As an English major, I will forever believe that the book is better than the movie; however, that does not mean that I should disregard films. There are several brilliant movies, and film is one of the most powerful and impactful art forms out there, in my opinion. So here are seven films that an English major must watch.
1. Dead Poet’s Society
Robin Williams play an exhilarating English teacher at a very traditional private school. He introduces his students to poetry and carpe diem. This film explores the beauty and power of words. It is both inspiring and devastating.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird
This film is one of the most faithful book-to-film adaptations I have ever seen. The casting for Atticus Finch and Scout are absolutely perfect. Based on the American classic novel by Harper Lee, Too Kill a Mockingbird is a wonderful film that only English majors and avid readers will be able to wholly appreciate. This movie is not only a great adaptation and film; it enriches the book.
3. Pride and Prejudice
Do I even need to explain this one? Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a perfect film to watch a blanket and a giant cup of tea. You will fall in love with Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Collins, and Mr. Bingley will cause you to laugh your heart out. (Also, watch the BBC miniseries if you want a more detailed and accurate deception of each character.)
4. The Importance of Being Ernest
Oscar Wilde’s play is witty and smart. There is one particular scene that involves muffins, and it’s simply spectacular. Every English major cannot deny the genius of Oscar Wilde. If you’re an English major and love humorous, ridiculous scenarios, you will love this film. I highly recommend watching this and reading the actually play because it will greatly strengthen your understanding.
5. The Book Thief
This film is based on a novel by Markus Zusak. It tells the story of how a young girl during World War II fell in love with reading and writing. I think that nearly every reader and writer can connect with this story. While this film’s acting may not be exemplar, its beautiful words and overalls story is what makes this movie worth watching.
6. Big Fish
Tim Burton’s film is about the relationship between a father and son. The father filled his child’s head with grand, fantastical stories that could have never happened (or so the son thought). This movie will make English majors contemplate the power of stories. It shows that fiction and truth are not mutually exclusive.
7. Finding Neverland
Finding Neverland is literally about how J. M. Barrie discovered Neverland, Peter Pan, and Tinkerbell. This film is magical, and it shows the things that go on in the mind of a writer. This movie is for the bookworms, the writers, and the Peter Pan fanatics. Just like Peter Pan, you will not want to go back to reality after watching this enchanting film about the power of creativity and being the person you were meant to become.
English majors are both consumers and producers of art. If we simply remain in our written word bubble, we will be fools because film and other forms of art are spectacular and deserve our attention and respect. If we cannot take other art mediums seriously, how can we expect people to take our writing seriously?
