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Yor•r Laboratory Manager says-
' Now that the winter season is upon us, all amateur cinematographers will be

urged by this journal, as well as others, to sort out those personal films exposed
earlier in the year. During this sorting out process there comes a time, when the
cine enthusiasts will wonder if and how their films can be improved, or in other
words, when they seek constructive criticism. I have noticed that many people,
professional and amateur alike, .possess no fixed ideas on film criticism. They
base their results purely upon first impressions, which are generally dependent
upon individual mood at the time of viewing, I always insist that before any film
is constructively criticised it must be thoroughly understood. Understanding a
film is a simple description of film appreciation-and this should be applied to
every film viewed, from the professional feature to your friend's 30ft. holiday
film. To assist your enjoyment in watching and understanding the film use the
following four points :-1. Theme. 2. Its Treatment. 3. Technical and Camera
work. 4. The effect the film has upon you.
The last point (4) is most important, as opinion should be individualistic. Points
I, 2, and 3, should be used as channels running parallel with your personal opinion.
A separate, but most vital link in the stimulation of your sense of film appreciation
is the need to be constantly aware of the resultant effect upon the screen while
you are actually exposing your film. This applies equally to a family film as to a
club production. Remember always that a film could be a creation of beauty,
of humour, of interest.
This sense of criticism-and no other word can take its place-should be com-
pletely natural and should not mar your enjoyment of the film upon screening.
Let us tackle this question from another angle. You take an interest in football
and support your local team. Your pleasure is derived not only from just watch-
ing the game, but also from every pass and move made, which you automatically
judge with a critical eye. Indeed, your pleasure is enhanced by this mental
judging of the game. A film should be viewed in a like manner-you enjoy the
film by just watching the screen but an added zest is attained by this automatic
sense of judging the theme, the treatment of the theme, technical and camera
work.
If you adopt this unbiased viewing of your own films, and if you are completely
fair with yourself, you will spot the weak points and improve your own (camera)
technique.
CAMERA STEADINESS-I have laboured this point before, but it is so very
important; a good 80% of technical faults are due to unsteady camera handling.
Keep that camera rock steady, let the film in the camera move. Make this major
point your first step in film appreciation.
The next step is the need for a little thought before using your camera. When
taking a holiday film visualise a small shooting script. You have the "Theme"-
its Treatment should result in a small family documentary film.
Remember the screen today, and that includes your own small screen as well
as the professional, is one of the Arts. Film making could be of infinite value to
man, it could by acting as a two dimensional medium assist in the social welfare of
every country of the world, it could amuse, educate and enlighten. And you, the
Amateur, have this cultural weapon in your home-the cine camera. You can
make any film on any theme without any worry of selling it. Why not use this
happy position to fuller advantage. When, during these winter evenings, you
view your films try out these points of criticism. It may sound pedantic, but it is our
wish at Pathescope to assist you to improve your standard of amateur film making.
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