Books are something to be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, yet we hardly acknowledge or focus on the writers behind our favorite works.
Here are some films that shift attention to the often-underrated artists who create worlds with words:
“Ruby Sparks” (2012)
Starring Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan, this bizarre film tells the story of a lonely writer (Calvin) who writes himself a girlfriend (Ruby). While initially overjoyed by this feat, he soon realizes the power and complexities that come with writing the love of his life into existence.
Calvin can control Ruby’s every action, emotion and quality. So, is their love truly authentic? And is this dream girl real or just a figment of Calvin’s imagination?
This movie is enjoyable for all audiences, not just writers, as both Kazan and Dano do a great job encapsulating their characters. Kazan plays a typical manic pixie dream girl literally dreamt up by her male creator, and Dano captures the awkward but good-intentioned introverted writer.
“Ruby Sparks” is thought-provoking, and leaves audiences to ponder about the dangers of idealizing romantic partners based on an individual’s own idea of what is perfect.
“Midnight in Paris” (2011)
This Woody Allen film not only features a writer as the main character, but also the beautiful scenery of Paris.
Owen Wilson plays Gil, a screenwriter who is on vacation with his fiancé. He is attempting to write his debut novel about a nostalgia shop where trinkets and toys from an older era are sold but he gets distracted by the history of Paris. He soon discovers a way to travel into the past and gets to meet Zelda Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Juan Belmonte and Gertrude Stein.
The film offers a magical and nostalgic look into the creative process of writing. Gil’s journey helps him to come to terms with his own insecurities and find inspiration from the rarest of situations.
“Midnight in Paris” explores romanticized views of past eras and the struggle of writers to create something they are passionate about. It reminds audiences that even the most famous writers struggle with self-doubt while pursuing their artistic creations.
“Dead Poets Society” (1989)
Set in an incredibly prestigious all-boys boarding school, “Dead Poets Society” tells the story of a group of students who were inspired by their unconventional teacher, John Keating (Robin Williams).
Keating encourages them to break out of the upper-class society that surrounds them and embrace their emotions through poetry and “seizing the day.”
The film beautifully illustrates the power words and poetry can have in transforming people’s lives, and the profound impact a teacher can have in shaping their students. It establishes the importance of pursuing one’s dreams and valuing creativity no matter the pushback individuals may face.
“The Holdovers” (2023)
While this film does not explicitly focus on professional writing, it does explore the power of storytelling in human connection. Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) is a strict teacher at a wealthy boarding school who teaches classic literature, and his passion for his field is evident throughout the movie. Hunham is a frustrated writer who uses his skills to write sarcastic reports of some of his most ungrateful students.
The charming film focuses on the way people define themselves and how everyone has a story to tell. It features a diverse range of characters from the young, smart, fun-loving Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa) to the wise, strong-willed, grief-stricken Mary Lamb (Da’Vine Joy Randolph). This heartfelt film will leave audiences with a newfound sense of empathy.
“The Shining” (1980)
While this horror film may seem like an odd choice, “The Shining” offers a chilling depiction of a creative process for a writer gone wrong.
Jack Torrence’s (Jack Nicholson) descent into madness caused by cabin fever and writer's block is a cautionary tale about the pressures of being a writer. The core of the story will deeply resonate with many aspiring writers as Jack fears what many creators fear: failing and struggling to find inspiration.
From the magic and horrors of writing, these films offer a glimpse into the hardships authors face. Settle in and enjoy these stories that will be sure to inspire and resonate with future writers.
This article was edited by Alia Messina, Marina Zaczkiewicz and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks, Olivia Citarella, Emma Brown and Ella Rousseau.
