Not many genres have built a legacy as strong as creativity. Since the 1980’s, stories of creative artists have made for memorable movies. Whether its shining authors, little women publishers or wallflower teenagers, the genre has created several 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 writers that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Adaptation
Writer’s block is a painful process that causes stress. There’s nothing more frustrating in the whole world than when ideas don’t immediately spring to a writer’s mind. Personally speaking, writer’s block has impacted my ability to write reviews effectively. I have experienced trouble putting pen to paper to come up with great ideas as a writer. There have been times when I have struggled to engage being unable put a single word on a page. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the frustration of writer’s block as powerfully as “Adaptation”. Ever since its release in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about creative artists. With the greatest film of his career, Jonze used captivating cinematic techniques to capture the mind of a writer facing despair. Jonze has often had an aptitude for making great movies about writers whose lives are in danger, and “Adaptation” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Jonze uses voice-over narration to capture a screenwriter affected by writer’s block that causes depression. 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 incredible performance by Nicolas Cage, who embodied a frustrated screenwriter struggling to put words on the page. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” my favourite film about creative artists of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Hollywood screenwriters, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about writing which resonates with everyone. Nearly 15 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about writer’s block causing lives of screenwriters to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which audiences always appreciate.
2. Birdman
Broadway actors have figures that fascinate my father today. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a father that was a huge fan of big actors that acted on stage. Fascinated with Broadway, he would marvel at the clever way in which 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 uses unreliable narration to capture the mind of a mentally disturbed theatre actor that faces tension. 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 universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Broadway theatre to appreciate it. The film delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of frightening mental health struggles experienced by ambitious actors seeking success on stage, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to engage making movies that deliver a meaningful message.
3. 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. At an early age, I developed a passion for writing words on the page. 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”. eleased in 2008, Jane Campion’s movie captured the creative process of poetry writers facing adversity. 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 from Ben Whishaw, who portrayed a poet whose stories inspire awe. Ultimately, what makes “Bright Star” a classic is its appeal. Unlike most movies about poets, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about illness which would resonate with everyone. As strong as John Keats’ love for poetry, its a powerful reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies which audiences have appreciated dearly.
4. Dead Poets Society
Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember an English teacher that inspired me to become a writer. I grew up to cherish an English teacher that made me believe there was nothing I couldn’t accomplish. His wisdom motivated me to pursue my dreams of film criticism. An inspirational role model, my teacher motivated me to believe my dreams were possible. As someone treasuring a teacher that shaped my identity, I adored “Dead Poets Society”. Released in 1989, Peter Weir’s movie depicted the creative process of poetry professors. Weir used captivating montages capturing a poetry professor seeking to teach students about the process of writing. For instance, the final scene in which John Keating bids emotional farewell to his students that stand atop chairs reciting poetry causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Robin Williams, who proves how legendary of an actor he once was before he passed away. Ultimately, what makes “Dead Poets Society” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which are often outdated today, it has aged beautifully. The film delivers a bold message about dreams which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of the essential role teachers play motivating students to seize the day, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies which deserve to be celebrated today.
5. Midnight in Paris
Paris is a beautiful city that my brother always loved dearly. I remember my brother grew up to treasure a French city that changed his life forever. Drawn towards streets of Paris, he would love to discuss a city that he considered to be precious. My brother often felt Paris was a special city from which creative artists would get their source of inspiration. As someone treasuring memories of a brother that adored Paris, I appreciated “Midnight in Paris”. Released in 2011, Woody Allen’s movie captured creative artists roaming streets of Paris in search of inspiration. Allen used captivating real-life locations across Paris to capture the beauty of a city giving birth to artist that are inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Gil first meets Ernest Hemingway during a midnight trip across Paris causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Owen Wilson, who embodied a writer in search of inspiration. Ultimately, what makes “Midnight in Paris” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies about Paris, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. A magnificent tribute towards a city at midnight, it’s a marvellous reminder about a bright genre making movies that have earned the newsworthy spotlight.
6. American Fiction
Stories penned by minorities are rarely recognized by the publishing industry. The publishing profession has built tight barriers against stories black authors write. In an industry mistreating black authors with discrimination, it’s worth praising “American Fiction”. Released in 2023, Cord Jefferson’s movie depicted barriers black authors fight. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “American Fiction” stand out is its depiction of black writers. Jefferson uses satire to capture barriers faced by black authors that are dire. Assisted by Jeffrey Wright who is extraordinary in the leading role, Jefferson created a spectacular satire about race. As precious as stories Monk seeks to publish, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has managed to accomplish impressive feats manufacturing memorable movies that audiences always cherish.
7. Becoming Jane
When it comes to the most beloved authors of the 19th Century, nobody beats Jane Austen. Ever since she rose to prominence in the 1800’s, Austen has built a lasting legacy. With their timeless themes, strong storytelling and compelling characters, Austen earned a huge following. In 2007, Julian Jarrold honoured the author whose stories entertain in his movie “Becoming Jane”. Unlike most movies in the genre, wha tmakes “Becoming Jane” stand out is its feminist perspective. Jarrold uses captivating montages capturing hardships a female writer seeking to publish stories is facing. Assisted by Anne Hathaway who is extraordinary in the lead role, Jarrold honoured an author that’s beloved today. A beautiful biopic about an author that’s iconic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies captivating the worldwide public.
8. Black Swan
The creative process often causes ballet dancers to face stress. Ballet has built a reputation for being a stressful profession in which artists often experience tension. The stressful nature of the creative process affecting ballet dancers is beautifully depicted in the movie “Black Swan”. Released in 2010, Darren Aronofsky’s movie captured ballet dancers facing adversity. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Black Swan” stand out is its depiction of ballet. Aronofsky uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a ballet dancer is facing. Assisted by Natalie Portman who is superb in the lead role, Aronofsky captured the ballet profession. As memorable as ballet dances performed by Nina, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which attract audiences towards Cinema.
9. Misery
Obsession is a dangerous emotion that affects the creative process. Writers that are obsessive often struggle to write stories which are effective. The misery faced by writers struggling to publish stories is beautifully depicted in the movie “Misery”. Released in 1991, Rob Reiner’s movie captured obsessive writers struggling to publish stories. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Misery” stand out is its depiction of obsession. Reiner uses captivating voice-over narration capturing struggles that an obsessive fan stalking a famous author is facing. Assisted by Kathy Bates who is amazing in the lead role, Reiner created a compelling writing drama. A powerful portrayal of authors that are miserable, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies that audiences consider special.
10. Whiplash
Few movies ever made about how the creative process can change lives in a flash are as beloved as “Whiplash”. Released in 2014, Damien Chazelle’s movie captured jazz drummers facing abusive teachers. Chazelle used montages capturing hardships that a jazz drummer is facing. Assisted by Miles Teller who is magnificent in the lead role, Chazelle created a captivating music drama. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of the creative process causing jazz drummers to face adversity has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Andrew’s love for drumming, it’s a dazzling reminder of a commemorated genre making captivating movies about struggles artists are experiencing which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love for the art of filmmaking.
The Film Buff 