How to Really See a Movie

This is my first semester in my MA/MFA program, and in addition to my fiction workshop I needed to choose another course. I landed on screenwriting, mostly for practical reasons—I wanted a deeper understanding of dialogue and scene construction. What I didn’t expect was how much the class would change the way I watch movies. I’m delighted to say it’s teaching me not just how scripts work on the page, but how to truly see and enjoy films as living, breathing works of art.

When most of us watch movies, we sit down, press play, follow the plot, and decide whether we liked it. But really seeing a movie is something else entirely—and it’s a skill worth practicing, especially for writers.

To really see a movie, start by loosening your grip on the story. Plot is the most obvious layer, and the one we’re trained to chase. Instead, notice how the film makes you feel moment to moment.

When does your body tense?

When does your attention drift?

When do you lean forward without realizing it?

Pay attention to framing. Ask yourself why the camera is where it is. A close-up isn’t just showing you a face, it’s deciding what you’re allowed to know. A wide shot can make a character look free, or very small, or both. Every choice is a sentence the director is writing with images instead of ink. Listen to the sound design, not just the dialogue. Silence is rarely empty. Music isn’t just decoration—it’s an argument, sometimes agreeing with the scene, sometimes lying to you on purpose.

What’s loud that shouldn’t be?

What’s missing that you expect to hear?

Then there’s rhythm. Scenes have breath. Some rush, some linger. Editing teaches you how long to stay with a moment before it breaks or transforms. For writers, this is invaluable: films are master classes in pacing without exposition.

Finally, resist the urge to judge too quickly. Instead of asking, Did I like it? try asking, What was it trying to do, and how did it try to do it? Even films that “fail” can be generous teachers if you watch them with curiosity instead of verdicts.

My opinion? Seeing a movie deeply isn’t about being clever or analytical the whole time. It’s about being present, open, and a little vulnerable. When you watch that way, films stop being content and start being conversations—and they’ll teach you how to see your own work more clearly, too.