Writers tell the truth about people’s mistakes and problems, without trying to solve them though. But writers can show them the way out. Do you want to become a writer? Find clues in these films.
Speaking honestly, I think that movies about writing are like dances about painting. Writing is just a process in our heads and hands. It can’t be shown, it can only be imagined. But there are some other aspects of the art of writing that will be interesting to watch for those who want to improve this skill.
Let’s dot the i’s first: you won’t see “Midnight in Paris” or “Becoming Jane” on that list. It is not because I think they are so bad, it is because they are so obvious. I do not want to show you the difficult way of becoming a writer. I do want to show you different perspectives of that process.
But if you want to forget about what the writer’s block is, you are welcome to consult an essay writer cheap.
But now grab a Coke or a fluffy toy and enjoy some great pictures.
1. Goodbye Christopher Robin (2017)
Now we are going to explore the creation of one of the world’s most famous children’s stories – the one about Winnie the Pooh. The thing is, we are so connected to the stories of books and films because to some extent we can control the narrative, attributing meaning and purpose to events. Agree that’s quite impossible in real life, which is defiantly random. But in stories you can shape and explore your own fears and desires.
But still, the creation of something immortal bears the imprint of grief and loss. Always.
This story is about the loss of childhood. Yeah, this is a paradox. To write the story millions of children love, the story that always will reminds us about the happiest time of our lives, the writer had to take away the childhood of his son. It seems like you literally feel the bittersweet taste of the writer’s destiny.
And the film gives us an opportunity to peek behind the curtain and see how the creators and their own instincts shaped what we know and love.
There will be no detailed description of the plot, not a word about the brilliant actors and their playing. Because in films of such type the image of the writer or the time period are not important. The story itself is the point. So, I’m giving you only a hint of what you are going to watch. The interpretation remains yours.
2. Misery (1990)
It is based on Stephen King’s book, so you will be thrilled after watching this thriller. Tautology is quite appropriate here.
A famous novelist and his obsessed fan are trapped at her home. She adores his works and he is planning to give up writing. But the woman has a different opinion.
This is all you need to know about the plot to imagine the situation.
The film is a great example of the well-designed main character, who goes from the sweetest woman on the Earth to a horrific psychopath. It is the suspenseful story just from the opening shot till the end.
Why need future writers to watch this? To understand that writing can affect readers and that good writing definitely will. Your words can fill someone’s emptiness, your words can be the relief someone is looking for. Maybe writers can’t rescue people from a burning building, but writers can warn them “not to go there”. It’s all about responsibilities that they take speaking even on behalf of their characters.
And one more message: if you suddenly decide to change the car or swim across the ocean to feel freedom, do not listen to people who can’t drive or swim. Watch the movie and you will get the hint.
3. Finding Forrester (2000)
It is some kind of “Peaceful Warrior” for those who love to write. Love, but do not know where to start. The director’s answer is to find a mentor to grow with. This is not necessarily a person who will knock on your door, sit next to you, and start teaching you. A book can be a mentor. Either can authors of 19th century. Their works speak for themselves. Find such person regardless of whether he or she is alive or not.
This film is not unique and the plot is not new, but its main idea never gets old. But do not expect to be thrilled by the end. There is no action or culmination that will blow your mind away. It is all about a cozy atmosphere, old books in the attic, and dialogs. Oh, the film’s main power is dialogs. You just won’t get enough of them.
4. Stranger than Fiction (2006)
If you want to know how to deal with or how to create the main character, just turn on this movie.
What would you do if one day you realized that you were a protagonist of a book and your life story was written by an esteemed author? What if you were unwillingly affected by the words of another person? That movie tackles the questions.
You can actually witness how the author is narrating the creative process of this movie to you. It is really an enlightening experience, because it gives you a deeper understanding of how certain genres build their stories and develop their characters.
What narrative tools separate a comedy from a drama? How to properly motivate your characters? The film is some kind of a practical guide for people who are passionate about writing.
That picture delivers what it should – a great story.
5. Adaptation (2002)
It is one of those films that the less you know about, the more you are going to enjoy them.
How often does an author write themselves into their own screenplay as a leading character?
Let me give you an example. Recently I have watched the movie of John Green “The Fault in Our Stars.” It is as close and safe adaptation as you can imagine for a book. It is basically a condensed audio book with pictures.
“Adaptation” stands at the other end of the spectrum. It is its own work of art.
The film is rich with insights into how writers think about story and structure. You actually are directly inside of the writer’s panic attack. It is a beautiful meditation on longing, obsession, passion, and subtleties that exist between those words.
So, what writing is really about? The two things: thinking on paper and making up truths everyone believes in.