A Video Essay About the Construction and Impact of Video Essays

“What Makes a Video Essay Great?” is a video essay by Kevin B. Lee for Fandor Keyframe about the construction and impact of video essays by the likes of Lee, Tony Zhou, and more. Lee looks at both what makes a particular video essay popular as well as the several types of video essays with varying intentions, such as those made by academics.

The video essay is expanding our notions of film criticism and appreciation. But do these essays offer a key to let us out—or lock us in?

Lee also compiled what he considers to be the best video essays from 2014.

via Dorsey Shaw