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17 Essential Movies For An Introduction To Essay Films

 films

Put most concisely by Timothy Corrigan in his book on the film: ‘from its literary origins to its cinematic revisions, the istic describes the many-layered activities of a personal point of view as a public experience’.

Perhaps a close cousin to documentary, the film is at its core a personal mode of filmmaking. Structured in a breadth of forms, a partial definition could be said to be part fact, part fiction with an intense intimacy (but none of these are necessarily paramount).

Stemming from the literary as a form of personal expression borne from in-depth explorations of its chosen topic, the film can be agitprop, exploratory, or diaristic and generally rejects narrative progression and concretised conclusions in favour of a thematic ambivalence. Due to its nature as inherently personal, the term itself is as vague and expansive as the broad collective of films it purports to represent.

To borrow Aldous Huxley’s definition, the is a device for saying almost everything about almost anything. In built then is an inherent expansiveness that informs a great ambition in the form itself, but as Huxley acknowledges it can only say almost anything; whether extolling the need for a socialist state (Man with a Movie Camera), deconstructing the power and status of the image itself (Histoire(s) du Cinema, Images of the World and the Inscription of War, Los Angeles Plays Itself) or providing a means to consider ones of past (Walden, News from home, Blue), the film is only the form of expression, which unlike any other taxonomic term suggests almost nothing about the film itself other than its desire to explore.

Below is an 17 film introduction to the film that cannot be pinned down and continue to remake and remodel itself as freely as it sheds connections between any of the films within its own canon.

1. Man with a Movie Camera (1929) dir. Dziga Vertov

Man with a Movie Camera

An exercise in technical experimentation, Man with a Movie Camera is the pioneering, not to mention most lauded, of Vertov’s filmic polemics: espousing not only a new, necessary way of life, but a means of living that is created through cinema.

Shot by Maurice Kaufman, brother of Vertov, the film is a portrait of a city across 24 hours via bold experimentation based on Vertov’s staunchly Marxist ideologies. Its propagandist structure does not however belie its beauty.

Through masterful technique it became the defining film of 1920’s Soviet Union (perhaps on a par with Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin). Its propagation of film as the means through which life is realised, that the camera is now an unequivocal feature of modernity and too a powerful political tool, creates a filmic love letter to industrialisation and the humanist elements of physical labour.

In opposition to Eisenstein, Vertov is a master of his own brand of idiosyncratic montage which, with its sublime manipulative technique combined with realist images, rejects the opiate affects of traditional narrative cinema, attempting to create instead a cinematic language in which the camera becomes the pen of the 20th century.

2. A Propos de Nice (1930) dir. Jean Vigo

a-propos-de-nice

Shot by Boris Kaufman, brother of Dziga Vertov (Man with a Movie Camera), A Propos de Nice is a satirical portrait of life in 1920’s Nice. The leisurely upper classes of French society are the subjects of a portrayal the blind escapism and ignorance created by modernity.

Vigo thus contrasts the bourgeois culture of relaxation with the daily grind of the poor in society. The parodic form of the travelogue as anthropological study is employed as a means of document increasing social and economic disparities which Vigo sought to present as necessitating a revolutionary stance (the likes of which cinematographer Kaufman glean from his brother’s agit-prop, propagandist Kino-Pravda series).

Engrained in the very structure of modern society is, for Vigo, deep social inequality; life in this case masks its own inequalities through ignorance and selfishness. Images of women energetically dancing are reduced to slow modern and thus arises from them the absurdity of inherent inequalities.

Like a Jay Gatsby party, the excitement and laughter only serves to mask a profound emptiness whose own ridiculousness is an unacknowledged form of societal freakshow, which only those on the outside can perceive.

3. 2 or 3 Things I Know About Her (1967) dir. Jean-Luc Godard

2 or 3 Things I Know About Her

In a year of 3 Godard diatribes against neo-capitalism, 2 or 3 Thing I Know About Her is the most contemplative; if La Chinoise a document of the soon to be riotous students, 2 or 3 is the suburban families watching the events unfold on their television screens.

Fraught with concern for the disintegration of lexical meaning, Godard’s collage of modern life follows the existentially empty Julitte Jeanson, a bourgeise housewife-come-prostitute, as she contemplates her preconceived societal role and the deadened collective consciousness of everyone whom Godard’s camera encounters.

If language is the house one lives in, as Juliette informs her son, then the house is subject to the blind whims of suited right wing repo men.

The portrait of Juliette is a composite sketch of the modern citizen, replaceable, replicable to the extent that Godard introduces Juliette first as Marina Vlady, the actress who plays her, before acknowledging her as a fictional creation; a less subtle evocation of the resignation to role playing in post-war France, watching death in Vietnam while decided whether or not to go and wash the car.

4. Walden; Diaries, Notes, and Sketches (1969) dir. Jonas Mekas

Walden; Diaries, Notes, and Sketches (1969)

Walden is the film in its most diaristic form. Essentially a suitably handsome extended home video, Mekas’s film, shot from 1964-1969, features a series of chronologically edited video diaries that span from eating Chinese food with John Lennon, footage from the Velvet Underground’s first performance, or just the filmmaker eating a croissant in Marseille.

Given the length, the film could be criticised as an epic exercise in self-gratification (the filmic equivalent of continuous name dropping), or simultaneously as an invitation into the expansive but hermetic world of the New York art scene in the late 60’s, of which Mekas’ himself was a central fixture.

As with Akerman’s News From Home, it is the film’s internal focus, an exposure of the personal, wherein its interest lies. Mekas’ ability to construct a montage that appears at ease with itself in all its fragmentation, relying on meticulous in-camera precision, creates a sea images which with each wave comes harmony and contrast. Walden emerges then as an unpretentious acknowledgment of the inextricability of experience and image, finding within it celebrations of life’s variety and extended harmonies.

5. F for Fake (1973) dir. Orson Welles

f for fake film

Welles’s final film is an explosive and intelligent scrutinisation of the filmmaking process and the concept of authenticity in art. Centrally presenting Elmyr de Hory’s career as an art forger, F for Fake transcends basic narrative or documentary expositions to instead philosophise on the ontology of authorship.

Increasingly Welles rejects infallibility in favour of a profound ambivalence that is read across the careers of various forgers to eventually become, as is naturally the case for such a sublime example of the film, a personal contemplation of his own career and his self-definition as a perpetual sceptic.

Through rhythmic montage editing and questioning of the structure and the power of the image itself, F for Fake eulogizes the image as a consistently fallible, or deconstructible form, and in true Wellesian style, given it is the form that its director made his career,cannot help but find humour within.

6. Le Fond de l’air est rouge/A Grin Without a Cat (1977) dir. Chris Marker

le-fond-de-l-air-est-rouge

Widely acknowledged as the master of the film, Le fond de l’air est rouge is a personal rumination of discontent on the progression and dissolution of left-wing politics from Vietnam up until the films release in 1977.

10 years after the Marker conceived Loin du Vietnam, a protest film against the Vietnam war structured in segments from a wealth of French Filmmakers including Godard, Resnais, Lelouch, Varda and Klein, the film is markedly more melancholic, plagued by a scepticism highlighted in the French title (directly translated as the essence of the air is red) that implies the socialist sentiment only ever existed in the air.

Opening with shots from Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin (1925), Marker’s mastery of the appropriated image emerges. The film’s first four minutes are perhaps the finest montage sequence of post-war cinema, commending the bravery of those who fought for the socialist ideal but ultimately acknowledging the inevitability of its failure at the hands of right wing opposition, whose growth in power Marker sees as masked by the outward protests of the left.

Behind closed doors centre right solidarity, particularly in Marker’s native France, was only increased in the face of a scattered, disorganised and self-destructive shouts for power from the left.

Marker’s film is archival re-appropriation at its most controlled, his erudition and poetic narration reinforcing the notion of history itself as recreated and retold by individuals, always having an agenda.

7. News From Home (1977) dir. Chantal Akerman

news from home

Borne from the influence of the structuralist filmmakers Akerman encountered in New York (see Michael Snow, Stan Brakhage and Hollis Frampton), News from Home is a portrait of a city as seen through the eyes of a foreigner, as she attempts to come to terms with her new surroundings and the contrast to the life she left in Brussels (constantly referenced in the letters from her mother that are used to narrate the film).

Akerman films New York with the intricate eye of someone completely out of their depth, attempting to survive in a city they hardly know, emphasised by the concern of the letters from her mother. News from Home is a contemplation of the inescapability of the past and how it informs the present viewed from a perspective of awe, confusion and intense deliberation.

Akerman’s stares at New York as if to glean some meaning from its landscape as the letters from her mother cannot help make her feel at once a child and to the unchartered explorer entering a new terrain with bravado and wonder.

8. Koyaanisqatsi (1982) dir. Godfrey Reggio

koyaanisqatsi-1983

Koyaanisqatsi, meaning life out of balance, is a poetic ode to absurdity constructed through cinematographic deconstructions of time and space. By slowing down images or speeding them up via time-lapse techniques, Reggio presents the fog of modernity as a means to highlight the absurdity of purported meanings, whether it is mass production of hot dogs or humanities destructive capabilities life lived blindly, perceived without questioning, is insignificant.

The film’s rejection of language forces full focus onto the status and power of imagery, especially when contorted, to suppose passivity and acceptance as a way of life, unsurprisingly drawing influence, like Thom Andersen’s Los Angeles Plays Itself (2003) from Guy Debord’s Society of the Spectacle, going as far as to acknowledge him in the credits along with fellow critics of mass communications, big society and the power of technology, Jacques Ellul, Ivan Illich and Leopold Kohr.

As with Godard’s concern for the disintegration of language into base semiotic signifiers, evocative of nothing but materials and the literal, Koyaanisqatsi presents ‘a state of life that calls for another way a living’; a visually stunning but essentially aggressive denouncement of advanced capitalism, its pretence to knowledge and its ability to create an omnipresent complacency that drapes life in a visually pleasing veil, underneath which lies a profound nothingness.

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The Best Essay Films, Ranked

What is an essay film? Let's take a look at the movie genre that replaces exciting plots with the poetry of tangled self-reflection.

In literature, an essay is a composition dealing with its subject from a personal point of view. The pioneer of this genre, 16th-century French writer and philosopher Michel de Montaigne, used the French word "essai" to describe his "attempts" to put subjective thoughts into writing. Deriving its name from Montaigne’s magnum opus Essays and the literary genre in general, essay films are defined as a self-reflexive form of avant-garde, experimental, sort of documentary cinema that can be traced back to the dawn of filmmaking.

From early silent essay films, like D. W. Griffith’s A Corner in Wheat and Dziga Vertov’s Man with a Movie Camera , to in-depth explorations from the second half of the 20th century, these are some of the best essay films ever made, ranked.

8 A Corner in Wheat

the 1909 silent film A Corner in Wheat

The 14-minute short A Corner in Wheat (1909) is considered by many to be the world's earliest essay film. Directed by filmmaking pioneer D. W. Griffith, this shot follows a ruthless tycoon who wants to control the wheat market. A powerful portrayal of capitalistic greed , A Corner in Wheat is a bold commentary on the contrast between the wealthy speculators and the agricultural poor. It is simply one of the best early short films.

7 Two or Three Things I Know About Her

Marina Vlady in Two or Three Things I Know About Her

Described by MUBI as "a landmark transition from the maestro’s jazzy genre deconstructions of the 60s to his gorgeous and inquisitive essay films of the future" (such as Histoire(s) du cinéma , Goodbye to Language , The Image Book ), 1967's Two or Three Things I Know About Her is Jean-Luc Godard’s collage of modern life.

Related: The Best Jean-Luc Godard Films, Ranked

The story of 24 hours in the life of housewife Juliette (Marina Vlady), who moonlights as a prostitute, is only a template for the filmmaker’s social observation of 1960s France, sprinkled with references to the nightmares of the Vietnam War. Whispering in our ears as narrator, Godard tells us much more than two or three things about "her," referring to Paris rather than Juliette.

6 F for Fake

Orson Welles in F for Fake

Orson Welles’ 1973 essay film F for Fake focuses on three hoaxers, the notorious art forger Elmyr de Hory who had a talent for copying styles of noted painters; his biographer Clifford Irving whose fake "authorized biography" of Howard Hughes was one of the biggest literary scandals of the 20th century; and Welles himself with his famous War of the Worlds hoax. One of the best Orson Welles films , F for Fake investigates the tenuous lines between forgery and art, illusion and life.

5 News from Home

the 1977 avant-garde documentary film News from Home

An unforgettable time capsule of New York in the 1970s, News from Home features Belgian film director Chantal Akerman reading melancholic, sometimes passive-aggressive letters from her mother over beautiful shots of New York, where Akerman relocated at the age of 21. Released in 1976, after the filmmaker’s breakthrough drama Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles , News from Home makes plain the disconnection in family, while New York and the young artist’s alienating come more and more to the front.

4 As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty

Jonas Mekas in As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty

Jonas Mekas, the godfather of American avant-garde cinema, made one of the most personal, but at the same time one of the most universal films ever. It is his 2000 experimental documentary As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty . Compiled from Mekas' home movies from 1970-1999, this nearly five-hour essay film shows the loveliness of everyday life. Footage of what Mekas calls "little fragments of paradise," the first steps of the filmmaker’s children, their happy life in New York, trips to Europe, and on and on, are complemented by Mekas’ commentary. It is a poetic diary about nothing but life.

3 Sans Soleil

cats in Sans Soleil

Directed by Chris Marker, king of the essay film , 1983’s Sans Soleil ( Sunless ) follows an unseen cameraman named Sandor Krasna, Marker's alter ego, who journeys from Africa to Japan, "two extreme poles of survival." The 100-minute poetical collage of Marker’s original documentary footage, clips from films and television, sequences from other filmmakers, and stock videos comes complete with the voice of a nameless female narrator, who reads Krasna's letters that sum up his lifetime's travels.

Like Marker's French New Wave masterpiece La Jetee , Sans Soleil reflects on human experience, the nature of memory, understanding of time, and life on our planet. It is pure beauty.

International Klein Blue

Made when the filmmaker, Derek Jarman, was dying from AIDS-related complications that rendered him partially blind and capable only of experiencing shades of blue, the great experimental film Blue from 1993 is like no other. Jarman’s 79-minute final feature consists of a single shot of one color — International Klein Blue. Against a blank blue screen, the iconic director interweaves a medley of sounds, music, voices of four narrators (Jarman himself, the chameleonic Tilda Swinton , Nigel Terry, and John Quentin), the filmmaker’s daydreams, adventures of Blue, as a character and color, diary-like entries about Jarman’s life and current events, names of his lovers and friends who had died of AIDS, fragments of poetry, and much more.

Related: 8 Must-Watch Movies From LGBTQ+ Filmmakers

A deeply personal goodbye and a sort of self-portrait, this essay film is dedicated to Yves Klein , the artist who mixed this deep blue hue and said, "At first there is nothing, then there is a profound nothingness, after that a blue profundity".

1 Man with a Movie Camera

the cameraman and the camera in Man with a Movie Camera

Dziga Vertov, one of cinema’s greatest innovators, believed that the "eye" of the camera captures life better than the subjective eye of a human. In the 1920s, he started looking for cinematic truth, showing life outside the field of human vision through a mix of rhythmic editing, multiple exposures, experimental camera angles, backward sequences, freeze frames, extreme close-ups, and other "cinema eye" techniques. This is how Vertov’s best-known film, 1929’s Man with a Movie Camera , was made. This narrative-free essay shows the kaleidoscopic life of Soviet cities. An avant-garde urban poem, Man with a Movie Camera makes clear what the beauty of cinema is.

movies that inspire to write

10 Movies That Inspire To Write

Writing is great, but unfortunately, you cannot have endless inspiration. Very often, even the best and most popular authors lack inspiration. You just have no thoughts and no lust for writing. It is good if you write for yourself and no one depends on you, and you do not depend on anyone. However, if you are a student who needs to create an essay urgently, you cannot wait to be inspired.

Who can inspire me to write? This is the question many students and freelancers usually ask. If you have a terrible writer’s block, you can consider custom essay writing services that may help you cope with the lack of inspiration however there are other ways.

Some students need to describe or review specific movies in essays, while others are looking for inspiring movies to write their essays on. Whatever you are struggling with, check the following selection of inspiring movies that will make you one of the more creative writers in your circles (or in your college).

1. Julie and Julia

Julie and Julia

Julie and Julia is a real-life story about a blogger directed in 2009. If you have not seen this movie yet, you definitely should. Julie is a blogger who cooks based on recipes of Julia Child and writes about them.

The history of Julia Child is highlighted very well in this film. Though everything seems quite banal at the beginning, the plot turns around unexpectedly. The movie is very interesting since it connects two stories from different times. The two main characters of the story never meet, and neither they have never met in real life.

Do check out this story of a blogger, her struggles, and the ways she copes with them.

Misery

Misery was directed in 1990 based on one of the best-selling novels of Stephen King written in 1987. As one can guess, this is not a comedy but rather an irony. The film grabs the attention of many writers as the plot is centered on a best-selling novelist.

This is the only movie based on King’s novels has won an Academy Award. If you are a fan of psychological horrors , this movie is for you. You will find it scary, exciting and yet very inspiring. The movie makes writers think hard about their goals and priorities.

3. Almost Famous

Almost Famous

The story of a sheltered writer who is just 15 years old who is working on his freelance assignment for the Rolling Stone magazine. The plot grabs your attention from the very first minute. You will love the characters and the very realistic plot.

The story is semi-autobiographical, and this makes it even more captivating. The main character’s love for rock music is central to the film. The struggle character for inspiration and writing is something very noticeable and analysis worthy.

4. Shakespeare in Love

Shakespeare in Love

One of the best stories about writers that will make you feel the spirit of England 400 years ago. It’s a light romantic comedy you’ll enjoy.

If you are a Shakespearean fan, the movie is for you. Even if you simply adore great historical movies, you will undoubtedly enjoy the film as well. The atmosphere is extremely accurate. There are plenty of themes to be observed and analyzed in this movie.

The film presents an interesting angle on how Romeo and Juliet was written. We get to witness how Shakespeare struggles and how suddenly he finds his inspiration. Who else, if not this greatest writer, can be the best example for modern writers?

5. You’ve Got Mail

You've Got Mail

If you are a writer or just a student who needs good movies to write about, the movie You’ve Got Mail is just the thing for you. It is both exciting to write your own piece of literature and just an amazing story to review in your essay or movie review.

The plot is focused on the book industry. Today, you have the luxury to use the Internet to help you write and find great ideas. However, this story takes place in times when the Internet was just appearing as a way of communication.

Two people who are nearly enemies in real life are the closest people online since they do not know each other. Their communication was anonymous. It is very inspiring because it shows how important and really romantic letter writing is.

6. Moonlight

Moonlight

The movie was directed in 2016. It is one of the best films to inspire writers , although the plot is far from writers’ routine. However, the story resonates with its viewers. The plot consists of three stages of life of one boy as he goes from being a teen to an adult.

Maybe you will not learn how to write from this movie, but you will get other inspirations and ideas for your assignments. Be aware of the choices of palette and tone in your stories.

7. Dead Poets Society

Dead Poets Society

This movie is for you if you do not like literature yet. An English teacher will show you the beauty of literature and writing through his non-standard methods. If you still have no idea why language and literature are so exciting and brilliant, learn some tips and get inspired by watching this movie.

You will learn how literature can impact everyone’s soul. This story would be perfect for teachers, actually. However, if you are a student, you should watch it as well without any doubt. Writers will find it even more special.

8. Becoming Astrid (Swedish: Unga Astrid)

Becoming Astrid

This is a biographical drama directed in 2018 about the life of Swedish writer, Astrid Lindgren. Not many people have seen it since the movie was produced in Denmark and Sweden.

Astrid Lindgren is an author whose books are known to nearly every child in the world. Astrid Lindgren receives letters from kids from all corners of the globe. While working in a local newspaper, an 18-year-old girl falls in love with a chief editor who is 30 years older than her.

Astrid gets pregnant and goes to Denmark to give birth to her son Lars. Unfortunately, she must leave her son with a Danish family for a while until he is several years old. This is a true story of a writer who is admired all over the world.

Learn about the true struggles of people in those difficult times and see how, no matter what, they found inspiration to write and still enjoy life.

9. The Ghost Writer

The Ghost Writer

The Ghost Writer is a well-known political thriller, the main character of which writes memoirs for a retired Prime Minister. He doesn’t assume the work can be hard and thinks everything will be easy. However, later on, the writer realizes how much he risks his own life since the information he manages to find out should have never been known to him.

10. The Words

the words

An amazingly inspiring movie about a writer who can’t find the inspiration and fails to submit the book on time. Suddenly, he finds a manuscript that seems quite interesting to him. Due to the lack of inspiration, the writer decides to submit it as his own. It turned out to be a big success, and he becomes extremely popular.

However, one day, his life turns into a nightmare when an unknown man says he knows the book he published was not written by him. If you are a student or author who is looking for inspiration online or from other sources, be careful of plagiarism.

The movie is a great reminder that we have to cite the sources properly no matter what we are writing. Even if you find brilliant words, remember they are written by someone else.

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Barry is a technologist who helps start-ups build successful products. His love for movies and production has led him to write his well-received film explanation and analysis articles to help everyone appreciate the films better. He’s regularly available for a chat conversation on his website and consults on storyboarding from time to time. Click to browse all his film articles

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21 April 2020

Eight essential films for film students

movies to write an essay about

Writing and cinematography have a lot in common. At the end of the day, they both have the same objective, and that is to tell a story. Essays on books have always been a staple in most educational institutes.

However, with time, teachers slowly realise the potential of films to narrate excellent stories as well. For this reason, college teachers are assigning more and more students essays about movies. But though there are numerous good movies to write papers on, picking one that is both impactful and provides adequate material for an essay at the same time might be difficult.

Although an essay about movies seems like a simple task on the surface, it is anything but. You have to analyse the entire film and pick up on things that are very subtly incorporated into it. If an essay about movies is simply not something you’re good at, you can always look for a free essay writer program to help you with your assignment.

This kind of free essay writing program from Edubirdie will give you an option to do my essay or write my essay for free. Essay writer free programs are an excellent way to maintain your grades if writing doesn’t come naturally to you. But if you want to explore movies to write an essay on, then we’ve made a list of some classic, all-time favourite movies that will give you plenty of material to write about.

A Beautiful Mind Based on the life of the award-winning mathematician Dr. John Nash, A Beautiful Mind tells the story of love, resilience, friendship, and perseverance. The movie is thought-provoking and inspiring, and the best part is that it is based on true events. Although a little long, and the movie is worth every minute. Although the plot is enough to keep you on the edge of your seat, A Beautiful Mind does not skimp out on portraying relationships and their complexities to the fullest.

Forrest Gump A sweet and heart-touching movie that will have you grabbing tissues all throughout its length. Forrest Gump is indeed a visual masterpiece and tackles a large range of issues through the eyes of a simple-minded man. The movie is deceptively simple, and one does not realise all the subtle nuances in emotions that it evokes till the very end.

Schindler’s List Like all great movies, Schindler’s List is careful about revealing its plot until the very end. What makes the story of Oskar Schindler so fascinating is he was not a saint. However, Oskar’s espionage activities on behalf of Germany, while regrettable to enemies of Germany, later put him in a position to save many lives. While there will always be those who question the motives of others, those who have examined Schindler’s efforts find him heroic. Oskar Schindler was a great man who saved the lives of more than 1,000 Jews during the Holocaust. The imperfections in his character and the nuances in the historical record only make his story more remarkable.

The King’s Speech Following his rushed and unexpected ascension to the throne, King George VI must learn to overcome his debilitating stammer to become an exemplary leader. With his country on the brink of war, King George VI must work tirelessly to overcome his speech impediment and unite his people. The film depicts new insights into the history of the royal family and the unexpected challenges they faced.

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Pride and Prejudice Based on Jane Austen’s classic novel of the same name, Pride and Prejudice is a beautiful story about ego, love, feminism, and class differences. Set in the early nineteenth century, The movie follows the life of a headstrong young girl, her family, and a particular young gentleman who happens to be the current talk of the town. Both the book and the film are an excellent portrayal of real emotions , romanticism, and honesty, giving viewers much to write about.

To Kill a Mockingbird Another classic movie that is based on a famous novel of the same name. Robert Mulligan’s depiction of Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird is one of the few films that does the book justice. A story about idealism, innocence, and the terrible racism that plagued America during the 1930s. The movie provides great insight into the deep conflict within society regarding racism during the Jim Crow era.

The Kite Runner If you want to write about something that truly takes you out of your comfort zone, then this movie might just be it for you. Based on Khaled Hosseini’s novel, The Kite Runner carefully depicts the stark difference between pre-war, and war-torn Afghanistan. A story about sacrifice, love, war, family, and friendship. The Kite Runner is not an easy movie to watch. However, it is indeed an eye-opener.

Fight Club The last movie on our list is an inspiring tale about overcoming mental health issues and finding new meaning in life. The movie revolves around a disillusioned main character who finds no real joy in his mundane life and joins various support groups in an attempt to overcome his own issues. That is until he meets a person who is his polar opposite and starts a fight club that eventually evolves into something much bigger than what both of them have initially envisioned. The story is about hope, survival, and perseverance and can be an excellent basis for an essay about movies.

Like books, films are an excellent way to tell stories as well. Over the years, there have been numerous thought-provoking, deep, and impactful films that leave a large impression on the audience. College teachers recognise the ability of films to provide new perspectives to the audience and are, therefore, pushing for more essays about various films. It might be quite difficult to create a breathtaking film analysis essay if you have zero experience, but experts from  Custom Essay Meister will guarantee you a high-quality essay on any topic. If you’re unsure about which movie to write about for your assignment, go through our list of some of the best, classic moves that provide plenty of material to write about.

Film Review: XXY

Become a Writer Today

Essays About Films: Top 5 Examples and 10 Prompts

Get ready to binge-watch some of the best films of all time and write essays about films with our essay examples and prompts. 

Films are an exciting part of the entertainment industry. From romance to science fiction, there is a film genre for everyone. Films are a welcome escape from reality, providing a few hours of immersive entertainment that anyone can enjoy. Not only are films masterful works of art, but they are also great sources of employment for many. As a work of intellectual property, films can promote job creation and drive economic growth while advancing a country’s cultural esteem. With such a vast library of films available to us, many topics of discussion are available for your next essay.

5 Intriguing Film Essays

1. scream therapy: the mental health benefits of horror movies by michael varrati, 2. reel truth: is film school worth it by jon gann, 3. why parasite’s success is forcing a reckoning in japan’s film industry by eric margolis, 4. streaming services want to fill the family movie void by nicole sperling, 5. church, critics say new movie on marcos family distorts philippine history by camille elemia, 10 engaging writing prompts on essays about films, 1. the best film that influenced me, 2. the evolution of animated films, 3. women in modern films, 4. creating short films, 5. diversity in films, 6. film critique of my favorite film, 7. how covid-19 changed the film industry, 8. promoting independent films , 9. importance of marketing strategies in films’ success, 10. how to combat film piracy.

“Galvanized by the genre’s ability to promote empathy and face down the ineffable monsters of our daily lives, Barkan’s exploration of how others use horror to heal and grow speaks to the wider impact of our engagement with these movies that are so often dismissed as having little moral value.”

Initially criticized for enabling sadistic tendencies, horror films are now proven to provide a relieving experience and psychological ease to their audience. Numerous theories about the mental health benefits of watching horror films have emerged. But beyond these profound reasons, horror films could be a great source of thrilling fun. You might also be interested in these essays about The Great Gatsby .

 “These programs are great at selling the dream of filmmaking, but rarely the realities of the business, so students graduate with few real-world skills, connections, or storytelling ability. Unable to get a job out of school, newly minted “filmmakers” go back into the system for a higher graduate degree… The cycle is self-perpetuating, and rarely benefits anyone, except the institution’s bottom line.”

One has to weigh several personal and external factors in determining whether a full degree would be worth the leap and their pockets. Directors spill the beans on their thoughts and experiences with film school to help the lost find their way. 

“Japanese cinema was trending on Japanese Twitter right after the Oscars, with cinephiles and film directors alike airing grievances about a film industry that is deeply flawed despite ample talent and a global appetite for Japanese goods.”

The Japanese lamented their lackluster film industry and waning cultural influence worldwide as the first Korean film took home the Oscars. Reminiscing its golden years of film in the mid-20th century, Japan is stricken with nostalgia. But for the industry to see a renaissance, Japan has to end exploitative labor conditions for creators and censorship.

“The decline today is due to a combination of factors: a hangover from the pandemic, efforts by studios like Disney and Paramount to bolster their own streaming services with fresh content and the risks of greenlighting family films that aren’t based on well-known intellectual property.”

The latest trend in the race to rule film streaming compensates for the lack of family movies in theaters. Giant video-on-demand platforms have started rolling their production and investments into the genre plans for animation and even expensive live-action.

“The film… has amplified existing online narratives that portray the elder Marcos’ presidency as the “golden era” of the Philippines rather than as the darkest chapter of the Southeast Asian country’s recent history, as critics allege.”

A film in the Philippines draws crowds and criticisms for revising facts in one of the country’s most painful periods. But, overall, the movie paints a positive image of the dictator’s family, whose two-decade reign was marked by murders and an economic crisis that was among the worst to hit the country.

Essays About Films: The best film that influenced me

Beyond being a source of entertainment, films have the power to shape how we lead our lives and view the world. In this essay, talk about the film that etched an indelible mark on you. First, provide a summary and specify what drew you to the story or its storytelling. Next, narrate the scenes that moved you the most. Finally, explain how you relate to this film and if you would have wanted a similar or different ending to your story and personal life. 

Animated films used to be a treat mainly for children. But now, their allure cuts across generations. For your essay, look into the history of animated films. Find out which countries are the biggest influencers in animated films and how they have fostered these intellectual properties to thrive in global markets. Research how the global direction of animation is heading, both in theatrical releases and streaming, and what animation fans can expect in the next few months.

Have the roles of women progressed in modern films? Or do they remain to be damsels in distress saved by a prince? Watch recent popular films, explain how they depict women, and answer these questions in your essay. Take note of apparent stereotypes and the depth of their character. Compare how they differ from the most popular films in the 90s. You can also compare original films and remakes and focus on the changes in women characters.  

Creating short films

Short films are great starting points for budding directors. They could require much less financing than those in theater releases and still deliver satisfactory quality content. For this essay, brief the readers through the stages of short film production — writing the script, choosing the cast, production, marketing, and so on. To go the extra mile in your essay, interview award-winning short filmmakers to gain tips on how they best optimize their limited budget and still bag an award.  

Has the film industry promoted diversity and inclusivity in its cast selection? Explore recent diverse films and analyze whether they have captured the true meaning of diversity. One example is when people from underrepresented backgrounds take on the leading roles, not just the story’s sidekicks. You can also build on this research by the Center for Scholars and Storytellers to show the revenue challenges non-diverse films face at the box office.

Watch your favorite film and write a critique by expressing opinions on various aspects of the film. For example, you can have comments on the plot, execution, effects, cinematography, actors, and dialogue. Take time to relay your observations and analysis, as these will be the foundations that will determine the strength or weakness of your comments. 

As it has impacted many of us, COVID-19 accelerated how we watch films. Explore the exodus to streaming during the pandemic and how theater operators cope with this shift. In addition, you can look into how the competition among content producers has shifted and intensified. 

Independent films can be a hidden treasure, but it could be difficult to sell them, given how niche their concepts can be. So, find out the best strategies that have worked wonders for now successful independent filmmakers. Specifically, learn how they marketed their content online and in film festivals. Then, find out what forms of support the government is extending to high-caliber independent filmmakers and what could be done to help them thrive.

The biggest mistake made by filmmakers and producers is not marketing their films when marketing is the best way to reach a bigger audience and gain profits to make more films. This essay should provide readers with the best practices filmmakers can adopt when marketing a film. For example, directors, producers, and actors should aggressively attend events for promotion. Developing viral movie campaigns also provide a big boost to exposure. 

As more films are released digitally, filmmakers must better protect their intellectual property. First, write about the needed measures before the film release, such as adopting a digital rights management strategy. Next, lay down what production companies need to do to deter piracy activities immediately. Some good responses include working closely with enforcement authorities.

Don’t forget to proofread your essay with Grammarly , the best grammar checker. 

For more related topic ideas, you can also check our guide for writing essays about cinema .

movies to write an essay about

Yna Lim is a communications specialist currently focused on policy advocacy. In her eight years of writing, she has been exposed to a variety of topics, including cryptocurrency, web hosting, agriculture, marketing, intellectual property, data privacy and international trade. A former journalist in one of the top business papers in the Philippines, Yna is currently pursuing her master's degree in economics and business.

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The Art of Writing College Essays Inspired by Movies

Why movies are a great inspiration for college essays.

Movies have the power to move us emotionally and intellectually. They can make us laugh, cry, and even change our perspectives on life. As such, movies are a great source of inspiration for college essays. Not only do they provide an opportunity to showcase your creativity, but they also allow you to convey your thoughts and ideas in a unique and memorable way.

How Movies Can Help You Choose a Topic

One of the biggest challenges of writing a college essay is choosing a topic. You want to write about something that is meaningful to you, but you also want to impress the admissions committee. Movies can help you with this by providing a wide range of subjects to explore. For example, if you are passionate about social justice, you could write about the themes of discrimination and inequality in the movie “The Help.” Or, if you are interested in science, you could write about the ethics of cloning in the movie “Jurassic Park.”

How to Incorporate Movie References in Your Essay

Once you have chosen a movie to draw inspiration from, the next step is to incorporate it into your essay in a meaningful way. One way to do this is by using quotes or references from the movie to support your argument. For example, if you are writing about the importance of perseverance, you could use the quote from “Rocky Balboa” where he says, “It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”

How Movies Can Help You Stand Out

One of the main goals of a college essay is to stand out from the crowd. Movies can help you achieve this by providing a unique lens through which to view your experiences and ideas. For example, instead of writing a generic essay about your summer vacation, you could write about how watching the sunset in “The Notebook” inspired you to pursue a career in environmental conservation.

How to Use the Structure of Movies in Your Essay

Another way to draw inspiration from movies is to use their narrative structure in your essay. Just like movies have a beginning, middle, and end, your essay should also have a clear structure. You could use the three-act structure of movies to organize your thoughts and ideas. The first act could introduce your topic and thesis statement, the second act could provide supporting evidence and arguments, and the third act could conclude with a powerful message or call to action.

Tips for Writing an Effective College Essay Inspired by Movies

1. choose a movie that resonates with you.

The key to writing a great college essay is to choose a topic that is meaningful to you. When selecting a movie to draw inspiration from, choose one that resonates with you on a personal level. This will make it easier for you to connect with the material and write a compelling essay.

2. Use Your Own Voice

Another important aspect of writing a college essay is to use your own voice. Don’t try to sound like someone else or use big words that you don’t understand. Be yourself and write in a way that feels natural to you. This will make your essay more authentic and memorable.

3. Show, Don’t Tell

One of the biggest mistakes that students make when writing college essays is telling rather than showing. Instead of simply stating that you are passionate about a certain topic, show it through a personal anecdote or example. This will make your essay more engaging and persuasive.

4. Edit and Revise

Writing a great college essay takes time and effort. Don’t be afraid to revise and edit your essay multiple times. Have someone else read it and provide feedback. This will help you catch any mistakes or inconsistencies in your writing.

5. Be Honest and Vulnerable

Finally, don’t be afraid to be honest and vulnerable in your essay. Admissions committees want to see the real you, not a perfect version of yourself. Share your fears, doubts, and struggles. This will make your essay more relatable and memorable.

In conclusion, movies can be a great source of inspiration for college essays. They provide a unique lens through which to view your experiences and ideas. Use them wisely and incorporate them into your writing in a meaningful way. Remember to be yourself, show, don’t tell, and be honest and vulnerable in your writing.

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movies to write an essay about

The Top 7 Best Movies to Write About

movies to write an essay about

Films often contain captivating stories and legends worth recreating from different perspectives. They demonstrate creativity and imagination, giving creative writers sources of information and storylines. In other cases, the movie industry has been a reliable source of inviting topics for educational purposes. As a result, instructors adopt these concepts in the learning environment, requesting students to conduct in-depth reviews and analyses. Writing about films can reveal hidden messages and constructs for scholarly assessments. Besides, movies can act as objects of historical preservation, enabling other generations to visualize the past and its sociocultural issues. For instance, films and documentaries about the second world war can be informative for younger generations by reconstructing vivid images of the war. Similarly, movies allow creative visualization of the future with scientific anticipation and imagination. Thus, films from different genres can be a good source of information for academic essays, blogs, and web articles.

Best Disaster Movies to Write About

San andreas (2015).

The film is based on the San Andreas fault, a 1200 km fracture between two blocks of land in California. The structure of the fault increases the risk of massive earthquakes resulting from the constant movements and instability of the masses on the sides. In this case, the movie envisions a time when the fault breaks into a rift causing a disaster-level earthquake. The story also features some romance, heartbreak, and technological advancement. Notably, one of the buildings incorporates high-tech structural designs that can withstand immense tension and pressure. It becomes a strategic haven for a teenage girl and her friends as they seek refuge waiting for her father. Like most disaster films, San Andreas has impressive writing topics, mostly for geography and disaster management courses. The movie raises concerns about American cities’ rescue operations and disaster preparedness policies, highlighting gaps in structural designs and urban planning.

Titanic (1997)

The Titanic is one of the best movies to write about, especially since watching it leaves one with more questions than answers. Based on a true story, the film creates conspiracy theories about the story, the characters, and the ship. The cliffhangers at various stages also create incredible themes and subjects for writing. The cinematography techniques and technology also spark debate, especially considering its budget. Although some scenes are exceptionally good, others fall below any informed viewer’s expectation. The controversies in the real-life story of the Titanic and the movie create an interesting topic for analysis. Writers can compare the two accounts identifying gaps and disproving the conspiracy theories. Others can choose to perpetuate the debate with alternative explanations. The film’s poor quality yields multiple ideas about its failures and successes, creating an interesting subject for assessment in theater studies. Other disciplines in the education sector can assess the romantic and disaster concepts of the storyline, analyzing the extent to which the author and directors portrayed different perspectives.

Best Sci-Fi Movies to Write About

In time (2011).

In Time is an American sci-fi film written and directed by Andrew Niccol featuring Justin Timberlake as the protagonist Will Salas. It portrays the implications of pure capitalism in a society where wealth determines the length of life. In this film, people stop aging at 25, and only those who can afford more time continue living. Consequently, time becomes the primary currency shared through a futuristic watch indicating one’s length of life. Time also becomes a tradable commodity exchanged between individuals. As in any capitalist society, scarcity increases value, creating demand and crime. In this case, the situation leads to the creation of a time-stealing criminal society, forming the basis of the story.

Snowpiercer (2020)

This film envisions a future where climate change has made the earth uninhabitable. A small group of survivors aboard a fast-moving train struggles to preserve the human race amid rising conflict and limited resources. The Snowpiecer is a great movie for testing the writers’ capacity at CustomWritings, a professional essay writing service that boasts more than 15 years of experience in the industry with a competent support team and trained professionals who process “ write my essay for me ” requests. This custom writing company excels in research, book reviews, essays, and college assignments. As one of the newest and most controversial disaster sci-fi movies about the future, Snowpiercer gives clients a unique opportunity to test the company’s ability to produce original papers from scratch with new and untested topics. Film analysis and review require both creativity and experience. The organization’s experience and writers’ capacity remains unmatched, leaving creativity as a significant measure in decision-making for veteran and new students seeking assignment help.

The Terminator (1984)

The field of robotics has always elicited debate about the need for human-like machines and their role in human lives. While some view technological advancement as an avenue for easier and better living, others fear the unlimited power of artificial intelligence (AI). In a time when AI was still in its infancy, James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd imagined a world ruled by machines. They also incorporated the concept of time travel and human-like robots with free will. The Terminator sequel is one of the best movies to write a paper about, especially for those who can dare to dream. It provides great content for analyzing the impact of technology at a time when big data and AI have become central to daily living.

All-Time Great Movies to Write an Essay on

Casablanca (1942).

Casablanca is perhaps one of the best movies to write about, regardless of the purpose or target audience. It is an American romantic drama with featured comedy scenes and great action. Although the story may seem outdated to a younger audience, the cinematography techniques in Casablanca guarantee joyful viewership for any age group. The films help one relive the historical progression of the film industry, forcing the viewer to appreciate the developments behind contemporary masterpieces. The level of creativity in the production helps make up for the storyline’s deficiencies, demonstrating the team’s quality despite the limitations in budget and equipment. Having watched Casablanca, one cannot tolerate any form of mediocrity in a later film produced in the era of state-of-the-art filmography.

Alien (1979)

This film came at the end of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. As the two nations competed for supremacy in space exploration and spaceflight capabilities, their competition created fodder for creative writers. O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett were among the thousands of Americans who imagined the worst from the scramble for outer space. Most writers envisioned an invasion by superior species from unknown galaxies, while others feared the possibility of disease importation. This film portrays an unfathomable level of imagination and creativity, developing a thrilling story into visualized content. The movie tops the list of good movies to write an essay about, especially for college and university-level film studies.

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Films I may write essays on for school.....

Obviously, i am not going to write essays on all of these films but I think that this is my final short list of films to choose from......... Films are in chronological order.

  • Movies or TV
  • IMDb Rating
  • In Theaters
  • Release Year

1. The Old Dark House (1932)

Passed | 72 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama

Seeking shelter from a storm, five travelers are in for a bizarre and terrifying night when they stumble upon the Femm family estate.

Director: James Whale | Stars: Boris Karloff , Melvyn Douglas , Charles Laughton , Gloria Stuart

Votes: 12,960 | Gross: $0.03M

2. It Came from Beneath the Sea (1955)

Not Rated | 79 min | Horror, Sci-Fi

A giant, radioactive octopus rises from the Philippine Trench to terrorize the North American Pacific Coast.

Director: Robert Gordon | Stars: Kenneth Tobey , Faith Domergue , Donald Curtis , Ian Keith

Votes: 6,261

3. Cleopatra (1963)

G | 192 min | Biography, Drama, History

Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt experiences both triumph and tragedy as she attempts to resist the imperial ambitions of Rome.

Directors: Joseph L. Mankiewicz , Rouben Mamoulian | Stars: Elizabeth Taylor , Richard Burton , Rex Harrison , Pamela Brown

Votes: 37,110 | Gross: $57.78M

4. Jason and the Argonauts (1963)

G | 104 min | Action, Adventure, Family

The legendary Greek hero leads a team of intrepid adventurers in a perilous quest for the legendary Golden Fleece.

Director: Don Chaffey | Stars: Todd Armstrong , Nancy Kovack , Gary Raymond , Laurence Naismith

Votes: 30,692 | Gross: $4.58M

5. The Gorgon (1964)

Not Rated | 83 min | Horror

In the early twentieth century, a Gorgon takes human form and terrorizes a small European village by turning its citizens to stone.

Director: Terence Fisher | Stars: Christopher Lee , Peter Cushing , Richard Pasco , Barbara Shelley

Votes: 6,720

6. Midnight Cowboy (1969)

R | 113 min | Drama

A naive hustler travels from Texas to New York City to seek personal fortune, finding a new friend in the process.

Director: John Schlesinger | Stars: Dustin Hoffman , Jon Voight , Sylvia Miles , John McGiver

Votes: 119,383 | Gross: $44.79M

7. Theater of Blood (1973)

R | 104 min | Comedy, Drama, Horror

A Shakespearean actor takes poetic revenge on the critics who denied him recognition.

Director: Douglas Hickox | Stars: Vincent Price , Diana Rigg , Ian Hendry , Harry Andrews

Votes: 12,157

8. An American Werewolf in London (1981)

R | 97 min | Comedy, Horror

Two American college students on a walking tour of Britain are attacked by a werewolf that none of the locals will admit exists.

Director: John Landis | Stars: David Naughton , Jenny Agutter , Joe Belcher , Griffin Dunne

Votes: 119,242 | Gross: $30.57M

9. Clash of the Titans (1981)

PG | 118 min | Action, Adventure, Family

Perseus must battle Medusa and the Kraken to save the Princess Andromeda.

Director: Desmond Davis | Stars: Laurence Olivier , Harry Hamlin , Claire Bloom , Maggie Smith

Votes: 47,416 | Gross: $41.09M

10. Revenge of the Nerds (1984)

R | 90 min | Comedy

At Adams College, a group of bullied outcasts and misfits resolve to fight back for their peace and self-respect.

Director: Jeff Kanew | Stars: Robert Carradine , Anthony Edwards , Timothy Busfield , Andrew Cassese

Votes: 58,005 | Gross: $40.90M

11. Manhunter (1986)

R | 120 min | Crime, Mystery, Thriller

Former FBI profiler Will Graham returns to service to pursue a deranged serial killer dubbed "the Tooth Fairy" by the media.

Director: Michael Mann | Stars: William Petersen , Kim Greist , Joan Allen , Brian Cox

Votes: 80,145 | Gross: $8.62M

12. Heathers (1988)

R | 103 min | Comedy, Crime

At Westerburg High where cliques rule, jocks dominate and all the popular girls are named Heather, it's going to take a Veronica and mysterious new kid to give teen angst a body count.

Director: Michael Lehmann | Stars: Winona Ryder , Christian Slater , Shannen Doherty , Lisanne Falk

Votes: 114,594 | Gross: $1.11M

13. Let Him Have It (1991)

R | 115 min | Crime, Drama, History

This drama reveals the controversial postwar 1950's London murder trial that sent an intellectually challenged young man to the gallows for a murder he did not commit.

Director: Peter Medak | Stars: Tom Courtenay , Christopher Eccleston , Eileen Atkins , Rebecca Eccleston

Votes: 3,780

14. Cannibal! The Musical (1993)

R | 95 min | Comedy, Horror, Musical

The sole survivor of an ill-fated mining expedition tells how his taste for gold was replaced by that of human flesh.

Director: Trey Parker | Stars: Trey Parker , Dian Bachar , Stephen Blackpool , Stan Brakhage

Votes: 13,004

15. Ed Wood (1994)

R | 127 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama

Ambitious but troubled movie director Edward D. Wood Jr. tries his best to fulfill his dreams despite his lack of talent.

Director: Tim Burton | Stars: Johnny Depp , Martin Landau , Sarah Jessica Parker , Patricia Arquette

Votes: 183,188 | Gross: $5.89M

16. To Die For (1995)

R | 106 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama

A beautiful but naïve aspiring television personality films a documentary on teenagers with a darker ulterior motive.

Director: Gus Van Sant | Stars: Nicole Kidman , Matt Dillon , Joaquin Phoenix , Casey Affleck

Votes: 52,175 | Gross: $21.28M

17. U Turn (1997)

R | 125 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller

A man heading to Vegas to pay off his gambling debt before the Russian mafia kills him is forced to stop in an Arizona town where everything that can go wrong does go wrong.

Director: Oliver Stone | Stars: Sean Penn , Jennifer Lopez , Nick Nolte , Billy Bob Thornton

Votes: 54,486 | Gross: $6.63M

18. Office Space (1999)

R | 89 min | Comedy

Three company workers who hate their jobs decide to rebel against their greedy boss.

Director: Mike Judge | Stars: Ron Livingston , Jennifer Aniston , David Herman , Ajay Naidu

Votes: 285,359 | Gross: $10.82M

19. Riding in Cars with Boys (2001)

PG-13 | 132 min | Biography, Comedy, Drama

A single mother, with dreams of becoming a writer, has a son at the age of 15 in 1965, and goes through a failed marriage with the drug-addicted father.

Director: Penny Marshall | Stars: Drew Barrymore , Steve Zahn , Adam Garcia , Brittany Murphy

Votes: 30,421 | Gross: $30.17M

20. Ghost World (2001)

R | 111 min | Comedy, Drama

With only the plan of moving in together after high school, two unusually devious friends seek direction in life. As a mere gag, they respond to a man's newspaper ad for a date, only to find it will greatly complicate their lives.

Director: Terry Zwigoff | Stars: Steve Buscemi , Thora Birch , Scarlett Johansson , Brad Renfro

Votes: 126,113 | Gross: $6.22M

21. Red Dragon (2002)

R | 124 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller

A retired FBI agent with psychological gifts is assigned to help track down "The Tooth Fairy", a mysterious serial killer. Aiding him is imprisoned forensic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter.

Director: Brett Ratner | Stars: Anthony Hopkins , Edward Norton , Ralph Fiennes , Harvey Keitel

Votes: 289,026 | Gross: $93.15M

22. Oldboy (2003)

R | 120 min | Action, Drama, Mystery

After being kidnapped and imprisoned for fifteen years, Oh Dae-Su is released, only to find that he must find his captor in five days.

Director: Park Chan-wook | Stars: Choi Min-sik , Yoo Ji-tae , Kang Hye-jeong , Kim Byeong-Ok

Votes: 628,532 | Gross: $0.71M

23. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

R | 119 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

With a plan to exact revenge on a mythical shark that killed his partner, Oceanographer Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) rallies a crew that includes his estranged wife, a journalist, and a man who may or may not be his son.

Director: Wes Anderson | Stars: Bill Murray , Owen Wilson , Anjelica Huston , Cate Blanchett

Votes: 209,849 | Gross: $24.01M

24. Broken Flowers (2005)

R | 106 min | Comedy, Drama, Mystery

As the extremely withdrawn Don Johnston is dumped by his latest woman, he receives an anonymous letter from a former lover informing him that he has a son who may be looking for him. A freelance sleuth neighbor moves Don to embark on a cross-country search for his old flames in search of answers.

Director: Jim Jarmusch | Stars: Bill Murray , Jessica Lange , Sharon Stone , Julie Delpy

Votes: 106,410 | Gross: $13.74M

25. Man of the Year (2006)

PG-13 | 115 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance

A comedian who hosts a news satire program decides to run for president, and a computerized voting machine malfunction gets him elected.

Director: Barry Levinson | Stars: Robin Williams , Laura Linney , Lewis Black , Christopher Walken

Votes: 34,978 | Gross: $37.44M

26. Be Kind Rewind (2008)

PG-13 | 102 min | Comedy

Two bumbling store clerks inadvertently erase the footage from all of the tapes in their video rental store. In order to keep the business running, they re-shoot every film in the store with their own camera, with a budget of zero dollars.

Director: Michel Gondry | Stars: Jack Black , Yasiin Bey , Danny Glover , Mia Farrow

Votes: 93,945 | Gross: $11.17M

27. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)

PG-13 | 123 min | Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy

Having made a deal with the Devil himself for immortality many millennia ago, the now decrepit mystic Doctor Parnassus fights for the freedom of his only daughter's soul.

Director: Terry Gilliam | Stars: Christopher Plummer , Lily Cole , Heath Ledger , Andrew Garfield

Votes: 153,504 | Gross: $7.69M

28. Extract (2009)

R | 92 min | Comedy, Crime, Romance

Joel, the owner of an extract plant, tries to contend with myriad personal and professional problems, such as his potentially unfaithful wife and employees who want to take advantage of him.

Director: Mike Judge | Stars: Jason Bateman , Kristen Wiig , Ben Affleck , Mila Kunis

Votes: 50,159 | Gross: $10.81M

29. Shutter Island (2010)

R | 138 min | Mystery, Thriller

Teddy Daniels and Chuck Aule, two US marshals, are sent to an asylum on a remote island in order to investigate the disappearance of a patient, where Teddy uncovers a shocking truth about the place.

Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio , Emily Mortimer , Mark Ruffalo , Ben Kingsley

Votes: 1,437,440 | Gross: $128.01M

30. I'm Still Here (I) (2010)

R | 108 min | Comedy, Drama, Music

Documents Joaquin Phoenix 's transition from the acting world to a career as an aspiring rapper.

Director: Casey Affleck | Stars: Joaquin Phoenix , Antony Langdon , Carey Perloff , Larry McHale

Votes: 23,783 | Gross: $0.41M

31. The Master (2012)

R | 138 min | Drama, History

A Naval veteran arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future - until he is tantalized by the Cause and its charismatic leader.

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson | Stars: Joaquin Phoenix , Philip Seymour Hoffman , Amy Adams , Jesse Plemons

Votes: 185,074 | Gross: $16.38M

32. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

PG-13 | 94 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama

Two 12-year-olds, who live on an island, fall in love with each other and elope into the wilderness. While people set out on a search mission, a violent storm approaching them catches their attention.

Director: Wes Anderson | Stars: Jared Gilman , Kara Hayward , Bruce Willis , Bill Murray

Votes: 365,403 | Gross: $45.51M

33. Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie (2012)

R | 93 min | Comedy

Two guys get a billion dollars to make a movie, only to watch their dream run off course. In order to make the money back, they then attempt to revitalize a failing shopping mall.

Directors: Tim Heidecker , Eric Wareheim | Stars: Tim Heidecker , Eric Wareheim , Robert Loggia , Will Ferrell

Votes: 10,594 | Gross: $0.20M

34. Amour (2012)

PG-13 | 127 min | Drama

Georges and Anne are an octogenarian couple. They are cultivated, retired music teachers. Their daughter, also a musician, lives in Britain with her family. One day, Anne has a stroke, and the couple's bond of love is severely tested.

Director: Michael Haneke | Stars: Jean-Louis Trintignant , Emmanuelle Riva , Isabelle Huppert , Alexandre Tharaud

Votes: 105,133 | Gross: $6.74M

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50 Movies About Writers That Are Definitely Worth Your Time

Nicole Kidman cocks head

From William Shakespeare to Toni Morrison to Joan Didion to J.R.R. Tolkien, it's no secret that folks who professionally put words on paper are endlessly fascinating individuals. Some writers find inspiration for their work from their own troubled lives and wild backgrounds. Others are simply born with imaginations the size of an aircraft carrier. However different they may be, authors, journalists, poets, and essayists all share the special ability of expressing themselves so well that they take up space in the minds of others.

With a gift so unique — and so fundamentally important to the movie industry — it's no wonder Hollywood loves making movies about writers. And it turns out, audiences truly enjoy watching the misadventures of the literarily inclined. However, movies about writers are all faced with the same problem: The actual act of writing is un-cinematic. There's nothing inherently that interesting about watching a person pound out sentences on a laptop or typewriter, even though the person doing the typing might be deeply interesting. Luckily, these great films have found unique and exciting ways of visualizing the writing process and the figures behind it, so read on to find out the best movies about writers (and don't worry, no one is just sitting behind a desk in any of these).

One of the best movies about a writer not surprisingly comes from the brain and fingertips of the meta movie master himself: Charlie Kaufman. Kaufman wrote the 2002 film "Adaptation," which tells a story about a fictional version of himself and his fictional twin brother, Donald. In "Adaptation," insecure and self-loathing screenwriter Charlie Kaufman ( Nicolas Cage ) suffers from writer's block, as he tries to adapt a book that seems impossible to translate to the screen. Meanwhile, his twin brother Donald (also Cage) decides that he wants to be a screenwriter too, and tries his hand at Charlie's life's work.

If a double performance from Cage isn't enough of a selling point, the fact that Kaufman wrote a movie about a screenwriter adapting a book should do the trick. In his hands, the story turns into a commentary on the Hollywood machine, the difference between reality and fiction, a semi-adaptation of Susan Orlean's real-life bestseller "The Orchid Thief," and an update of Sam Shepherd's classic stage comedy "True West."

Plus, it features a stacked supporting cast. Screen queen Meryl Streep delivers big time as author Susan Orlean, Chris Cooper serves as a perfect antagonist, and Brian Cox shows up to steal a few scenes as Robert McKee. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Tilda Swinton also appear in small roles. All of these actors bring a sense of quirky energy and make what could've been an overly heady movie into a fun ride. Viewers be warned though, anyone looking for a one-for-one recreation of "The Orchid Thief" should look elsewhere.

Midnight in Paris

Woody Allen's love letter to Paris in the 1920s is both a sweet high-concept comedy and an evaluation of the virtues of nostalgia. "Midnight in Paris" centers around Gil (Owen Wilson), a Hollywood script doctor, who dreams of writing a meaningful novel. While in Paris with his fiancée Inez (Rachel McAdams) and her parents, Gil discovers a car that takes him back to 1920s Paris at midnight. Gil goes on the trip of a lifetime, where he hangs out with literary and artistic greats like Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Cole Porter, Salvador Dalí, Gertrude Stein, and many, many more.

"Midnight in Paris" plays like an art and literature lover's dream, as these legendary writers and artists get the chance to engage with someone who already knows their reputations and masterworks, which leads to some hilarious jokes. The casting in this film is excellent, as Tom Hiddleston proves to be an inspired choice as a young F. Scott Fitzgerald, while Adrian Brody is hilarious as a rhinoceros-obsessed Dalí. Any fan looking to get lost in a whimsical story featuring some of the most influential names of the 20th century need look no further than "Midnight in Paris."

Can You Ever Forgive Me?

2018's "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" is based on the true story of professional biographer Lee Israel (via Time ). Struggling to write her next book and pay the rent, Israel (Melissa McCarthy) uses her gift for getting into the lives of other people and forges letters from all sorts of famous folks, which she sells for a high price. What ensues is a deep look inside a damaged and lonely person, who's often more comfortable embodying others rather than herself.

McCarthy — who's typically scene-stealing in comedic vehicles like "Bridesmaids" — plays against type here and brings a prickly exterior to almost every scene she's in. In her hands, Israel becomes a lovable hard drinker and sailor-mouthed depressive. But underneath the movie's pain and drama lies a quietly devastating look at an author whose talents went under-appreciated in her time. Nobody turns to fraud for fun and "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" makes a strong case that forgery really is Israel's last resort.

It also makes pains to not overly romanticize its protagonist's gifts. Even though expertly crafting false biographical correspondence is no easy feat, the audience is never explicitly rooting for Israel to get away with it. It's akin to watching a talented friend burn their skills on a fruitless enterprise and here, the viewer grows to admire Israel's work before wishing she put her efforts towards something else.

Ruby Sparks

Zoe Kazan wrote and stars in "Ruby Sparks," a film about a fictional manic pixie dream girl come to life. Author Calvin (Paul Dano) writes about a character named Ruby Sparks, and is startled to see that this person on his page suddenly appears in the form of a living, breathing Ruby Sparks (Kazan). Calvin soon discovers that his writing about Ruby holds sway over Ruby in the real world.

This high-concept plot explores heady themes like how women are objectified in fiction by male creators or what it means for an author to engage with their material once it leaves the page and enters the real world. While the movie is based around this complex metaphor, it never fails to entertain. Dano and Kazan are wonderful in the lead roles and the cast is rounded out by the likes of Antonio Banderas, Annette Benning, and Steve Coogan — who's funny enough to read a phone book.

The film got mostly positive reviews by critics, including Roger Ebert , who wrote that "the movie's intriguing in its fanciful way." Directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris of "Little Miss Sunshine" fame bring Kazan's script to life here, and anyone looking for a meta tale about writing will be sure to enjoy "Ruby Sparks."

Virginia Woolf is an author whose work seems like it would be difficult to adapt for the big screen due to her focus on interiority, or the way that characters think and feel, which is hard to show on-screen. Luckily for Woolf fans, 2003's "The Hours" — based on a book of the same name by Michael Cunningham — heavily vibes on Woolf's " waves " length. 

The movie tells the story of three women in three different time periods, who are all interconnected by Woolf's novel "Mrs. Dalloway." There's Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman) trying to write in 1923, Laura Brown (Julianne Moore) trying to live in 1951, and Clarissa Vaughan (Meryl Streep) trying to throw a party in 2001.

Both the film and its source material owes a ton to Woolf's classic works like "A Room of One's Own" and "Mrs. Dalloway." In "The Hours," much like in Woolf's novels, each female protagonist puts on a face for the world (and men) around her, which hides all that she has going on underneath the surface.

All three actresses shine in "The Hours," as do supporting cast members like Richard Harris in a particularly tragic performance. For anyone unfamiliar with Woolf, "The Hours" is a fantastic and emotional ode to a woman who created art at a time that didn't understand her or want her to.

Bright Star

Academy Award-winning writer-director Jane Campion brought her signature light and considered touch to 2009's "Bright Star." The film depicts the romance between poet John Keats (Ben Whishaw) and Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish).

Today, Keats is a well-known 19th century Romantic poet. However, in his own time, Keats felt he was a failure. His published work received mostly middling reviews and he died at 25 of tuberculosis. This context brings a tinge of sadness to the film since anybody familiar with the poet is aware of the tragic future outcome of his budding romance with Fanny.

Campion keeps a movie about a romantic rather subdued. Instead of making Keats' and Fanny's relationship into a loud ball of anachronistic erotic behavior, she spends time on the intimate moments the pair share together. The tiny beats of silence they share, the expression on Fanny's face when she receives a letter from Keats, and the moments where the pair read poetry all create a gorgeous portrait of young love. In other words, Campion captures the romance people are capable of when just being around one another is enough. However sad though it may be, this beautiful movie is quietly excellent and not to be missed.

Becoming Jane

Jane Austen received the Hollywood biopic treatment in 2007's "Becoming Jane." While the movie is not a particularly accurate account of Austen's ascendance to the literary hall of fame, it is a fun romp through Austen's past. In the film, Anne Hathaway plays the budding literary superstar, who's marked by equal intelligence and charm. As she makes her way through the world, she encounters suitors of all shapes and sizes, from all manner of backgrounds both privileged and unprivileged alike.

The movie is framed as "the inspiration" for Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." Any fan looking for a granular recreation of Austen's process or life in the Regency Era be warned — "Becoming Jane" is firmly a rom-com with biopic window dressing. Most of its plot revolves around Austen's relationship with Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy). While Lefroy existed in real life, scholars aren't certain he was ever romantically involved with the author (via The Jane Austen Centre ). However, the fiction weaves into the film is more fun than issue.

"Becoming Jane" may not reveal anything particularly noteworthy about Austen or her literary process. However, it does allow Hathaway to put enough charisma on screen to fill her own novel. So, like a fun read, "Becoming Jane," entices audiences and doesn't overstay its welcome.

Some movies about authors are played for grins, while others — like 2005's "Capote" — are played deadly serious. This biopic details the six years that Truman Capote (Philip Seymour Hoffman) spends writing his magnum opus, "In Cold Blood," and the heavy toll that this work of investigating and writing about a heinous crime takes on Capote.

This book details the real-life murders of a family in Kansas, as well as the subsequent investigation into the killings, and the trial and executions of the men who committed them. In an interview with The New York Times , Capote discusses his revolutionary approach of writing this true story using the devices of fiction, which is widely credited as creating the non-fiction novel (via Brittanica.com ).

The late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman captures this dark material marvelously. He completely channels the author, and won his only Oscar for the performance. While many authors have led interesting lives, not many have worked on a story that fundamentally altered the course of their life, and "Capote" captures the destructive toll of creation marvelously.

Young Adult

In 2011's "Young Adult," Mavis Gary ( Charlize Theron ) is a former prom queen, who's now a stunted young adult fiction writer with a penchant for bitter put-downs and whiskey. Mavis returns to her hometown and embarks upon a doomed quest to win back her old high school flame, Buddy Slade (Patrick Wilson). That Buddy is happily married with a pregnant wife doesn't deter Mavis one bit, who tries to reconnect with her old flame, all while connecting in surprising ways with Matt (Patton Oswalt), a bullied ex-classmate she barely remembers.

While "Young Adult" could have played like a depressing slice-of-life movie, in the hands of screenwriter Diablo Cody and director Jason Reitman — who team up again after the wildly successful "Juno" — it subverts expectations to become something totally unique, which has as many laughs as dark moments.

Theron shines here, as she goes for broke and swerves between unbridled nastiness and vulnerability on a dime. She's matched only by stand-up comedian Patton Oswalt, who injects a fairly grim film with a much-needed sense of humanity and empathy. In fact, Oswalt's performance is so good that Roger Ebert described it as the "key to the film's success" in his review.

Almost Famous

2000's "Almost Famous" dramatizes the actual and envy-inducing early days of director Cameron Crowe's career in music journalism (via Rolling Stone ). In the movie, a teenager named William Miller (Patrick Fugit) gets hired by Rolling Stone editor Ben Fong-Torres (Terry Chen) to go on tour with a fictional band called Stillwater. Stillwater — with their long hair, sweet riffs, and infighting — acts an amalgamation of the legendary rock bands from the 1970s like Led Zeppelin and the Allman Brothers.

 The movie's secret sauce is its ability to express William's passion for writing. William, like his real-life counterpart Cameron Crowe, loves rock n' roll and Crowe is able to make this enthusiasm vibrate off the screen, so viewers can reach out and grab a fistful of William's lust for life and epic experiences. Plenty of movies deal with the troubled lives of writers and many make hay of the inspirations that lead to their most influential works. However, very few films explicitly show the audience what it feels like to care about something enough to write about it for a living and do so in such a warm, sweet way. If all of that didn't sell it, "Almost Famous" also features the most iconic use of Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" of all time. Seek this movie out wherever it can be found.

Stranger Than Fiction

"Stranger Than Fiction" is a somewhat odd movie. Its director Marc Forster was previously known for sad fare like "Monster's Ball," and it stars Will Ferrell in his first real dramatic role as IRS auditor Harold Crick. Crick lives life like any everyman. He works, he chats with friends, and he pines for romance — until this existence is suddenly interrupted by a disembodied voice narrating his life. Crick goes on a quest to find the source of this narrator, and soon discovers that he's the subject of the next novel by author Karen Eiffel (Emma Thompson), who's known for killing off her protagonists. 

"Stranger Than Fiction" uses its meta concept to explore the relationship between love, art, and creation, and it tackles these heady topics in a palatable and off-beat way thanks to Ferrell's turn as Harold Crick. Given the surreal nature of the story, Ferrell's acting chops fit into the movie's heightened world. In a film that dives into absurdity from its opening moments, Ferrell reveals a unique ability to reverse his usual funny man shtick. Instead of handling routine moments with absurdity, he handles absurd moments subtly. While the movie is about Harold Crick, it also relies on the relationship between Crick and Eiffel, as two people who discover the unexpected ways they influence each other. It speaks to that on a micro level as well as on a macro one, as Eiffel confronts her abilities and power as a writer, which is done perfectly in Thompson's hands.

Barton Fink

The Coen Brothers' "Barton Fink ” is a lot of things. It's a movie about writer's block — famously written during the Coen Brothers' own writer's block (via Cinephilia Beyond ) — it's a showcase of John Turturro's and John Goodman's acting abilities, and it might even be an allegory for the life of the mind . However, the one thing it most definitely is, is a fantastic movie.

The story follows Turturro's Fink — a successful New York playwright concerned with the common man — when he moves to Los Angeles in 1941 to write for a major Hollywood studio. Fink is assigned to write a wrestling picture and he immediately comes down with a case of writer's block. Fink sets out to find inspiration, which inevitably leads to various bizarre only-in-a-Coen-Brothers-movie-moments.

For the unfamiliar, the Coen Brothers are riffing on a real-life frequent 20th-century practice of the literary-minded heading out to Los Angeles in search of big paychecks and fame. According to the A.V. Club , the Coen Brothers loosely based the character of Fink on the playwright-turned-screenwriter Clifford Odets. In fact, it was their discovery that Nobel Prize-winning icon William Faulkner wrote a wrestling movie — 1932's "Flesh" — that initially inspired "Barton Fink" (and the film's character of W.P. Mayhew). Faulkner and the Coen Brothers? This movie is a novel head's dream.

My Salinger Year

Joanna Rakoff's memoir "My Salinger Year ” gets the Hollywood treatment this 2021 adaptation. The movie follows Rakoff (Margaret Qualley), as she begins her writing career by becoming an assistant to literary agent Margaret Westberg. Margaret (Sigourney Weaver) is a stand-in for real life literary agent Phyllis Westberg (via Variety ). Things take an interesting turn for Rakoff, when she begins taking phone calls from one of Westberg's most famous clients: J.D. "Jerry" Salinger.

"My Salinger Year" unfolds like a coming-of-age story shot through with "The Devil Wears Prada" energy. Over the course of her time working for Westberg, Joanna finds romance, renewed self-confidence in her own work, and makes decisions about where she wants her own life to go. While it doesn't have the same caustic wit that made "The Devil Wears Prada" so popular, "My Salinger Year" is most definitely an interesting snapshot into a career path most folks may not know anything about. And for any movie fan with dreams of writing, the idea of getting paid to talk to Salinger is surely catnip. 

Rob Reiner adapted Stephen King's 1987 novel "Misery" into a classic horror movie of the same name in 1990. The film follows famous romance author Paul Sheldon (James Caan), who gets into a terrible car accident. He's saved by Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), a super fan who decides to hold her favorite author hostage. "Misery" mimics Kings real life in different ways, both superficially as it's a chilling nightmare about obsessive fans, and on a deeper level, as he's noted that it's an allegory for his cocaine addiction (via Rolling Stone ).

Bates brings so much demented menace to the role that she not only makes the film, but also won an Oscar for her performance, which is extra impressive considering how infrequently horror films get recognized by the Academy. Seriously, in Bates' hand, Annie Wilkes enters the pantheon of great movie villains alongside Heath Ledger's Joker, the shark from "Jaws," and Darth Vader. For fans of the horror genre or movies about writers, run, don't walk to see "Misery." However, viewers be warned — after watching "Misery," you'll never look at a sledgehammer the same way ever again.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Mary Shelley

Author Mary Shelley is remembered for her 1818 masterpiece "Frankenstein." While the chilling story of Dr. Frankenstein's attempt to play god and create life of his own is known to many, the details of its creator's life are likely not. So, in 2017, indie director Haifaa al-Mansour brought Shelley's miraculous and tragic life to the screen in the biopic "Mary Shelley."

The film follows a teenage Mary (Elle Fanning), who falls in love with famed Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (Douglas Booth). As she tries to navigate this relationship, Mary finds surprising inspiration for her "Frankenstein" during a night of telling ghost stories, and later struggles to get her book published.

Elle Fanning plays Shelley with the same vivaciousness she brings to her star performance as Catherine the Great on "The Great." Al-Mansour shoots the film like a romantic period piece, which makes this particular biopic unique. In reality, Mary Shelley lived through the Romantic art movement in Europe due to her relationship with Percy Shelley and friendship with Lord Byron, and her life itself is almost an inversion of a classic romance. Like typical romantic heroines, Shelley was a fiercely intelligent young woman of means, but her life did not wrap up in a neat happy ending. While she did fight her way through the period's sexist attitudes to publish arguably the greatest piece of horror fiction ever written, her life was also marked by various tragedies. "Mary Shelley" focuses on an influential moment of this authors life, and so communicates who Shelley was and her artistic achievements. For "Frankenstein" fans everywhere, it's a must see.

The Ghost Writer

In a time-honored Hollywood tradition, "The Ghost Writer" adapts another thriller by "Silence of the Lambs" author Robert Harris. Based on his novel "The Ghost," the movie follows an unnamed ghostwriter (Ewan McGregor), who's hired to complete the autobiography of former British Prime Minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan). This being a Harris adaptation, it's not really a spoiler to say it's not long before the ghostwriter's assignment lands the working writer in a hot pile of intrigue.

While the movie's machinations don't move it much beyond standard political thriller fare, its cast most definitely does. McGregor is fantastic in the leading role, as is always and former James Bond Pierce Brosnan as the former PM Adam Lang, since the movie leverages Brosnan's singular charm like a weapon. All the things that made him attractive as 007 make him terrifying as a politician. The rest of the class includes some early work from the always wonderful Jon Bernthal and a superb cameo from Eli Wallach. Yes, Tuco from "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," shares a scene with Ewan McGregor. It's glorious.

Little Women

Greta Gerwig's 2019 "Little Women" is one of the great literary adaptations to hit the big screen. Besides the fact that it's based on one of the most beloved novels of all time (of the same name), it also features an incredible range of some of the most talented women in Hollywood.

"Little Women" the life and times of the four March sisters as they come of age, make career choices, get married, and grow up in the 19th century. Gerwig wisely decides to let the cast and Louisa May Alcott's wonderful source material do their thing. She also changes the novel's structure by moving between the "present" day (of 1868) and the past in flashbacks. However, originalists should have no fear. The flashbacks just add to the adaptation and ensure that the book's biggest moments all make it to the screen.

While "Little Women" focuses on all of the March sisters, it's Jo's story at heart, and she's played here by Saoirse Ronan. Jo is the writer of the bunch, whose imagination and creativity let her dream of a world beyond what she's told she can have. Ronan embodies Jo's free writer spirit to perfection, and her work is matched by Florence Pugh as bull-headed youngest sister Amy, Emma Watson as pragmatic eldest Meg, and Eliza Scanlen as kind-hearted Beth. The supporting cast includes Laura Dern as the girls' mother and Meryl Streep as their hilarious caustic aunt. Guided by writer-director Gerwig's confident and considerate hand, "Little Women" is a new classic in its own right.

Before Sunset

Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy star 2004's "Before Sunset," the second entry of Richard Linklater's "Before" trilogy. Each film in the trilogy depicts a romantic rendezvous between Hawke's Jesse and Delpy's Celine and each meeting is set exactly nine years apart (via Vanity Fair ). What sets this series apart is that Linklater filmed and released each movie in real-time. The first came out in 1995, the second in 2004, and the third in 2013, which gives the "Before" movies a truly authentic touch, as the characters and actors grow and age in real life.

In "Before Sunset," Jesse has just published a novel that recounts his initial meeting with Celine in "Before Sunrise." Jesse hasn't seen Celine since their meeting in the first movie and hopes the book will draw her out. It does and the pair spend "Before Sunset" rekindling their relationship, as they walk around Paris.

Jesse's novel not only ties in the events of the first film in an impactful way, but also gives the trilogy a literary bent. Linklater's "Before" trilogy can almost be viewed as a living, breathing novel set in three distinct time periods of its central characters' lives. Like the most famous romance stories — think Edith Wharton's "Age of Innocence" or Jane Austen's catalog — the "Before" trilogy is all about the ways that love both changes and holds constant over time.

Swimming Pool

"Isolated writer" movies, wherein an author goes somewhere remote to focus on working until things begin to go bump in the night, is a fantastic sub-genre and 2003's "Swimming Pool" is one of its best entries.

Author Sarah Morton (Charlotte Rampling) goes on a retreat to her publisher's remote French country home to work on her next novel. However, her peace and quiet is quickly upended when the young and enigmatic Julie (Ludivine Sagnier) shows up, claiming to be the publisher's daughter. The two women immediately butt heads, as a war of strong personalities kicks off in earnest. However, instead of turning into a clash of the generations comedy, "Swimming Pool" instead becomes a slow burn thriller.

The movie's tension is so thick, the audience can dish it out with an ice cream scooper. Every exchange between Julie and Sarah results in another layer of mystery to untangle. Every guest Julie brings by the house's pool seems to annoy and arouse Sarah's interest more and more. And every answer Sarah gets from the elusive Julie only leads to more questions. By the film's end audiences will be wringing their hands in paranoia. For fans of movies with equal parts mystery, eroticism, and writing, "Swimming Pool" is for you.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Terry Gilliam, former Monty Python member and director of oddball wonders like "Brazil" and "Time Bandits," takes audiences on a weekend getaway they won't soon forget in 1998's "Fear in Loathing in Las Vegas." Based on Hunter S. Thompson's book of the same name, the film follows writer Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and his attorney Dr. Gonzo (Benicio del Toro) on a trip to Las Vegas. Duke is supposed to be covering an annual motorcycle race, but he winds up taking a laundry list of drugs and tapping into "the savage heart of the American dream." 

As in the book, the movie's Duke is based on countercultural icon Hunter S. Thompson, who wrote the novel out of his own experiences in Las Vegas on two separate writing assignments for Rolling Stone . The book is wonderful in its own gross, hilarious, and acid-dipped way. The movie has some difficulty transferring that plot to the big screen, since the plot is pretty thin to begin with. 

However, Gilliam wisely does what he can to capture the book's energy by letting the writing speak for itself. He lifts Thompson's brilliant prose off the page and puts it on-screen in voice over, and Thompson himself is brilliantly captured by Johnny Depp, who even nails the author's unique staccato speaking style. For any movie fan who's heard the Thompson name but never read any of his work, check out "Fear and Loathing" for scenes that capture the best of his writing. 

Out of Africa

1985's "Out of Africa" is a movie from a bygone era when movie stars headlined films as opposed to franchises. In other words, "Out of Africa's" selling point was the white hot charisma of Robert Redford and Meryl Streep, not its place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There's nothing wrong with franchise movies, but it's hard to watch a movie like "Out of Africa" and not fall in love with its leads.

Loosely on Karen von Blixen's 1937 memoir of the same name (written under her pen name of Isak Dinesen), the film follows von Blixen (Streep), as she moves to a British colony in Africa in the early 20th century and begins a doomed romance with Denys Hatton (Redford). These experiences and more shape a story that she later turns into her memoir.

The movie plays like a highlight reel of adventure romance novels. The pair has differences when they first meet, eventually learn to get along, and then learn how to really get along. Without spoiling how any of these things occur, it's no spoiler to say Redford and Streep are absolutely magnetic together on screen. Both are acting legends in their own right and together, the pair gives off enough steam to power the Trans Pacific Railroad. While writing may not always be at the forefront of the film, it definitely foregrounds the type of fun often reserved for the best beach novels.

Shakespeare in Love

For anybody who likes their romantic comedy served with a side of literary history, look no further than "Shakespeare in Love." The movie — starring Joseph Fiennes as The Bard and Gwyneth Paltrow as his love interest Viola — fictionalizes a forbidden romance between Shakespeare and a high-born lady, which inspires his next play: "Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter." Or rather, inspires him to make some changes to it.

The movie is fun for a few reasons. The cast is clearly having a ball, Fiennes and Paltrow have fantastic chemistry, and Dame Judi Dench shows up as Queen Elizabeth I. Plus, "Shakespeare in Love" stays true to its namesake's talent by bundling low comedy, high comedy, and tragedy all into the same package. The movie was an enormous box office hit when it was released in 1998. It was a critical hit too, and won seven Oscars, including Best Picture (via IMDB ). Esteemed critic Roger Ebert gave the movie four stars when it first came out and he credited the film with presenting the reason so many people fall in love with theater.

Some basic knowledge of Shakespeare's works and history will definitely help a viewer pick up on some of the movie's in-jokes. However, Shakespeare essentially wrote for anyone who's ever suffered the trials and tribulations of this mortal coil, and "Shakespeare in Love" has the same broad appeal.

The late great Iris Murdoch remains one the greatest authors of the 20th century. Her writing ran headlong into every oddity that makes humans human, and she never looked away from the quirks of our better and worse angels. 

"Iris" follows Murdoch at different stages of her life, so here, Kate Winslet plays young Iris and Dame Judi Dench plays the elder Iris. For fans keeping score, that's two epic generational talents in the same movie. Iris' husband, writer and professor John Bayley, is portrayed by Hugh Bonneville and Jim Broadbent in his younger and older forms. 

Ultimately, this 2001 biopic about Murdoch's life and eventual battle with Alzheimer's couldn't hope to be as original as its subject , it's certainly worth the watch to learn more about the woman behind some of the best books of the last 100 years, and who saw the world a bit differently from others. Luckily, she shared it in ways that continue to shape writers and readers alike, and "Iris" captures Murdoch's essence and influence as best it can.

Sunset Boulevard

"Sunset Boulevard" is an all-time classic film. Set in 1950s Hollywood, the movie follows Joe Gillis (William Holden), a down-on-his-luck screenwriter, who's out of work and out of credit. Gillis hides from repo-men in what appears to be an abandoned palatial estate on Sunset Boulevard. However, he discovers the residence is actually home to reclusive actress Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson). Desmond was a big star in the silent era and wants Holden to help her write a comeback movie.

"Sunset Boulevard" is a one-of-a-kind love letter to the Golden Age of Tinseltown. For starters, it was directed and co-written by Billy Wilder, who was arguably one of the best talents of the era (if not all eras) and wrote classics like "Ace in the Hole," "The Apartment," and "Some Like It Hot." The writing of the film is fantastic, as it examines Hollywood and screenwriting itself through a sharp and satirical lens. Its commentary on the film industry runs deep, as it looks at the studio system and in particular, the silent era. 

In some meta casting, the role of Norma Desmond is played by real-life silent starlet Gloria Swanson, whose film career was resurrected thanks to her Oscar-nominated turn in this stunning performance. The movie also features cameos from the likes of Cecille B. DeMille, Buster Keaton, and Erich von Stronheim. "Sunset Boulevard" is a truly iconic movie and shouldn't be missed.

Sylvia Plath gets brought to life in 2003's "Sylvia," which focuses on the life of one of the most influential American writers to ever put pen to paper. Sylvia (Gwyneth Paltrow) is studying at Cambridge, where she explores her writing and finds love in the form of the poet Ted Hughes (Daniel Craig). The two marry, but Sylvia struggles with depression and her writing career, all while taking care of her family.

Paltrow does a lot with a role that could have fallen into clichés by imbuing Plath with a warmth that makes her tragic suicide even more devastating, even though anybody familiar with Plath's story or work knows how it ends. "Sylvia" doesn't connect Plath's death directly to her work, but rather explores the deep sadness that she lived with her whole life, which informed her worldview. Come for more information about Plath herself, stay for Paltrow's performance, and leave with the knowledge that Plath still lives on in her beautiful grasp of language.

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline​ at​ 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.

If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website .

The Lost Weekend

Writer-director Billy Wilder makes the list again with his 1945 adaptation Charles R. Jackson's novel of the same name, "The Lost Weekend." The movie follows the harrowing misadventures of alcoholic writer Don Birham (Ray Milland). Over the course of a single weekend, Birham begs, steals, and hits rock bottom in his search of another drink.

At the time, "The Lost Weekend" was one of the first stories to deal with the dark realities of alcoholism in American theaters (via FilmSite ). Thankfully, in Wilder's capable hands, the movie avoids diving into the exploitation deep end that is common in so many addiction narratives. Instead, Birham's addiction is treated with consideration and nuance and gets shown with warts and all.

Considering so many writers, including the author of "The Lost Weekend" (via The NY Times ), have contended with alcoholism and other addictions, it's refreshing to see a movie where the affliction is not romanticized. The Academy agreed as well. "The Lost Weekend" received Oscar wins for its director, screenplay, lead actor, and won the year's Best Picture award. While "The Lost Weekend," is by no means a light watch, it's certainly worth the weight of its heavy subject.

Miss Potter

For many, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" is one the greatest children's books ever written and its imagery is recognizable the world over. In 2007, director Chris Noonan brought the story of the woman who created Peter Rabbit to the big screen with "Miss Potter." Beatrix Potter (Renée Zellweger) is an unconventional woman in the early 1900s: She is unmarried, and she dreams of writing a children's book based on her drawings of animals. Everything changes when she meets Norman (Ewan McGregor), a kind man who wants to publish her book, and with his help, Beatrix challenges a world that only sees women in the most limited light.

In the movie, Zellweger plays Beatrix Potter with a blend of quiet confidence and kind words. She is as sweet as Mary Poppins in the title role, but the movie's true creative stroke is the way it portrays Potter engaging with her creations, who spring to life on the page with lovely animated sequences. 

The brief inclusion of animation in a live action film goes a long way. It both reminds audiences of the impact of a story as seemingly simple as "The Tale of Peter Rabbit," and also illustrates just how powerful Potter's imagination really was. She had an incredible gift for storytelling, and "Miss Potter" shows how the sexist attitudes of her time almost prevented this gift from ever reaching the world. In the end, "Miss Potter" shows how belief — in oneself and in others — can be stronger than societal demands, and for anyone looking to get lost in pastoral Victorian England with a beloved author and her characters, "Miss Potter" is the film for you.

Spike Lee's "Malcolm X" tells the story of one of the most literally and figuratively revolutionary writers of all time. The movie follows Malcolm X (Denzel Washington) in a cradle-to-grave narrative, beginning with his childhood in Harlem as Malcolm Little and going into his prison time, in which he's reborn as Malcolm X.

The movie is a lot of things — entertaining, interesting, educational — but it's a showcase for Washington and Lee's indelible talents first and foremost. As the movie progresses deeper into Malcolm X's work and teachings for Black liberation and civil rights, Lee's direction gets more confidently stylized. The same goes for Washington's performance. It's almost as if the two men purposefully paced their originality on-screen to line up with the stages of Malcolm's life. 

While Malcolm X's only published work is his autobiography, his verse lives on through recordings and republished speeches. Unlike the majority of the other existing writers on this list, Malcolm didn't write fiction or craft stories. However, the impact of his work has arguably had the most to say about life in America, which is just one of many reasons why Spike Lee's "Malcom X" is an appointment viewing.

Saving Mr. Banks

"Saving Mr. Banks" recounts Walt Disney's efforts to woo author P.L. Travers to grant Disney the movie rights to her work. The work in question? The practically perfect-in-every-way "Mary Poppins." The movie's conflict revolves around Travers' (Emma Thompson) reluctance to let Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) turn her creation into a candy-coated Disney vehicle. The story is based on the real life production of "Mary Poppins." However, publications like Vulture  pointed out that this film excludes a number of things from the true story and in doing so, warps what happened. This makes sense considering Disney Studios released "Saving Mr. Banks," likely had to ensure the story fit their company's squeaky clean brand.

That said, "Saving Mr. Banks" is still a worthwhile watch for fans of Traver's books, the movie adaptation of "Mary Poppins," or both. It delves into the differences between her book and the movie, and it also explores Traver's childhood as an inspiration for the original. Most interestingly, however, "Saving Mr. Banks" depicts a story about an author losing control over the work they put out into the world. It may have too neat an ending for some folks' taste, but it's still an interesting question for a movie to address nonetheless.

Director Jim Jarmusch's "Paterson" is a love letter to folks who find beauty in things like taking the bus or having a beer at the same bar every night of the week, and is a must-watch for the poetically inclined. Paterson (Adam Driver) lives and drives a city bus in Paterson, New Jersey. Paterson is a kind and quirky man, who's also a wonderful poet. There's not much more to the plot than that: Poetry, routine, and the occasional disruption of that routine. 

While this may not sound like much of a story, Jarmusch is a master at communicating feelings. "Paterson" features lush sound design — like the distinct sound of a spoon hitting a cereal bowl in this scene — and marvelously composed shots that capture the granular details of each object in their frames. In other words, Jarmusch takes a movie about a poet and turns it into his own visual poetry.

"Paterson" is a beautiful movie to behold and its subtly meticulous crafting rewards multiple re-watches. Plus, the poetry in the film was written by established poet Ron Padgett (via PBS NewsHour ). It's an excellent showcase of the American author's work and lends the film a sense of authenticity that not many other movies about fictional artists have.

Set at the end of the 19th century, the 2018 biopic "Colette" charts the rise to prominence of the French female writing phenom Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (Keira Knightly), as well as her abusive relationship with her husband and publisher Henry Gauthier-Villars a.k.a. "Willy" (Dominic West).

For the unfamiliar, Colette penned a popular series of French novels about a teenager named Claudine, as she comes of age in France. The novels were largely based on Colette's own life and were enormously popular with young women upon release. However, Colette's husband took credit for her work and originally published the Claudine novel with his name on them (via TIME ). It's probably not too much of a spoiler to say that Colette and Willy eventually divorced.

How Colette eventually gets credit for her own novels is the driving conflict of the film — so we won't spoil that information here with more historical facts. Finding out how she did it in "Colette" is definitely worth any fan's time. Critic Nell Minnow writes for Roger Ebert that Knightley "gives one of her best performances as a girl with spirit and talent who becomes a woman with ferocity and a voice." Knightly and West ooze chemistry — even when they're furious with one another — and the whole movie is a sultry affair about an author, who lived the way she wanted and eventually got the credit for writing the way she wanted too. Cheers to you sister.

The Shining

Stanley Kubrick's 1980 classic "The Shining" is not only perhaps the best of the "isolated writer" movie sub genre, but for many, it's one of the best horror movies of all time . Based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King, "The Shining" sees failed writer Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) move his family into the remote Overlook Hotel for the winter. Torrance takes a job as the hotel's winter keeper as a means to find peace, quiet, and money, while he attempts to write his novel. This being a King story, things in the Overlook Hotel take a turn for the supernatural fairly quickly. This being a Kubrick movie, the scarier things take a turn for the striking as they appear on screen.

It's hard to stress the impact of "The Shining" enough. The 1970s were marked by grizzly low-budget exploitation horror films like "The Last House on the Left" and the iconic "Texas Chain Saw Massacre," and "The Shining" kicked off the new decade like a behemoth nobody asked for or understood. At the time of its release, the movie was widely critically dismissed and even Stephen King panned it (via IndieWire ). 

However, time has been kind to "The Shining." Today, the fingerprints of "The Shining" are everywhere. Its score, cinematography, and classic lines are endlessly honored, parodied, and copied in everything from contemporary horror movies to episodes of "The Simpsons. " In cultural currency, "The Shining's" credit is more than " fine " — it's a perfect 850.

The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society

"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" is an early 20th century romantic drama with a dash of modern sensibilities and a great admiration for the power of book clubs. Based on Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows' book of the same name, the WWII-era film follows author Juliet Ashton (Lily James) on her writing assignment to the island of Guernsey. It's 1945 and Juliet travels to a small British Channel isle to investigate its book club, "The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society," which is rumored to have been founded under Nazi occupation. Once Juliet arrives, she discovers intrigue, book lovers, and the dashing Dawsey Adams (Michiel Huisman). 

While its plot is a tad predictable — Juliet is engaged before she embarks on her journey but that Mr. Adams is so handsome and charming that she may have to call her wedding off — the movie serves as a sweet love letter to literary fans. The story revels in the connection strangers find over their shared passion for great works of art. Anybody who's ever joined a book club or even an online fandom will appreciate "The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society" for what it is: a familiar conversation for friends of the genre. Books don't always need to be big unwieldy challenging works; sometimes they just need to offer comfort to their readers. Luckily, Juliet and the rest of the "Potato Peel Society" offer comfort in spades.

Gary Oldman stars in a wonderful performance as the man who penned "Citizen Kane” in David Fincher's 2020 biopic "Mank." The movie centers around writer Herman Mankiewicz (Oldman) a.k.a. "Mank" and the drama surrounding the creation of arguably the best movie of all time . Most of this drama stems from the screenwriter himself. Mank is too smart for his own good. When he's not being over-served in bars, he's a hair's breath away from insulting whichever benefactor is bankrolling his good time. Whether it's titan of industry William Randolph Hearst (Charles Dance) or "Citizen Kane ” star and director Orson Welles (Tom Burke), nobody is safe from Mank's biting wit.

Director David Fincher also uses the movie to shine a light on an odd period of Hollywood history. The movie mirrors the structure of "Citizen Kane:" It unfolds in a series of moments (some fictionalized according to Vulture ), which Fincher argues likely impacted the final script that Mank handed over to Wells. In doing so, the movie dives into early 20th century American politics and the idea that Hollywood has acted as a political machine since its inception.

It's all very heady stuff. It's also all complicated by the feud between Welles and Mank over who really wrote which part of the screenplay. In fact, movie critic Pauline Kael first raised the issue in her 1971 essay " Raising Kane ." The debate around contribution to the screenplay has since continued, but one thing's for sure: "Mank" is a fantastic film about movies and the people who write them.

A Mouthful of Air

Based on the 2003 novel of the same name by Amy Koppelman — who also wrote and directed the film — "A Mouthful of Air" explores the realities of living with postpartum depression. Julie ( Amanda Seyfried ) is a new mom and children's book author, who attempts suicide. The movie then explores Julie's day-to-day life of trying to balance her depression against her various personal and professional responsibilities. 

Koppelman's various works have all dealt with mental health issues in different forms and her experience in depicting the topic in a thoughtful and multi-dimensional way shines through in "A Mouthful of Air." While the film's critical reception was mixed , critic Nick Schager pointed out that the movie's strongest element "is its refusal to propose a one-to-one explanation" for depression in his review for Variety . 

"A Mouthful of Air" tackles its tough subject with an abundance of empathy. It also features a strong central performance from Seyfried, whose inner feelings and conflicts are at odds with what the outside world sees: a woman who "has it all" and writes books that help readers confront their fears. "A Mouthful of Air" is not easy to get through. However, Koppelman's efforts resist exploitative tropes and create a story about understanding and the potential for healing.

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention LiLifeline by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.

My Brilliant Career

1979's "My Brilliant Career" is about an aspiring author named Sybylla Melvyn (Judy Davis) and highlights the not-so-glamorous part of the life of the aspiring writer in late 19th century Australia. Sybylla lives on a farm, where she dreams of being a writer, although her parents see this as just a flight of fancy. Unable to afford the cost of her care, they ship her off to live with her wealthy grandmother, where Sybylla experiences love, a world outside of what she knows, and the means of making her dreams come true.

What sets "My Brilliant Career" apart from similar stories of young adults confronted by the unrelenting reality of responsibility is its refusal to look away from Sybylla's faults. She's bright and creative, yes, but like everybody, she's flawed. It's a truly fantastic character portrait that's definitely worth a watch. Audiences at the time agreed too. "My Brilliant Career" won 6 Australian Film Institute awards in 1979 including Best Film and Best Actress for Judy Davis' performance.

Wonder Boys

Based on Michael Chabon's 1995 novel of the same name, 2000's "Wonder Boys" follows Professor Grady Tripp ( Michael Douglas ) over the course of a few eventful days. Tripp wrote a successful novel some time ago, but in the present, his wife has left him and he passes his time getting high and teaching creative writing. Tripp is stuck with writer's block, but a weekend with two of his students Hannah (Katie Holmes) and James (Tobey Maguire) helps him find the story that he needs to tell. 

When the movie was released, it was met with great reviews from critics. Roger Ebert gave the movie four stars and felt Michael Douglas gave a career stand-out performance as Tripp. Douglas is usually enough reason to see any movie, but "Wonder Boys" also features fantastic turns from then upcoming stars like Toby Maguire and Katie Holmes. Francis McDormand also brings her singular personality to the movie as Tripp's love interest, and there's even a wonderful part for Rip Torn as an aging and mysterious writer named "Q."

A movie that's made with as much care as "Wonder Boys" shouldn't go unnoticed. Most folks who've spent time in a creative writing class will enjoy the movie's specificity; movie fans who haven't will simply enjoy the ride.

The Kindergarten Teacher

"The Kindergarten Teacher” is a pitch-black look at the pain of feeling like you have something to say but don't have the talent to say it well. The 2018 movie is a remake of a 2014 Israeli film of the same name and centers on Lisa ( Maggie Gyllenhaal ), an aspiring poet-turned-kindergarten teacher. Lisa is not a particularly good poet, but one of her students shows promise as a writer. Following in a long line of misguided anti-heroes, Lisa goes to extreme lengths to attempt to foster her student's talent.

Not surprisingly, Gyllenhaal is fantastic in this role, which Rolling Stone movie critic Peter Travers called a "new career peak" for the actress, who "[compels] us to understand a woman who maybe doesn't understand herself." Viewers be warned: "The Kindergarten Teacher ” is capital "D" Dark. Not since Salieri in "Amadeus" has a character so singularly captured the despair of a person coming to terms with their artistic limitations. It's an unfair fact of life that everybody isn't a genius. However, after "The Kindergarten Teacher,” the audience might feel blessed that at least they're better at coping with that reality than Ms. Lisa.

The bachelor party movie is a time-honored tradition in Hollywood. Most generations have their definitive version and some outings in the sub-genre even include Tom Hanks . Meanwhile, other takes like "Sideways" are helmed by director Alexander Payne, who seems to thrive on stories about human behavior that most audiences wish didn't exist. 

Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Hayden Church) are two old college buddies, who set off to California's wine country for Jack's bachelor party. Miles is a broke divorced writer with a finished manuscript that he's afraid to let anyone read and a drinking problem. Jack is a small-time actor, who's marrying for money and looking for a few more illicit affairs before he gets married and his good looks fade away entirely. Neither man is happy and neither man is what you might call a good person. For example, Miles robs his mother to pay for the trip and Jack beds a wine server early on in the trip.

Admittedly, none of this sounds like a good time. However, Payne shines a light on average folks at their worst in a way that can make everybody laugh at just how low human beings can go. "Sideways," like the 2004 novel it was based on, is side-splittingly funny. It also has a ton to say about wine, relationships, and things that inspire people to take big swings, like finally dusting off that old manuscript and letting someone read it.

Julie & Julia

Hungry viewers beware, "Julie & Julia” puts a bevy of famous chef Julia Child's signature dishes on screen and will make anyone who watches come down with a searing case of hunger. Julie Powell (Amy Adams) is an aspiring author, who's feeling a bit directionless. So, Julie decides to make all 524 dishes from Child's cookbook "The Art of French Cooking" in a year and keep a blog of this massive effort. At the same time, the film follows Julia Child (Meryl Streep) in the years before she becomes a world-renowned chef, when she is just an American in Paris, who enrolls in French cooking school. The film cuts back and forth between Julie and Julia, as each woman faces her own seemingly endless well of challenges in pursuit of her goals of self-discovery, and sharing that self with the world.

Based on two true stories, "Julia & Julia" draws from Julia Child's autobiography "My Life in France," as well as Julie Powell's memoir "Julia & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously," which was the book that Powell published thanks to the popularity of her blog (via Variety ). Both Adams and Streep are marvelous actors in their own right, but it shouldn't be a surprise to hear "Julie & Julia" is very much Streep's vehicle. Her performance as Child plays like a loving tribute to a larger-than-life personality, who brought French cuisine to homes across the United States and world. This was the final film of writer-director Nora Ephron, and her assured hand plus the work of Streep and Adams all bring an infectious energy that is almost guaranteed to leave a smile on viewers' faces.

American Splendor

2003's "American Splendor" is all about the intersection of fact and fiction. The movie is based on a long-running comic series of the same name, which itself is based on the life of its author Harvey Pekar. The real-life Pekar narrates the film, while his on-screen counterpart is portrayed by Paul Giamatti.

While all of this may sound overly complex for a movie about a comic book writer, it's very in line with the spirit of "American Splendor." Unlike "Batman" or "X-Men" comics, Pekar is no superhero. In fact, his comics are very honest about what he is: a file clerk with a few ex-wives, who lives in Cleveland. This honesty is part of what makes his work so engaging. It also makes the movie a fairly unabashed look into the life and times of a very unique creator.

From the highs and lows of Pekar's moderate fame to his bout with cancer, "American Splendor" pulls no punches in covering its subject, which works considering its author never pulled any punches about himself either. The movie's style — a hybrid of documentary interviews with the real life Pekar and well-executed dramatic recreations with Giamatti as Pekar — place the film firmly in the indie category. However, its experimental style shouldn't be considered a barrier to entry. Much like its creator, "American Splendor" is shaggy and weird, but it's got a ton of heart.

2011's film adaptation of Kathryn Stockett's 2009 novel "The Help" was not only a smash hit with audiences , but also introduced a wide array of film viewers to the talents of Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer.

"The Help" is set during the early 1960s in the South, and kicks off in earnest when Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan (Emma Stone), a young aspiring writer, returns home from college. Since leaving home, Skeeter has discovered a new way of seeing things, and finds that she's deeply uncomfortable with the way that white families in her hometown treat their Black maids. Skeeter begins interviewing domestic workers Aibileen (Viola Davis) and Minny (Octavia Spencer) in an effort to tell their side of the story. Soon, Skeeter's work causes trouble among the racist white community, particularly once the maids begin to demand better treatment from their employers.

Both the movie and novel have been widely criticized for centering the voices of its white characters. Davis herself told The New York Times  in an interview that she regretted her role in the film because "it wasn't the voices of the maids that were heard." So, in respect to Ms. Davis, appreciate "The Help ” for making her and actress Octavia Spencer household names since they are both seriously fantastic in this movie, but don't come to "The Help" for a detailed or thoughtful exploration on race relations in America.

The Diving Bell & The Butterfly

"The Diving Bell & The Butterfly" is the incredible true story of one writer's ability to dictate his entire memoir through a series of blinks after suffering a stroke. Jean-Dominique Bauby (Mathiew Amalric) is the French editor of the fashion magazine Elle. He's got a high-flying job, a loving family, and everything going for him until he suddenly has a stroke and wakes up to discover he has "locked-in syndrome." Jean-Dominque is almost entirely paralyzed, but his mental capacities remain as they were before, so he decides to write a book about his life.

Based on Bauby's 1997 memoir of the same name, "The Diving Bell & the Butterfly" deals with a subject matter that is often wildly moving and sometimes hopelessly upsetting. However, director Julian Schnabel deftly keeps the movie from falling into utter despair. It goes without saying, but anybody who can dictate an entire book just by blinking one eye to a speech therapist was born with an indomitable human spirit. It's this spirit and unbelievable energy that Schnabel, Amalric, and company bring to the screen. Come for the story's enrapturing hook and stay for a deep dive into a writer's soul.

Moulin Rouge!

Few people make movies like Baz Luhrmann. The director's more is more approach to filmmaking has produced visually striking movies like "The Great Gatsby” and "Romeo + Juliet," which are difficult to compare to much else and his 2001 musical "Moulin Rouge!" is no exception.

"Moulin Rouge!" follows Christian (Ewan McGregor), a young writer who sets off to find artistic fame and fortune with the Bohemian movement in turn of the century Paris. Christian doesn't find those things, but he does find an impassioned love affair at the Moulin Rouge with a theater singer and courtesan named Satine ( Nicole Kidman ). However, their love must be kept secret from the man who can save the Moulin Rouge from bankruptcy, but will only do so if he can have Satine all to himself.

This plot may sound clichéd, but Luhrmann's gift is to take clichés and infuse them with colors, movement, and set design so loud that any unoriginality is immediately drowned out by its fantastic surroundings. Plus, "Moulin Rouge!" is a jukebox musical. So, while there are a few original songs written for the movie, Luhrmann also repurposes anachronistic popular songs for this 1900 setting, like The Police's "Roxanne." The audience sees this world through naïve writer Christian's eyes, as he finally experiences love, a subject that he'd written about but never known for himself. Like the best airport romance novels, "Moulin Rouge!" turns the ridiculous into a great time. 

The End of the Tour

David Foster Wallace's seminal talent dominated the American literary field throughout the '90s. Chances are anybody who hasn't read his work has heard a portion of his famous "This is Water" speech  or perhaps has some ideas about the type of guy who lionizes Wallace, as Deirdre Coyle describes in "Men Explain David Foster Wallace to Me" for  Electric Lit . With all of that reputation preceding him, 2015's "The End of the Tour" is faced with the Herculean task of bringing Wallace from an idea into an intimate, human form.

Based on a true story, the movie is framed around a days-long interview in 1996 between Wallace (Jason Segel) and Rolling Stone contributor David Lipsky (Jesse Eisenberg). Lipsky accompanies Wallace on the last leg of his book tour for "Infinite Jest," and gets a surprising insight into the writer's life, at the moment when Wallace's life changes forever. 

In reality, Lipsky wrote about this time with Wallace for Rolling Stone , which Lipsky later turned into his memoir "Although Of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself." The memoir is the basis for "The End of the Tour," which is about two strangers connecting. Both Segel and Eisenberg are fantastic in this movie that's entirely carried by their ongoing riveting conversation. The movie isn't without its faults, as writer and former friend of Wallace Glenn Kenny wrote for The Guardian that "it gets everything wrong" about the writer. While the movie's not perfect, it's an interesting attempt to portray a singular artist on screen.

An Angel at My Table

Internationally renowned New Zealand author Janet Frame takes center stage in Jane Campion's 1991 biopic "An Angel at My Table." The film draws from the author's three autobiographies for its story: "To the Is-Land," "An Angel at My Table," and "The Envoy from Mirror City." Each book takes place in a different stage in the author's life and the movie follows suit with Alexia Keogh, Karen Fergusson, and Kerry Fox playing Frame in her childhood, teenage, and adult years. "An Angel at My Table" begins with Frame's childhood growing up in an impoverished household. In adolescence, she gets institutionalized for a misdiagnosis of schizophrenia, and finally finds fame on the page in adulthood.

With such a bevy of rich material to pull from, it's no surprise this movie is fantastic. It also doesn't hurt that it's directed by Oscar-winning director Jane Campion, whose characteristic empathy for her subjects radiates through "An Angel at My Table." In Roger Ebert's review, he says the movie gives "great attention to human detail." As usual, Mr. Ebert is dead-on. Campion does away with typical biopic clichés by simply focusing on the movie's one-of-a-kind protagonist and tell Frame's life story, which combines horror, perseverance, and brilliance.

In a Lonely Place

Humphrey Bogart does his noir thing in the 1950 classic "In a Lonely Place." Dixon "Dix" Steele (Bogart) tries to clear his name in a murder investigation, but it turns out, he has more problems than just being a murder suspect. He's a screenwriter who hasn't sold anything in a few years, his experience in WWII has left him prone to flights of rage, and he's not sure if his best girl actually wants to go through with their engagement.

Saying anything else ruins what makes film noir so special: the twists and turns. However, it's no spoiler to say that this is a classic of the genre. The movie is based on a novel of the same title by Dorothy B. Hughes. It was directed by studio system stalwart Nicholas Ray. Bogart's love interest and co-star in "In A Lonely Place" is played by Gloria Grahame Hallward, who brings a fantastic sense of "been there, done that" energy on screen that makes the movie that much more interesting. While this may be the oldest film on the list, it's not to be missed. They really, truly don't make 'em like this anymore.

"Spotlight" is named after the investigative team at The Boston Globe, and masterfully follows the newspaper's real 2002 investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse and systemic cover-ups within the Boston Catholic Church. This work won a Pulitzer Prize for The Boston Globe and set off a reckoning within the Catholic Church.

The movie — featuring a cast that includes Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo, Stanley Tucci, and Liev Schrieber — is a masterclass in focusing on details. Director Tom McCarthy zeroes on the minutiae of investigative journalism. It captures everything from pouring over personnel files to interviewing victims to waiting for records to be made public to beating down doors to get answers. The actors are all fantastic from top to bottom and everybody gets a moment to shine.

While the movie is not entirely without moments of very loud, very righteous indignation, for the most part, it trades fireworks for the facts of the real investigation. It's a wise choice that highlights the impact that hard-nosed local journalism can still have on the world at large, which is partly what makes it one of the greatest movies about journalists ever. For many, it's the 21st century's "All the President's Men." If all that wasn't enough to convince anybody to check it out, it also won Oscars for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay in 2016.

Elisabeth Moss gives a powerhouse performance in "Shirley," which adapts Susan Scarf Merrell's 2014 novel of the same. Like the book, the movie tells a fictionalized story about famed horror author Shirley Jackson. For the unfamiliar, Jackson's works include the novel "The Haunting of Hill House" and the short story "The Lottery." Her writing is terrifying and claustrophobic in equal measure. Jackson was a master at saying the quiet part out loud and could turn social anxiety into a reason to hide under the bed.

The movie follows a fictional couple, who move in with Jackson (Elisabeth Moss) and her husband Stanley Edgar Hyman (Michael Stuhlbarg), and are quickly brought into the strange and surprising world of Shirley Jackson. This framing of the story around outsiders who are brought into Jackson's home allows the audience to see various sides of the writer and her precarious approach to life. It also gives Moss the opportunity to put on an absolute show. Moss is never not fantastic but this role of Shirley Jackson gives her the opportunity to be mean, wounded, drunk, empathetic, brilliant, and anxious, all within the same scene. It should be in the conversation for some of her best work. Moss stans and horror fans, do yourselves a favor by putting "Shirley" on the top of your queue.

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Tips for writing an argumentative essay about movie

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An argumentative essay about a movie is one of the most exciting assignments you can write. Unlike most, it allows you to think about movies while relaxing instead of focusing on writing alone. Not only this, but the type of essay is not technical. Regardless of the pros, an argumentative essay can knock the wind out of your sails. Unlike other articles, you must demonstrate proficiency in contextual context, genre, character analysis, etc. Follow these recommendations to write an argumentative essay about a film.

Tips for writing an argumentative essay about movie_2-film

Can I hire someone to write my argumentative essay?

Hiring a professional to write your film argumentative essay is not illegal. However, some institutions frown on it because of plagiarism, badly-written papers, and the fact that it doesn’t help college students learn. But time is not a luxury most of you have, as you often need to juggle classes, assignments, projects, work, and extracurricular activities. When you hire an online writing service like Edusson to write your argumentative essay or to find examples, you can spend your time on other vital tasks. Reliable paper helpers use experts with a minimum of a Master’s degree or Ph.D. to complete A-grade assignments. Students also don’t need to worry about plagiarism, confidentiality, examples, and quality. So, yes. You can hire someone to write your essay.

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Tips for writing an argumentative essay about a movie

An argumentative movie essay uses evidence and facts to state or support a position and convince the audience to do the same. There are several things to do before starting your film analysis essay. The popular ones involve:

Read and understand the instructions

No two argumentative essay assignments are the same, even if they are from the same professor. Before writing a film analysis essay , read the instructions for specifics and dynamics. For example, can you choose a film name to write about, or is one provided in brief? You will also find information on writing rules like font size, length, etc.

Watch the movie

The first thing to do when you receive a movie name is to watch it. Undergraduates are some of the brightest people on earth. As a result, it is common to think of ways to beat the system. Some students read film reviews online and then write about them. Unfortunately, a 10-minute recap of Titanic or a similar movie review cannot capture the entire content, action, and setting of a 2-hour-long movie. To avoid this pitfall, watch movies for a comprehensive visual representation of the character, music, twists, supporting acts, story, camera angles, and more.

Create an outline

One of the best ways to reduce your writing time and do it more effectively is to create content. Like maps, use an essay outline to create a picture of your destination to avoid spending much effort on contemplation. Below is a famous sample you can adopt:

  • Introduction.
  • Conclusion.

Start with a great introduction

Film analysis essays are usually fun. The introduction must contain basic details about the movies to provide background information. They include the movie title, release date, budget, cast, etc. You must also point out the central theme and the ideas behind it. One good thing about writing this type of introduction is that you can express your point of view.

As with all essays, start with an impressive hook. A hook can be a statement of fact, statistics, quote, question, or personal anecdote that attempt to draw the reader’s attention and interest. After reading your opening paragraph, they will continue reading until the end.

Write the summary

This section is where you tell the who, what, when, where, why, and how. Here, you will give an overview of the primary concepts in the movie and anything relating to style, structure, and point of view.

Do your analysis

The analysis is the most vital part of your essay. Unlike other writing assignments, a film is a complex artwork of interconnected parts. As a result, you must take them apart and think about them individually. They include:

Visual elements

A good movie combines a well-written screenplay, actors, directors, musicals, and visuals. Thanks to technology, actors can achieve more with less effort. Pay attention to the costume, makeup, motion picture, and special effects like CGI and review their impacts on the film. Consider them with your thesis statement to form an opinion.

Musical elements

Music sets the mood and invokes emotions. But how well did watching the movie achieve that? Analyze whether the music impacts what is happening on screen to know whether it supports the action or distracts you.

The cast and crews bring the scenario to life. As a result, you must pay attention to them in your analysis. Is their act convincing? Evaluate if they portrayed their characters and whether their acting corresponds to the movie’s idea.

The directors are the brain behind the movie. Their essence is to ensure the scripts are captured and well-acted. During your analysis, pay attention to how the expert supervised the execution of the hand, and if possible, compare it to the director’s previous work.

Script and scenario

A good movie rides on the back of a compelling scenario. If you have trouble understanding the scenes, the screenplay is poor. Examine the logical flow of events, character developments, dialogues, and scene completion. Then think about your argument according to the films.

Write the conclusion

Use your conclusion to recap your perception of the film and remind your audience of your overall impression. Remember, the goal is to investigate the movie and collect, generate, and evaluate evidence to establish and argue your position.

Film essays are interesting if you pay attention to details. Follow the guideline above, and you won’t run into any problems. We recommend you take some time to edit and proofread your text before submitting it to reduce errors. Also, don’t hesitate to ask your supervisor for an essay sample or similar assistance if you have any questions.

Sharing is caring

Don’t miss your favorite movie moments because you have to pee or need a snack. Use the RunPee app ( Android or iPhone ) when you go to the movies. We have Peetimes for all wide release films every week, including Madam Web, One Love, Argylle, I.S.S. , and coming soon DUNE part II and many others. We have literally thousands of Peetimes—from classic movies through today’s blockbusters. You can also keep up with movie news and reviews on our blog, or by following us on Twitter @RunPee . If there’s a new film out there, we’ve got your bladder covered.

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How Can I Write an Essay About a Movie?

By Film Threat Staff | May 23, 2023

Watching movies for a long time has been a major past-time for most individuals. The people expect to sit in front of their screens and get thrilled into a world of adventure, mystery, and wonder.

But how can you gauge your appreciation and understanding of filmmaking? Writing an essay about a movie is one way of showing your grasp of the content.

Movie analysis is a common assignment for most college students. It is an intricate task where every detail matters while tied together to form a part of the story.

A part of the assignment involves watching a particular movie and writing an essay about your overall impression of the movie.

Essay writing services such as WriteMyEssay show that more than rewatching a movie several times is needed to make up for a solid movie analysis essay. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to write your movie analysis:

What Is a Movie Essay?

movies to write an essay about

The world of literature is multifaceted while testing different attributes of students. A movie analysis essay, at its core, seeks to uncover the hidden layers of meaning within the cinema world.

A movie analysis essay is much more than a movie review that seeks to delve into the artistry behind filmmaking. Thus, it seeks to test a student’s prowess in understanding various elements that come together to form a meaningful cinematic experience.

The main purpose of movie analysis essays is to dissect different components employed by a film in making a unique and impactful storyline.

Students can appreciate the filmmaking process’s complexities by analyzing these different elements. Also, students can develop a keen eye for the nuances that elevate a movie from entertainment to a work of art.

Here are top tips by experts when writing an essay about a particular movie during your assignments:

1. Watch the Movie

The first obvious standpoint for writing an essay about any movie is watching the film. Watching the movie builds an important foundation for the writing exercise. Composing an insightful, compelling, and well-thought movie essay requires you to experience it.

Therefore, select an appropriate environment to watch the movie free from distractions. Moreover, immerse yourself in the full movie experience to absorb all the intricate details. Some critical elements to note down include:

  • Characterization
  • Cinematography

We recommend watching the movie several times in case the time element allows. Rewatching the film deepens your understanding of the movie while uncovering unnoticed details on the first take.

2. Write an Introduction

The introductory paragraph to your movie essay should contain essential details of the movie, such as:

  • Release date
  • Name of the director
  • Main actors

Moreover, start with a captivating hook to entice readers to keep reading. You can start with a memorable quote from one of the characters.

For example, released in 1976 and Directed by Martin Scorsese, ‘The Taxi Driver’ starring Robert De Niro as the eccentric taxi driver.’

movies to write an essay about

After writing an enticing introduction, it is time to summarize what you watched. A summary provides readers with a clear understanding of the movie’s plot and main events. Hence, your readers can have a foundation for the rest of your movie essay.

Writing a summary need to be concise. The entire movie essay should be brief and straight to the point. Ensure to capture the main arguments within the movie’s plot. However, avoid going into too many details. Just focus on giving concise information about the movie.

4. Start Writing

The next vital part is forming the analysis part. This is where the analysis delves deeply into the movie’s themes, cinematography, characters, and other related elements.

First, start by organizing your analysis clearly and logically. Each section or paragraph should concentrate on a particular aspect of the film. Ensure to incorporate important elements such as cinematography, character development, and symbolism.

In addition, analyze different techniques employed by filmmakers. Take note of stylistic choices, including editing, sound, cinematography, imagery, and allegory. This helps contribute to the overall impact and meaning.

Lastly, connect your analysis to the thesis statement. Ensure all arguments captured in your analysis tie together to the main argument. It should maintain a straight focus throughout your essay.

Remember to re-state your thesis while summarizing previously mentioned arguments innovatively and creatively when finishing up your movie essay. Lastly, you can recommend your reader to watch the movie.

Final Takeaway

The writing process should be a fun, demanding, and engaging assignment. Try these tips from experts in structuring and logically organizing your essay.

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How to Write an Essay on a Film: A Step-by-Step Guide to Analytical Writing

Indie Shorts Mag Team

Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the magic of the movies? How do you tailor your film experience into a thought-provoking piece of writing that outlines the core aspects of the genre? Whether you’re an eager student getting started with analytical writing or a film enthusiast itching to pen your thoughts, understanding how to write a good essay on a movie is key. Writing an essay on a film isn’t all about listing characters in a movie scene but providing a deep analysis of the representation of issues and how they relate to the real-world. In this regard, being able to articulate your thoughts can be a game-changer as you get to build a reputation as  a writer while at the same time gaining a deeper understanding of how film producers and writers mold their characters. Whether you’re getting started or a seasoned film analysis writer, this article will help you understand some tips that can help take your writing experience to another level. So, sit back and read along!

Tips to Write an Essay on a Film Correctly

Movies have an unparalleled ability to take us into the realms of imagination. As a student or a passionate moviegoer, you might find yourself inspired to write an essay on a film that had an impact on you. Whether it’s a thought-provoking analysis essay on a film or a personal reflection on a movie scene, it’s important that you display utmost creativity in your work. Here are tips to help you write correctly:

  • Immerse yourself in the film . To pen an insightful analysis essay on a film, immerse yourself in the movie you intend to explore. Watch the film attentively, allowing the scenes and dialogues to resonate with you deeply. Lastly, take notes as you watch to ensure you have all the captivating moments on paper.
  • Choose an area of focus . A successful film essay needs a clear and specific focus. Decide whether you want to analyze the movie as a whole, zoom in on a particular scene, or evaluate the effectiveness of the movie script. The choice of focus is very important as it gives your film analysis essay a sense of direction and purpose, presenting a better opportunity for success.
  • Write a captivating introduction . The introduction of your film analysis essay should be like an opening shot that captivates the reader’s attention from the very beginning. Start with a compelling hook that intrigues the audience, introduce the film’s title and director, and provide a brief overview of what your essay will explore. Don’t forget to include your thesis statement to ensure the readers can understand your arguments.
  • Embrace analytics evaluation . A film analysis essay isn’t complete without critical evaluation. Express your thoughts and opinions on the movie’s strengths and weaknesses. Be fair and objective in your assessment, backing your evaluations with solid reasoning and evidence from the film. Your unique perspective will make your essay stand out.
  • Showcase your writing skills . Remember that a well-written essay is a joy to read. Showcase your writing skills by crafting clear, concise, and eloquent sentences. Use appropriate vocabulary to convey your ideas effectively. Proofread your essay carefully to eliminate any grammatical errors or typos that might distract your readers from the essence of your analysis.
  • Seek feedback . Before finalizing your essay, seek feedback from peers, friends, or teachers. Constructive criticism can help you polish your work and identify areas for improvement. At this point, it might be helpful to contact custom essay writing service CustomWritings and have an expert from the company look at your essay and suggest any edits where necessary. This will help you align the essay to your target audience while at the same time honing your writing skills to meet the industry standards.

How to Write an Essay on a Film- A Step-by-Step Guide to Analytical Writing - Indie Shorts Mag

Benefits of Writing an Essay on a Movie

As students and film enthusiasts, we often find ourselves drawn to the magic of the screen. However, beyond the entertainment lies a hidden treasure waiting to be unlocked—writing an essay on a film. Whether it’s an in-depth analysis essay on a film or a personal reflection on a memorable movie scene, the process of putting our thoughts into words offers surprising benefits that go beyond mere writing exercises:

  • Writing enhances critical thinking : Crafting film reviews and analysis essays requires delving into the nuances of storytelling, character development, cinematography, and more. This process stimulates critical thinking skills, encouraging writers to analyze, interpret, and evaluate the various elements that make a movie memorable. As we unravel the layers of a film, we enhance our ability to think critically and express our insights coherently.
  • Opportunities for deeper film appreciation : Watching a film is an immersive experience, but writing about it takes our appreciation to new heights. When you write an essay about a film you have seen, you begin to notice the minor details you’ve often ignored when casually viewing. From the symbolism hidden in a movie scene to the underlying messages in a movie script, our writing journey unveils the craftsmanship of filmmakers and deepens our appreciation for their art.
  • It provides an avenue to express emotional appreciation : Movies have a unique power to evoke emotions, and writing about them allows us to articulate the impact they have on our hearts and minds. When we write an essay on a film we have seen, we can delve into our emotional connections with the characters, the plot, or a particular scene that resonated with us. Sharing our feelings through writing can be cathartic and adds a personal touch to our analysis.
  • Enhances personal writing skills : Writing essays on films nurtures our writing abilities, allowing us to experiment with language, style, and structure. We learn to convey complex ideas concisely, develop coherent arguments, and use appropriate vocabulary to articulate our thoughts effectively. These skills are not only valuable for academic pursuits but also serve us well in various aspects of life.
  • It empowers artistic expression : Writing an essay on a film unleashes our creativity and empowers us to share our unique interpretations of cinematic masterpieces. We can experiment with creative writing techniques, such as vivid imagery or descriptive language, to paint a vivid picture of our cinematic experience. Through our words, we become storytellers, encapsulating the essence of the films that have left an indelible mark on us.
  • Enhances academic growth : For students, writing film analysis essays is a gateway to academic growth. These essays encourage interdisciplinary exploration, connecting literature, history, sociology, and psychology to the world of cinema. Through such connections, students gain a holistic understanding of various subjects, enriching their academic journey.

Navigate Through the World of Writing

Writing an essay on a film can be a great skill to have. It helps you navigate the world of cinema while at the same time improving your analytical writing abilities. It gives you the opportunity to identify the essential elements in a story and convey your interpretations effectively. However, navigating through the domain of writing can be challenging if you’re just getting started. This article has outlined some of the tips to effective writing, presenting you with an opportunity to up your game when it comes to writing. So, brace yourself and explore the limitless opportunities that come with writing analytical film essays.

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How to write an essay about a movie?

Interpret a key message of the film before you start writing, see the movie one more time, go google what other people think about the movie, don't forget to create a movie analysis essay outline.

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The Movie Blog

Best Historical Movies for Students

movies to write an essay about

History is one of the most fascinating subjects in school. Getting to learn about all the renowned events and people who existed like Alexander the Great, Napoleon, Constantine, the Roman Empire among other great historical events is intriguing. While reading about such events and people can be boring, watching them as a movie cannot.

This excerpt seeks to identify some of the best historical accurate movies that students can learn from.

Why Learn History with Movies?

Over the years, many good history movies have been produced to help people understand better their origin. As a tutor, selecting movies for history class should be one of the easiest tasks considering the wide selection you can pick from. It becomes even more interesting as a student since by watching the events.Reasons why movies are much better than books and notes are;

  • Information sticks much better and faster
  • It brings character to life
  • Historical movies cover in-depth history than written books
  • They introduce new concepts and perspectives
  • Movies have been adopted and accepted globally

By learning through such the best history cinemas, writing your assignment can never be a problem for you at all. You don’t need to look for the best assignment writing service online to help you with your work since your creativity and zeal to pen gets motivated. You will have it all covered – you have all the materials to write your essay to completion.

Finding online writers is quite a job as you have to review each website before making a decision. However, if you must use an online writing service, then you need to work with the best in the industry.

A List of The Best Historically Accurate Movies

movies to write an essay about

There is something more about learning about past events from movies rather than reading about them in books. If you were to be honest, you would remember a movie you watched 10 years ago better than a book you read only a year ago. Films have a special effect when it comes to passing information.

Here are some of the best historical movies of all times.

12 years a slave

movies to write an essay about

It is certainly a film you can adopt for your history class as a teacher or recommend to watch as a student. It is inspiring and educative.

movies to write an essay about

The story shows off Lincoln’s political skills, humanity, passion and desire to see all people free. It is an awesome movie for people trying to understand the history of the USA.

Schnidler’s List

movies to write an essay about

Based on the World War II, the story talks of a wealthy German factory owner who saved more than a thousand Jew workers.

Flags of Our Fathers

movies to write an essay about

The story echoes the events that happened during that time in Japan as the War raged on. It has been borrowed from a book by James Bradley.

Hotel Rwanda

movies to write an essay about

I would recommend that if you haven’t watched any of these films that you make haste and do. They will give you a whole new perceptive of history that you never thought of. A historical film is able to focus closely on a specific character, thus painting other themes that books might miss.

Movies are visual, and what better way to see the past that actually seeing it on tape?

  • Acting - /10 0/10
  • Cinematography/Visual Effects - /10 0/10
  • Plot/Screenplay - /10 0/10
  • Setting/Theme - /10 0/10
  • Watchability - /10 0/10
  • Rewatchability - /10 0/10

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The Art of Evaluating Movies: A Guide to Writing a Comprehensive Evaluation Essay

  • backlinkworks
  • Writing Articles & Reviews
  • September 29, 2023

movies to write an essay about

The Art of Evaluating Movies: A Guide to writing a Comprehensive Evaluation Essay

Introduction.

Watching a movie can be an enjoyable and entertaining experience, but IT can also be a learning opportunity. When you watch a movie critically, you can analyze its various elements, such as the plot, characters, cinematography, and more. Evaluating movies through writing comprehensive evaluation essays can help you sharpen your analytical skills, develop your taste in cinema, and express your opinions effectively. In this guide, we will walk you through the art of evaluating movies and provide you with valuable insights into writing a comprehensive evaluation essay.

The Importance of Evaluating Movies

Evaluating movies is more than just expressing personal preferences or giving a simple thumbs-up or thumbs-down. IT involves a deeper understanding and analysis of the film, which can contribute to your overall cinematic knowledge. By evaluating movies, you learn to appreciate different genres, understand filmmaking techniques, and critically assess the messages portrayed in the film. Moreover, evaluating movies can enhance your communication skills as you articulate your thoughts and opinions effectively.

Understanding the Evaluation Essay

An evaluation essay is a form of writing that critically analyzes and assesses a subject, in this case, a movie. The main goal is to provide an objective and comprehensive evaluation of the movie’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall quality. This type of essay requires a balanced approach, taking into account various aspects of the film and substantiating your opinions with supporting evidence.

Choosing the Right Movie

Before diving into the evaluation essay, IT is crucial to select a movie that interests you and holds potential for critical analysis. Opt for a movie that provides ample material for evaluation, such as complex characters, thought-provoking themes, or innovative storytelling techniques. IT is recommended to choose a movie that you have already watched or have access to, as rewatching or analyzing specific scenes will help you in crafting a detailed evaluation.

Analyzing the Movie’s Elements

To write a comprehensive evaluation essay, you need to examine various elements of the movie. Here are the key aspects to consider:

Plot and Structure

Start your evaluation by analyzing the movie’s plot and structure. Assess whether the storyline is engaging, coherent, and well-paced. Evaluate the effectiveness of plot twists, character development, and the overall flow of the narrative.

Characters and Acting

Focus on the characters portrayed in the movie and the actors’ performances. Assess the believability of the characters, their depth, and the impact of the actors’ performances on the overall movie experience. Pay attention to the character development throughout the film.

Cinematography and Visuals

Evaluate the cinematography and visual elements used in the movie. Analyze the framing, camera angles, lighting, color palette, and overall aesthetics. Consider how these choices enhance or detract from the storytelling or the overall mood of the movie.

Sound and Music

Assess the audio aspects of the movie, including the sound design and the music. Determine how these elements contribute to the atmosphere, emotional impact, and overall effectiveness of the film. Analyze the use of silence or background music in key scenes.

Themes and Messages

Reflect on the themes and messages conveyed by the movie. Evaluate the depth, relevance, and originality of these themes. Consider the movie’s social or cultural commentary and its impact on the audience.

Editing and Pacing

Analyze the editing techniques and pacing of the movie. Assess the transitions between scenes, the use of cuts or fade-ins/outs, and the overall rhythm of the film. Evaluate whether the editing choices enhance or hinder the audience’s engagement with the story.

writing the Evaluation Essay

Now that you have thoroughly analyzed the movie, IT ‘s time to start writing your evaluation essay. Follow these steps to ensure a well-structured and comprehensive essay:

In the introduction, provide a brief overview of the movie and include relevant information such as the title, director, and release date. Set the tone for your evaluation by stating your overall opinion while avoiding specific details or spoilers.

After the introduction, summarize the movie’s plot and main elements. Keep IT concise, focusing on the essential aspects that will allow the reader to understand your evaluation.

Evaluation Criteria

Create a clear and structured evaluation by discussing specific criteria. For each element you analyzed, present your assessment, supported by evidence from the movie. Back up your claims with examples, quotes, or scenes that illustrate your points.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Highlight the movie’s strengths and weaknesses by discussing each element individually. Offer a balanced evaluation by praising what the movie does well while also addressing its shortcomings. Be objective and avoid personal biases.

Overall Evaluation

Conclude your evaluation essay by summarizing your overall assessment of the movie. Reiterate your opinion and provide a final analysis of how the movie succeeded or failed in conveying its message, entertaining the audience, or achieving its intended goals.

writing a comprehensive evaluation essay allows you to delve deep into the world of movies and analyze various elements that contribute to their overall quality. By evaluating movies, you develop a critical eye, learn to appreciate different cinematic techniques, and express your opinions effectively. Remember to choose a movie that provides ample material for analysis, break down its different elements, and support your evaluation with evidence. Through practice and an open mind, you will become a skilled movie critic capable of providing insightful evaluations.

Q: How do I choose the right movie for evaluation?

A: When choosing a movie for evaluation, opt for one that interests you and provides material for analysis. Look for complex characters, thought-provoking themes, or innovative storytelling techniques. IT is recommended to select a movie you have already watched or have access to for easier analysis.

Q: How can I improve my analytical skills when evaluating movies?

A: To improve your analytical skills, watch movies critically and pay attention to various elements such as plot, characters, cinematography, sound, and themes. Practice analyzing and reflecting on these elements, and challenge yourself to express your thoughts and opinions in a clear and structured manner.

Q: Can personal opinions be included in an evaluation essay?

A: While an evaluation essay requires a balanced and objective approach, personal opinions are essential. However, they should be supported by evidence from the movie and presented in a thoughtful manner. Avoid using personal biases or unfounded statements without any supporting rationale.

Q: How should I structure my evaluation essay?

A: A well-structured evaluation essay includes an introduction, a summary of the movie, an evaluation based on specific criteria, a discussion of strengths and weaknesses, and a concluding overall assessment. Make sure to support your evaluation with evidence and examples from the movie.

Q: Are there any tips for expressing my opinions effectively in a movie evaluation?

A: To express your opinions effectively in a movie evaluation, be specific and provide supporting evidence. Use concrete examples, quotes, or scenes that demonstrate your points. Avoid vague statements and ensure your opinions are connected to the specific elements you are evaluating.

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movie title in an essay APA

How to Write a Movie Title in an Essay APA?

movies to write an essay about

Ever struggled with adding a movie title to your APA style essay? No worries – it's simpler than you think! The American Psychological Association has a straightforward approach, and we're here to break it down for you. 

In this guide, our APA paper writing service will not only walk you through the process but also ensure that your references are presented uniformly across various papers and disciplines. By following APA guidelines, you not only adhere to academic standards but also facilitate clear communication in your writing. So, let's dive into the basics and make your APA formatting a breeze.

movies to write an essay about

How to Write Movie Titles in APA: Consider the Following

When it comes to incorporating a film name into your APA style essay, precision is the name of the game. Here are some helpful steps for the process:

  • Italicization : You may have been wondering whether or not should movie titles be italicized in APA. The answer is - always. This rule applies whether you are mentioning the heading in the text or including it in your references page. Example : In the film The Shawshank Redemption,...
  • Capitalization: Capitalize all major terms in the heading, but avoid capitalizing articles (a, an, the), conjunctions (and, but), and prepositions (in, on, under). Example: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
  • Punctuation: Place commas and periods inside the quotation marks. For example, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Casablanca, a timeless classic.
  • Reference Page Entry: When listing the movie on your references page, follow this format: Last Name, First Initial. (Director), Title [italicized], Production Company. Example : Spielberg, S. (Director), Jurassic Park [italicized], Universal Pictures.
  • In-Text Citations: For in-text citations include the last name of the director and the year of release in parentheses. Example: ( Spielberg, 1993)
  • Multiple Directors: If a film has multiple directors, list them with an ampersand (&) between their names. Example: ( Coen & Coen, 1998)
  • No Author: If there's no individual author or director, use the production company as the author in your reference. Example : Pixar. (2003). Finding Nemo [italicized].

How to Write Movie Titles in APA

Writing Movie Titles in APA-Style Essays in Upper Case 

When it comes to writing a movie title in essays, choosing the right style is crucial, and uppercase is a common choice that brings a touch of formality to your writing. APA style, a prevalent choice in scholarly articles and academia, particularly in the behavioral and social sciences, provides specific guidelines for this.

  • Capitalize Major Words: Nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and pronouns—all fall under the category of major words and should be capitalized. Additionally, any term of four letters or longer should be capital letters.
  • Minor Words in Lowercase: Conjunctions and prepositions of three letters or shorter, as well as articles, are in lowercase.
  • Proper Names: Always capitalize proper names, regardless of their length.
  • First Word in Title and Subtitle: Capitalize the first word in both the heading and subheading, even if it is an article like 'A' or 'The.'
  • After Colon and Em Dash: The first term after a colon or em dash is capitalized.
  • Words with Hyphens: If a major word is hyphenated, both parts are capitalized.
  • Movie Titles in Quotes or Italics APA : When referencing a heading in the body of your paper, use either quotation marks or italics.

Final Thoughts

Formatting movie headings is a small but important part of your essay. Whether you go with APA style or any other, just be consistent. Keep it simple; keep it steady. Consistency is your best friend here. So, whether it's italics or capital letters, stick with it throughout. It's the little things that add that pro touch to your essay.

So, as you wrap up your writing, think of it as rolling the credits on your cinematic masterpiece. The consistency in formatting, like a great ending scene, leaves a lasting impression. It's these little things that turn your paper into a pro-level production!

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Movie Reviews

Here are 6 movies to see this spring.

Bob Mondello 2010

Bob Mondello

movies to write an essay about

Civil War imagines a second civil war has broken out in the United States. Kirsten Dunst stars as a journalist in the film, which comes out April 12. Murray Close/A24 hide caption

Civil War imagines a second civil war has broken out in the United States. Kirsten Dunst stars as a journalist in the film, which comes out April 12.

Most years in early spring, Hollywood is figuring out how to keep its box-office momentum going. This year, January was so lackluster that film studios will have to jump-start moviegoing from scratch.

Happily, they have lots of strategies. Here are six that look promising:

Dune: Part Two, March 1

Hollywood's guiding principle is that what'll work is what has worked — meaning sequels — and this continuation of Frank Herbert's epic sci-fi saga is easily the classiest entry in a season that will include a fifth Mad Max , a 10th Planet of the Apes , and a monster mashup that qualifies as both King Kong 13, and Godzilla 38. Timothée Chalamet finally gets to ride a giant sandworm as we rejoin his Paul Atreides and Zendaya's Chani in mid-rebellion on the desert planet Arrakis. They're joined by newcomers Austin Butler, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux and Florence Pugh.

Love Lies Bleeding, March 8

A tale of love, sex, blackmail and murder from Saint Maud director Rose Glass, this torrid thriller finds an introverted gym manager (Kristen Stewart) falling head-over-heels for an ambitious bodybuilder ( The Mandalorian 's Katy O'Brian). They're about to run off to Vegas together, but the gym manager's crime boss dad (Ed Harris in a truly terrifying haircut) has other plans. Sundance late-night audiences went nuts, as did critics.

Monkey Man, April 5

Dev Patel is an action hero? That's how he sees himself, as he's not just the star but also the co-writer and director of this John-Wick-like revenge thriller. He plays Kid, an anonymous employee of an underground fight club who trains feverishly to avenge his mother's death. Patel's backed up in his directing debut by pros behind the camera — Jordan Peele as producer and fight choreographer Brahim Chab (who's worked with Jackie Chan and Jean-Claude Van Damme).

Civil War, April 12

The brainchild of Alex Garland, who wrote the dystopian thrillers 28 Days Later and Ex Machina (he also directed the latter), this politically-charged drama follows journalist Kirsten Dunst into an all-too-plausibly alarming near future. A U.S. President is refusing to step down, 19 states have seceded from the Union, and a "Western Forces" army is descending on Washington, D.C., for a Fourth of July showdown.

Sasquatch Sunset, April 12

Possibly the oddest of the spring's comedies (which is saying something in a season that includes Problemista , IF and The American Society of Magical Negroes ) is this year-in-the-life chronicle of what may be North America's last family of Sasquatches. It stars Jesse Eisenberg, Riley Keough, and several other famous folks you won't recognize because their faces are covered in fur and they speak only in grunts. The film, directed by the Zellner brothers David and Nathan, is absurdist, epic, experimental, and by all accounts both hilarious and poignant.

The Fall Guy, May 3

Ryan Gosling plays a semi-retired stunt coordinator in an action comedy directed by stunt coordinator-turned-director David Leitch ( Deadpool 2 , Bullet Train ). Gosling's character, Colt, has been dragged in to work on a film starring the world's biggest action star, Tom Ryder (a riff on Tom Cruise?), for whom he used to double. When Ryder goes missing, Colt's pressed to use his stunt skills to bring him back, even as he stands in for him while being directed by Colt's ex-girlfriend (Emily Blunt). Action (and comedy) ensues, and it looks decently over-the-top from the trailer.

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  24. How to Write a Movie Title in an Essay APA?

    When it comes to writing a movie title in essays, choosing the right style is crucial, and uppercase is a common choice that brings a touch of formality to your writing. APA style, a prevalent choice in scholarly articles and academia, particularly in the behavioral and social sciences, provides specific guidelines for this.

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