Not many genres have stood the test of time like Hollywood. Stories about the film industry have often made for memorable movies. Whether it’s western actors, aspiring filmmakers or producers, the genre has produced several strong characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about the film industry that deserve to be celebrated.
1. La La Land
Achieving dreams in life often comes with a sacrifice. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in school with dreams of marriage. Dressed in gorgeous attire, she was a pretty girl my entire school would admire. However, immigration became a big barrier bringing our bonds to a closure. When my family immigrated, I was forced to end my relationships with a girl I appreciated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the big sacrifices involved in achieving dreams that are planned as powerfully as “La La Land”. Ever since its release in 2016, Damien Chazelle’s musical has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about Hollywood. With the greatest film of his career, Chazelle used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a pair of lost lovers in Los Angeles facing despair. Chazelle has an aptitude for making movies about the film industry, and “La La Land” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Chazelle effectively uses musical montages to capture lovers pursuing dreams in Los Angeles. For instance, the scene in which Mia sings about her dreams to become an actress in an audition inspired by her grandma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all are a pair of phenomenal performances from Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, who portray a pair of artists chasing their dreams in L.A. Ultimately, what makes “La La Land” my favourite Hollywood movie of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made about the film industry, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a profound message about the importance of pursuing one’s dreams which would resonate with everyone. Nearly a decade following the release of a classic musical about lovers dancing on a lovely night chasing big dreams in L.A., it’s a great reminder of a genre that has produced great movies which deserve to be celebrated today.
2. Adaptation
Writer’s block is a painful process that causes stress. There’s nothing more frustrating in the world than when ideas don’t spring to a writer’s mind. Personally speaking, writer’s block impacted by ability to write effectively. I have often faced trouble putting pen to paper coming up with great ideas as a writer. As someone that has witnessed writer’s block causing frustration, I appreciated “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie captured hardships that screenwriters in Hollywood with writer’s block go through. Jonze effectively used voice-over narration to capture the troubled mind of a screenwriter with writer’s block facing frustration. For instance, the scene in which Charlie stares at his typewriter struggling to put a word on the page causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Nicolas Cage, who embodied a screenwriter in Hollywood facing emotional damage. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” a great Hollywood movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the writing process which would resonate with everyone. A phenomenal portrait of writer’s block causing screenwriters in Hollywood to deteriorate, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies which audiences appreciate.
3. Birdman
Broadway actors have figures that fascinate my father today. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a father admiring actors performing on stage. Fascinated with Broadway, he would marvel at the meticulous way in which theatre actors created a stage play. As someone treasuring a father that adored Broadway performers with a plan, I admired “Birdman”. Released in 2015, Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu’s Oscar-winning movie captured mentally unstable theatre performers. Inarritu effectively used unreliable narration to capture a mentally disturbed theatre actor with multiple personality disorder. For instance, the scene in which Riggan faces a breakdown arguing with his alter-ego in his apartment causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Michael Keaton, who embodied an actor facing self-destruction. Ultimately, what makes “Birdman” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of mental health struggles faced by actors seeking success on stage, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to engage making movies with a message.
4. The Fabelmans
As far as I can remember, I’ve wanted to become a filmmaker. At an early age, I was drawn to the moving image as art with a message. During my childhood, I formed a passion for writing about movies I found engaging. Movies have always been a precious part of my identity that I love dearly. As someone that lives and breathes movies, “The Fabelmans” seems like the kind of movie that was made for me. Released in 2022, Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece captured his rise in the film industry. Spielberg used montages to capture his journey to become a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Sammy Fabelman seeks to prepare actors for a movie about the WWII era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Gabrielle LaBelle, who portrayed a passionate filmmaker with stories to tell. Ultimately, what makes “The Fabelmans” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about pursuing one’s passion which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 50 years after Steven Spielberg became a legendary filmmaker that transformed the world forever, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured timeless films which audiences treasure.
5. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
L.A. is a beautiful city that my brother always loved dearly. During my childhood, I bonded with a brother that adored Hollywood. We would discuss planning a trip to Los Angeles that would improve our relationship. Fascinated with the film industry, he adored a city that shaped his identity. As someone treasuring fond memories of a brother that once loved Hollywood, I adored “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”. Released in 2019, Quentin Tarantino’s movie offered a captivating tribute to the film industry of the 1960’s. With the most personal film of his career, Tarantino created a passionate love letter to the city that he grew up n. Tarantino effectively uses montages to capture actors bonding in Hollywood during the 1960’s. For instance, the scene in which Rick has a breakdown before filming a scene causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who portrayed a legendary western actor. Ultimately, what makes “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” a masterpiece is appeal. Unlike most movies about Hollywood, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A touching tribute towards an era once upon a time in in Hollywood, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has stood the test of time making memorable movies that are good.
6. This is the End
Humor is a rare quality seldom seen in movies about the film industry. Movies about Hollywood are often serious in capturing the lives of actors that are famous. In a genre where humour is rarely found at any end, its worth praising “This is the End”. Released in 2013, Seth Rogen’s movie offered a captivating comical portrait of the film industry. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “This is the End” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Rogen uses clever satire to capture celebrities confronting a doomsday disaster that’s dire. Assisted by James Franco who is amazing in the lead role, Rogen created a spectacular Hollywood satire. A hilarious depiction of famous celebrities facing a doomsday disaster that’s dangerous, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies that audiences consider precious.
7. My Week With Marilyn
Few movie-stars that achieved fame years ago are as beloved as Marilyn Monroe. With her attractive looks, charming personality and strong demeanour, Monroe gained a huge following in the 1950’s. In 2011, Simon Curtis honoured the iconic actress in his movie “My Week With Marilyn”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “My Week With Marilyn” stand out is its outsider perspective. Curtis effectively uses various perspectives of actors Marilyn worked with in the film industry to create a powerful portrait of the iconic actress. Assisted by Michelle Williams who is magnificent in the lead role, Curtis honoured a legendary movie-star’s legacy. A marvellous tribute towards Marilyn Monroe, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre that has always manufactured memorable movies giving audiences dreams to follow.
8. Mank
Herman J. Mankiewicz is a legendary screenwriter that built a lasting legacy. During the 1940’s, Mank managed to gain praise when he made the film “Citizen Kane”. An awe-inspiring icon in Hollywood, Mank forever changed the film industry. In 2019, David Fincher celebrated Mank in his movie “Mank”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Mank” stand out is its strong attention to detail. It isn’t easy to recreate an iconic movie but Fincher succeeded. Fincher uses captivating black and white visuals to capture an alcoholic writer’s plight. Assisted by Gary Oldman who is superb in the lead role, Fincher celebrated the legacy of a legendary screenwriter. As strong as Mank’s desire to finish his script for “Citizen Kane”, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies which always entertain.
9. Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock is a legendary filmmaker that I’ve always loved dearly. A timeless icon in Hollywood, Hitchcock made memorable movies that shaped my childhood. I have always had immense respect for the Master of Suspense. In 2012, Sacha Gervasi honoured the legendary filmmaker in his movie “Hitchcock”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Hitchcock” stand out is its strong makeup. Gervasi uses stunning makeup to capture the larger-than-life presence of Alfred Hitchcock. Assisted by Anthony Hopkins who is extraordinary in the lead role, Gervasi honoured a legendary filmmaker in Hollywood history. A terrific tribute towards a world-famous filmmaker that was psychotic, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured iconic movies that have always captivated the public.
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10. Babylon
Substance abuse is a serious addiction in Hollywood. Since the 1920’s, drugs have enhanced celebrities. During this era, drugs allowed celebrities to cope with stardom. In 2022, Damien Chazelle depicted drug addiction of celebrities in his movie “Babylon”. Chazelle used montages to capture celebrities using drugs in the 1920’s. Assisted by Margot Robbie who is amazing in the lead role, Chazelle captured drug use. Although I’m a fan of the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s glamorization of substance abuse has made it a problematic movie. Nevertheless, it remains a strong addition to the genre. A dazzling depiction of celebrity drug addiction, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced memorable movies honouring the profession of Hollywood which I will forever treasure for shaping my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 