic), I gained the knowledge of…”

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs should examine your ideas and experiences in context to your topic. Make sure each new body paragraph starts with a topic sentence.

Your reflection may include quotes and passages if you are writing about a book or an academic paper. They give your reader a point of reference to fully understand your feedback. Feel free to describe what you saw, what you heard, and how you felt.

Example: “I saw many people participating in our weight experiment. The atmosphere felt nervous yet inspiring. I was amazed by the excitement of the event.”

As with any conclusion, you should summarize what you’ve learned from the experience. Next, tell the reader how your newfound knowledge has affected your understanding of the subject in general. Finally, describe the feeling and overall lesson you had from the reading or experience.

There are a few good ways to conclude a reflection paper:

• Tie all the ideas from your body paragraphs together, and generalize the major insights you’ve experienced.
• Restate your thesis and summarize the content of your paper.

We have a separate blog post dedicated to writing a great conclusion. Be sure to check it out for an in-depth look at how to make a good final impression on your reader.

Need a hand? Get help from our writers. Edit, proofread or buy essay .

How to Write a Reflection Paper: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: create a main theme.

After you choose your topic, write a short summary about what you have learned about your experience with that topic. Then, let readers know how you feel about your case — and be honest. Chances are that your readers will likely be able to relate to your opinion or at least the way you form your perspective, which will help them better understand your reflection.

For example: After watching a TEDx episode on Wim Hof, I was able to reevaluate my preconceived notions about the negative effects of cold exposure.

Step 2: Brainstorm Ideas and Experiences You’ve Had Related to Your Topic

You can write down specific quotes, predispositions you have, things that influenced you, or anything memorable. Be personal and explain, in simple words, how you felt.

For example: • A lot of people think that even a small amount of carbohydrates will make people gain weight • A specific moment when I struggled with an excess weight where I avoided carbohydrates entirely • The consequences of my actions that gave rise to my research • The evidence and studies of nutritional science that claim carbohydrates alone are to blame for making people obese • My new experience with having a healthy diet with a well-balanced intake of nutrients • The influence of other people’s perceptions on the harm of carbohydrates, and the role their influence has had on me • New ideas I’ve created as a result of my shift in perspective

Step 3: Analyze How and Why These Ideas and Experiences Have Affected Your Interpretation of Your Theme

Pick an idea or experience you had from the last step, and analyze it further. Then, write your reasoning for agreeing or disagreeing with it.

For example, Idea: I was raised to think that carbohydrates make people gain weight.

Analysis: Most people think that if they eat any carbohydrates, such as bread, cereal, and sugar, they will gain weight. I believe in this misconception to such a great extent that I avoided carbohydrates entirely. As a result, my blood glucose levels were very low. I needed to do a lot of research to overcome my beliefs finally. Afterward, I adopted the philosophy of “everything in moderation” as a key to a healthy lifestyle.

For example: Idea: I was brought up to think that carbohydrates make people gain weight. Analysis: Most people think that if they eat any carbohydrates, such as bread, cereal, and sugar, they will gain weight. I believe in this misconception to such a great extent that I avoided carbohydrates entirely. As a result, my blood glucose levels were very low. I needed to do a lot of my own research to finally overcome my beliefs. After, I adopted the philosophy of “everything in moderation” as a key for having a healthy lifestyle.

Step 4: Make Connections Between Your Observations, Experiences, and Opinions

Try to connect your ideas and insights to form a cohesive picture for your theme. You can also try to recognize and break down your assumptions, which you may challenge in the future.

There are some subjects for reflection papers that are most commonly written about. They include:

• Book – Start by writing some information about the author’s biography and summarize the plot—without revealing the ending to keep your readers interested. Make sure to include the names of the characters, the main themes, and any issues mentioned in the book. Finally, express your thoughts and reflect on the book itself.
• Course – Including the course name and description is a good place to start. Then, you can write about the course flow, explain why you took this course, and tell readers what you learned from it. Since it is a reflection paper, express your opinion, supporting it with examples from the course.
• Project – The structure for a reflection paper about a project has identical guidelines to that of a course. One of the things you might want to add would be the pros and cons of the course. Also, mention some changes you might want to see, and evaluate how relevant the skills you acquired are to real life.
• Interview – First, introduce the person and briefly mention the discussion. Touch on the main points, controversies, and your opinion of that person.

Writing Tips

Everyone has their style of writing a reflective essay – and that's the beauty of it; you have plenty of leeway with this type of paper – but there are still a few tips everyone should incorporate.

Before you start your piece, read some examples of other papers; they will likely help you better understand what they are and how to approach yours. When picking your subject, try to write about something unusual and memorable — it is more likely to capture your readers' attention. Never write the whole essay at once. Space out the time slots when you work on your reflection paper to at least a day apart. This will allow your brain to generate new thoughts and reflections.

• Short and Sweet – Most reflection papers are between 250 and 750 words. Don't go off on tangents. Only include relevant information.
• Clear and Concise – Make your paper as clear and concise as possible. Use a strong thesis statement so your essay can follow it with the same strength.
• Maintain the Right Tone – Use a professional and academic tone—even though the writing is personal.
• Cite Your Sources – Try to cite authoritative sources and experts to back up your personal opinions.
• Proofreading – Not only should you proofread for spelling and grammatical errors, but you should proofread to focus on your organization as well. Answer the question presented in the introduction.

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Critic’s Pick

‘Reflection’ Review: Through a Looking Glass of Horrors

The film, set against the backdrop of fighting in the Donbas region in 2014, would be bracing and haunting even if it weren’t so timely.

• Share full article

By Ben Kenigsberg

“Reflection” is interested in the impact of casual violence on everyday life, right from its opening tableau: a lengthy shot in which the protagonist, a surgeon, Serhiy (Roman Lutskyi), chats with Andriy (Andrii Rymaruk), the man now living with Serhiy’s ex-wife (Nadiya Levchenko) and helping raise their daughter. The daughter (Nika Myslytska) prepares for a paintball battle in the background. Soon the sounds of that barrage drown out the men’s friendly conversation about artillery and medical supplies.

The situation seems all the more charged if you know that “Reflection,” written, directed, photographed and edited by Valentyn Vasyanovych, is a Ukrainian film. It would be a bracing, haunting work even if it weren’t so timely. The movie premiered last year, before Russia attacked Ukraine in February, and it begins in November 2014, against the backdrop of fighting by Russian-backed separatists in the Donbas region. (It is a follow-up of sorts to Vasyanovych’s “Atlantis,” set in 2025 in the ostensible aftermath of that conflict. That film now plays like a dispatch from an alternate timeline — grim, but not as grim as 2025 will look after a much wider war.)

“Reflection” follows Serhiy on a mission to the front, where his van gets lost and he is captured. The movie principally unfolds in fixed long shots, but when the camera moves, it is startling: What appears to be a single take follows Serhiy as he is interrogated, tortured, led to a basement, hosed down and, as he shivers, commanded to inspect a corpse for signs of life. This, and cremation, will be his job until the second half, when the horrors he has witnessed go provocatively, largely unmentioned. As the cryptic final moments suggest, “Reflection” is a film about how war requires people to comprehend the unspoken and unseen.

Reflection Not rated. In Ukrainian and Russian, with subtitles. Running time: 2 hours 5 minutes. In theaters and on virtual cinemas .

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — Class Reflection — Reflecting On Filmmaking Process

Film Production Experience: a Reflective Paper

• Categories: Class Reflection

About this sample

Words: 3557 |

18 min read

Published: Nov 22, 2018

Words: 3557 | Pages: 8 | 18 min read

Table of contents

Film production: reflective essay, works cited, what i learned.

• Allen, W. (Director). (Year). Title of Woody Allen film [Film]. Production Company.
• Boggs, J. M., & Petrie, D. W. (2019). The art of watching films. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Bordwell, D., & Thompson, K. (2017). Film art: An introduction. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Corrigan, T. (2016). A short guide to writing about film. Pearson.
• Giannetti, L. (2014). Understanding movies. Pearson.
• Katz, S. D. (2017). Film directing shot by shot: Visualizing from concept to screen. Michael Wiese Productions.
• Rabiger, M. (2015). Directing: Film techniques and aesthetics. CRC Press.
• Rea, P., & Irving, D. (2014). Producing and directing the short film and video. CRC Press.
• Thompson, R. J. (2018). Writing for visual media. Routledge.
• Wurtzel, D. (2015). The complete idiot's guide to independent filmmaking. Alpha Books.

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