Not many characters attract audiences’ attention like introverts. Since the 1970’s, social introverts have often appeared in memorable movies. Whether it’s wallflower teenagers, screenwriters or psychotic killers, the genre has created many characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about introverts that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Taxi Driver
Loneliness has impacted by personality. As far as I remember, I have always been a lonely person. Being an Autistic person, I’ve found social interactions in life challenging. I have always preferred to engage in independent activities such as writing that require little social interaction. Due to preferences for spending time alone, I have always struggled to make friendships that are long-lasting. Few films I’ve ever seen have managed to capture my feelings of being an introvert as powerfully as “Taxi Driver”. Ever since its release in 1976, Martin Scorsese’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about introverts. With the most thought-provoking film of his career, Scorsese used innovative cinematic techniques to capture the life of a lonely taxi driver facing despair. Scorsese has always had an aptitude for making movies about lonely characters, and “Taxi Driver” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Scorsese effectively used voice-over narration to capture the life of a lonely taxi driver facing mental health deterioration. For instance, the scene in which Travis Bickle talks to himself in front of a mirror preparing for an assassination causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Robert De Niro, who portrayed a lonely taxi driver facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Taxi Driver” my favourite film about introversion of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with themes that remain relevant today. Nearly 50 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about lonely taxi drivers in 1970’s New York City whose lives deteriorate, it’s a commemorated reminder about a genre that has always produced unforgettable movies which audiences appreciate.
2. The Social Network
Friendships are fragile relationships that are rarely meant to last forever. I recall a close friend in my high school that I once grew up to treasure. However, our strong bond came to closures. No longer the friend that I had grown up to adore, he became a total stranger that I didn’t recognize anymore. As someone treasuring a close friend on a social network, I adored “The Social Network”. Released in 2010, David Fincher’s movie captured friendships falling apart in formations of Facebook. Fincher has often explored friendship in his movies, and “The Social Network” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Eduardo throws a temper tantrum breaking Mark’s laptop after his shares in social media are lowered is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Jesse Eisenberg, who portrayed an introverted social network founder. Ultimately, what makes “The Social Network” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be Facebook users to appreciate it. The film delivers a bold message about friendships which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking tribute towards a commemorated company that forever changed social media, it’s a great reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies that are worth seeing in the Cinema.
3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Anxiety is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. This anxiety first began in high school when I faced grim pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. Unable to cope with stress, I faced a nervous breakdown that impacted my academic success. As someone that experienced anxiety as a teenager, I adored “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about lonely teenagers. With the most personal film of his career, Chbosky captured lonely teenagers afflicted with anxiety causing despair. For instance, the scene in which Charlie has a nervous breakdown after bidding sad farewell to his friends causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Logan Lerman, who portrays a lonely teenager facing conflicted emotion. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a commemorated masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Charlie’s desire to be a wallflower teenager, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made timeless films which audiences treasure.
4. Bright Star
Writing is a passion that I’ve always enjoyed pursuing. As far back as I remember, I have always wanted to become a famous writer. During childhood, I developed lifelong passions for writing about the art of filmmaking. Despite facing cyberbullying, nothing has stopped me from pursuing my passion for writing. As someone that has sought to become a writer reaching a high bar, I adored “Bright Star”. Released in 2009, Jane Campion’s movie captured the life of a legendary poet in English history. Campion successfully used montages capturing the struggles of an introvert poet with a lifelong love for writing. For instance, the scene in which John Keats first meets Fanny beginning their lifelong romantic affair in a bygone era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ben Whishaw, who played an introvert poet inspiring awe. Ultimately, what makes “Bright Star” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about poets, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about illness which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of a poet that readers celebrate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor making movies which audiences appreciate.
5. Adaptation
Writer’s block is a painful process that causes stress. There’s nothing more frustrating in the world than when ideas don’t immediately spring to a writer’s mind. I have faced trouble putting pen to paper coming up with original ideas as a writer. Preferring to spend time writing, I have often found social interactions in life to be challenging. As someone that has witnessed writer’s block causing frustration, I adored “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie demonstrated hardships isolated screenwriters with writer’s block go through. Jonze uses voice-over narration to capture a screenwriter struggling to have social interactions. For instance, the opening scene in which Charlie begins sweating profusely being unable to communicate with a pretty publisher causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Nicolas Cage, who portrays a lonely screenwriter. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Hollywood screenwriters, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about writing process which would resonate with everyone. As precious as stories that Charlie seeks to publish, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has made great movies which audiences cherish.
6. Drive
Car racing is an activity that I’ve never found appealing. At an early age, I became afraid of stepping into cars with the risk of facing damage. As someone that has never been fond of cars that racers drive, I was surprised by how much I loved “Drive”. Released in 2011, Nicholas Winding Refn’s movie depicted the life of a driver with anti-social personality. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Drive” stand out is its depiction of driving. Refn uses captivating montages capturing hardships that an introvert driver is facing. Assisted by Ryan Gosling who is extraordinary in the lead role, Refn created a commemorated driving drama. As precious as cars the Driver seeks to drive, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies with abilities to thrive that make audiences feel alive.
7. The Great Gatsby
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about introverts, it’s worth discussing The Great Gatsby. Ever since its publication in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has become a classic. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann did a great job of adapting the book in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Great Gatsby” stand out is its depiction of the 1920’s. Luhrmann uses voice-over narration to capture the life of an introverted millionaire overcoming poverty in the 1920’s. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Luhrmann honours an iconic book published years ago. A great adaptation of a famous book about millionaires that are mysterious, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured bold movies which audiences consider precious.
8. Her
Technology addiction has shaped my identity. As far as I remember, I’ve been a heavy technology user. At an early age, I formed a strong addiction to technology gadgets that shaped my personality. As someone that’s always been a heavy technology user, I identified with “Her”. Released in 2013, Spike Jonze’s movie offered a powerful portrait of technology romance. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Her” stand out is its depiction of technology. Jonze manages to turn the absurd concept of a man falling in love with his phone into a meaningful romance that’s relatable. Assisted by Joaquin Phoenix who is phenomenal in the leading role, Jonze creates a commemorated technology romance that’s compelling. As precious as the operating system used by Theodore, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that audiences adore.
9. Manchester by the Sea
It’s challenging facing the loss of a loved one. Years ago, my family lost a beloved uncle causing sorrow. Left devastated, my family mourned loss of a relative we appreciated. As someone haunted by loss of a relative causing family tragedy, I appreciated “Manchester by the Sea”. Released in 2016, Kenneth Lonergan’s movie captured a lonely janitor mourning family tragedy. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Manchester by the Sea” stand out is its depiction of grief. Lonergan uses flashbacks to capture loneliness a grieving janitor is facing. Assisted by Casey Affleck who is amazing in the lead role, Lonergan created a portrait of loneliness that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of loneliness tearing families apart, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that creates precious art with power to mend a broken heart.
10. Joker
Few villains in popular culture that are introverts are as beloved as the Joker. With his maniacal grin, charismatic personality and humour, the Joker has become an icon. In 2019, Todd Phillips reimagined the character in his movie “Joker”. Phillips used unreliable narration to capture a social introvert comedian facing tension. Assisted by Joaquin Phoenix who is extraordinary in the lead role, Phillips honoured a villain. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of introversion causing violence has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s an engaging addition to the genre. As strong as the Joker’s desire to change Gotham, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre manufacturing memorable movies offering wisdom on introverts that I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve my dreams of film criticism.
The Film Buff 