watch it for “fun” first. Keep a note pad near by and make notes about psychological concepts that readily catch your attention during this viewing. Then watch the film again (or several times) with the intent of analyzing it. Prior to the second viewing I recommend you review the relevant text chapter(s) on the issues you notice during the first viewing (for example, what type of psychological condition does one of the characters display). This will better prepare you to be a critic during the second viewing. You might also want to use your VCR/DVD counter and note where you are in the movie when you make your personal comments. This will also help you when you start to get into the writing of your paper. When you begin your analysis remember you can discuss the primary story line, techniques the director uses to emphasize points made by the film, the behaviors/attitudes of the characters in the story, or some of each. For example, why does the director use various senses to get viewer involved in the movie? How does the director accurately or inaccurately apply abnormal psychology to make the story line interesting?
