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. Dead Poets Society
Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember forming relationships with an English teacher motivating me to become a writer. I grew to cherish an English teacher that made me believe there was nothing in the world I couldn’t accomplish. A movie-buff, he became a person in whom I could easily confide when my grim life became tough. His inspirational words of wisdom motivated me to pursue my dreams of film criticism. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the big roles that poetic teachers play shaping students’ identity as powerfully as “Dead Poets Society”. Ever since its release in 1989, Peter Weir’s film has stood the test of time as the greatest movie ever made about creativity. With the greatest film of his career, Weir used innovative cinematic techniques to capture poetic professors about whom students care. Weir has always had an aptitude for creating emotional monologues in his movies, and “Dead Poets Society” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the “O Captain My Captain” scene in which Keating bids farewell towards his students standing atop chairs in a classroom with nostalgia is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Robin Williams, who proved how great of an actor he once was before he tragically passed away. As John Keating, Williams created one of the most inspiring poets in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Dead Poets Society” my favourite film about creativity all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which are often outdated today, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 40 years after the release of a classic film about poetic teachers that play a pivotal role in the lives of students inspired to seize the day, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable films about creativity which deserve to be celebrated absolutely today.
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. 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. 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. However, immigration became a big barrier bringing our bonds to a closure. When my family immigrated, I was forced to end relationships with a girl I appreciated. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured sacrifices of achieving stardom dreams that are planned as powerfully as “La La Land”. Released in 2016, Damien Chazelle’s musical captured actors seeking stardom in Los Angeles. Chazelle used musical numbers to capture lovers whose romance is threatened by stardom in their respective careers. For instance, the scene in which Mia sings about her dreams to become an actress in an audition 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 in L.A. Ultimately, what makes “La La Land” a musical masterpiece is its message. It delivers a profound message about the sacrifices involved in achieving stardom which would resonate with everyone. As strong as bonds between lovers in L.A., it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made movies which are worth celebrating today.
4. 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.
5. A Star is Born
Musicians often suffer from severe drug addiction. Several years ago, I formed friendships with a kid that sought to become a musical maestro. Fond of playing the guitar, he seemed born to be a star. However, his severe addiction to weed affected his abilities to become a musician that could succeed. As someone treasuring fond memories of a musical friend torn apart by addiction, I adored “A Star is Born”. Released in 2018, Bradley Cooper’s movie captured the lives of musicians with drug addiction. Cooper effectively used montages capturing the lives of alcoholic singers facing tragedy. For instance, the scene in which Jackson Maine humiliates Ally by urinating during her awards acceptance speech causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Cooper, who embodied a musician with shallow alcohol addiction. Ultimately, what makes “A Star is Born” a musical masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Lady Gaga to appreciate it. The film delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of alcohol addiction experienced by commemorated singers that are far from shallow, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre manufacturing groundbreaking movies giving audiences dreams to commonly follow.
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. 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.
8. Elvis
Elvis Presley is a celebrated musician my grandfather always appreciated. I remember my grandfather was obsessed with the iconic singer. He would always speak fondly about a singer that he grew up watching in Germany. My grandfather loved to tell fond stories of a singer in a heartbreak hotel. In 2022, Baz Luhrmann honoured the legendary musician in his movie “Elvis”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Elvis” stand out is its energy. Luhrmann uses energetic non-linear storytelling capturing Elvis’ complex relationship with his manager. Assisted by Austin Butler who is extraordinary in the lead role, Luhrmann honoured Elvis Presley’s legacy. An extraordinary tribute towards Elvis Presley, it’s an exhilarating reminder of a genre that has manufactured commemorated movies which audiences love commonly dearly.
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 creative artists whose lives change in a flash are as beloved as “Whiplash”. Released in 2014, Damien Chazelle’s movie captured the life of a jazz drummer facing tragedy. Chazelle used captivating montages capturing hardships a jazz band student abused by teachers is facing. Assisted by Miles Teller who is exceptional in the lead role, Chazelle created a captivating musical drama. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of a jazz drummer student abused by teachers has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Andrew’s love for jazz music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre that has made iconic movies about tragic struggles of creative artists which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of becoming a film critic.
The Film Buff 