What makes a quality film? This question is debatable, and people have various different opinions on what actually makes a film good. In my opinion, a quality film is one that contains a good blend of various elements that work together to create a memorable cinematic experience. The core of a good film is usually the storyline. A compelling narrative that engages the audience emotionally and intellectually is the foundation that all of the other factors are built upon. The characters in the storyline are also vital. Well-developed characters that have depth and complexity make the story more interesting, and allow viewers to connect with them and actually care about their stories. Another important component to a good film is the visuals. The cinematography of a movie plays a very important role in setting the mood of the story. The Film Shortage Blog writes that, “[cinematography] connects the director and cinematographer to create the shots. Each frame needs to be meaningful and support the story. The camera placement, lens, and lighting are critical elements that contribute to great cinematography. Altering these elements will change the feel of a scene.” Good cinematography makes viewers feel as though they could actually be present in the movie. Skilled cinematographers are able to really immerse the audience into the world of the film. A quality film’s visual elements enhance the storytelling, and oftentimes add layers of meaning to the story. Along with visuals, effective editing makes for realistic scenes and for a smooth flow and pace. These factors keep the audience engaged throughout the storyline. Visual effects and CGI allow for the film to achieve whatever aesthetic directors were pushing for. Another important factor that makes a good film is talented actors that have the ability to bring the characters to life. These performances can make or break a film. The actors need to be able to really convey complex emotions and chemistry with co-stars in order to add to the storyline successfully. A strong director, which is another important quality of a good film, is able to guide the actors’ performances in order to ensure that their true vision for the film is met. To me, what overall makes a quality film is a film’s ability to connect with its viewers. An example of a film that has done this for me is Jordan Peele’s Us. This film, like most quality films, achieve this connection with audiences through all of the mentioned components, and many more. Films that have a lasting impact on me and stay on my mind are quality films to me.
