A lot of people when deciding on which university course they're thinking of taking come across Film Studies and think "Hey! I like watching films! I could totally do that!". From my experience there are at least a few of these types of people in any given first year film class, looking to earn an easy degree doing little work, but they never last long, and you almost never see them by the third year. This is by no means saying that Film Studies is only for the hardcore intellectuals among us and no one else can make it; it's just that there are certainly characteristics a person needs to have to succeed in Film Studies, and if you get into it fwith the wrong mindset you'll be in for a very difficult journey.
You have to REALLY like films.
Everyone likes films, I mean with the variety available and sheer number of films being released every year it's practically impossible for there not to be something out there for everyone. But you can't just like the occasional film from the genre you enjoy and expect to get through the course with ease. In Film Studies you are basically signing yourself up for a film or two a day, every day, for the next 3 years of your life. Don't go in expecting blockbusters either, or even just American/English films in general, as you will be seeing films from all countries, genres, styles, and time periods. During my course I had classes on everything from "Cinema of the Third World" to "The French New Wave", so it's needless to say that if you aren't willing to branch out with the types of films you watch then you'll be in for quite a surprise.
You have to want to understand the way a film works.
Many people see the course title "Film Studies" and focus only on the first word, ignoring the second until it is too late. You can't get by watching a film and simply understanding whether it's good or bad, as the name suggests you have to truly study these films. You will be learning how to identify and understand the key subtexts of a movie, comprehend character motivations and actions within the political and historical context of the film, and analyse the representation of race, gender and sexuality in a narrative. You do not of course have to be an expert in these things from day one, the point is simply that you have to be invested in the idea of this type of learning to enjoy and succeed during your time in the course.
You have to be able to work well with others.
A lot of people tend to imagine Film Studies as watching a film, having a discussion with the class and then going home to analyse the film and write an essay. But film itself is a collaborative medium, and that applies to the study of film as well, at least at the Bachelor's Degree level. The group aspect of the study is much more prominent than many would imagine, with group presentations and projects in both practical film making and analysis, it pays to be able to work with others. Having a strong personal opinion is fine and even encouraged, but the person that tries to impose their views upon the group while ignoring all others is the person that's going to find themselves without a group the next time a project comes through.
Final Verdict.
In the end, whether or not a university Film Studies course is for you comes down to one simple fact, your reasoning. If you're looking for an easy way to bag yourself a degree then the vast and in-depth world of critical film analysis will likely be too much for you handle. However, if you are truly interested in the medium of film and the film industry then none of the hardships that you will face during your time in this course will seem to matter, because you'll love what you're doing, and as long as that is the case you'll have what it takes to make it to the end.
