Time here and again all writers get stuck in a writers rut where no words seem good enough and no ideas original enough. This lack of inspiration can really take a toll on their creative process, but luckily there is a way to escape it. By watching a movie, the creative part of the writer's brain is stimulated and inspired. Movies give good examples of storytelling methods and they provide examples of what to include and exclude from your own stories. The music, dialogue, and the characters create a theme or ambiance that the writer should try to create in their own pieces. Movies are probably the best way to quickly get out of writer's block. This is a list of movies that have succeeded in getting me out of a writing slum; movies that have pushed my pen back into my hand and words into my head.
1. Anna Karenina
The movie spin off of Leo Tolstoy's original tale is beautifully done, and it casts some of the best actors for that 19th century theme (Both Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy make an appearance). If you're into any other 19th century-set movies like Pride and Prejudice, this is the movie for you. This movie follows the love stories of several different characters all set in late 19th century Russia. There are parties, affairs, dancing, and true love all in one beautifully done movie. The director chose to tell this story from on a stage, which is established in the very beginning and is brought back in times when the audience forgets it is there. It sounds confusing, yes, but it's worth a watch. Plus, Count Vronsky is dreamy.
2. The Dead Poets Society
Young(er) Robin Williams and baby Robert Sean Leonard star in this 1989 film that will make you cry and laugh at the same time. This movie follows the story of Neil Perry and his friends when they meet their English teacher, John Keating and the secret he has kept from his high school days. Robin Williams is truly inspiring in all ways, and this movie will leave you trying to come up with original quotes of your own. Best of all, it has that innocent, 1980s film vibe about it that always makes us smile.
3. Becoming Jane
Let's go back to the 1800s a minute; Becoming Jane follows the life story of our favorite romance novelist Jane Austen. With that same Pride and Prejudice vibe, this movie depicts the early and later life of Austen and the struggle she faced making it as a writer in a time where women were expected to marry instead of making their own living. It also gives us an inside view into how and why she wrote Pride and Prejudice. Personally, I love this movie, it gives me faith that if Austen could do it, so can I. Also, Anne Hathaway.
4. V for Vendetta
Set in a dystopian England, this movie follows the story of a freedom fighter who goes by the alias of "V" and the girl he recruits (Evey) to overthrow the tyrannous government. This movie is a roller coaster ride of emotions, but it will give you mad inspiration. It's romanic (in a weird way), action-packed, and utterly captivating. It will leave you wanting to overthrow your own government (or write about doing it).
5. Hidalgo
If you love horses, you will love this movie. The movie follows the story of a 1890s cowboy, Frank Hopkins, who rides his mustang in a deadly horserace across Arabia. This is my all time favorite horse movie. It's not one of those typical, feel-good horse movies like Black Beauty or Dreamer, but an action-packed stories that intertwines the bond human and horse have with a captivating story of survival and romance. It also includes historical events about western America in the late 19th century that any writer could use.
6. The Grand Budapest Hotel
This movie is so hard to describe because no words can amount to the beauty that is The Grand Budapest Hotel. It's a Wes Anderson movie. That should say enough. It's is basically one, really well done meme. It provides an example of how a story can be both really funny, charming, and beautiful. The dialogue is really well done and character development profound. This is a must-see for any writer.
7. A Series of Unfortunate Events
This isn't a movie, but nevertheless, it is a show that you must see. Lemony Snicket is a beautiful author and this Netflix series preserves his voice really well. This series is a good example of how to make a fairly simple story into something enthralling and entertaining to all age groups. Snicket is so blunt, but his straightforward story telling method is something all writers could use. He knows exactly what to reveal about the plot and when, but in a way that doesn't take away from the story itself. He is the best plot spoiler-er there is.
8. The King's Speech
This movie depicts the story of King George VI and how he overcomes his stutter in order to deliver one of the greatest speeches in British history. This movie will get you in the mood to overcome your own issues (ie. your lack of inspiration) and show you how you can make a character overcome their flaw with grace. Plus, it's just hilarious and very well done. Colin Firth is the perfect man for this movie.
