Writing requires creativity on a daily basis. One writer’s block and you’re a month behind schedule in no time which is why it is important that writers keep stimulating their minds. Reading is one way to go about it, but what about the lazy days? What do you do then? Well, simply watch a movie. It’s sure to get your mind thinking outside the box and most importantly motivating you to write more.
While any great film will engage one’s mind, getting a look into how other great writers wrote and what their lives were like, can be a real treat. So, here are some great productions you mustn’t ignore.
Mary Shelley
When one thinks of the Goth genre, the first name to pop in mind is that of Mary Shelley. The classic literature pieces, Frankenstein and The Modern Prometheus, have immortalized her. This film follows her romance with Percy Bysshe Shelley and the creation of the two literary masterpieces. You also get to meet Lord Byron played by Tom Sturridge. These authors from the Romantic period make for a riveting tale!
Poetic Justice
Giving voice to the African American heritage, this movie introduces us to Justice, a poet of African descent. With Janet Jackson playing the star of the movie accompanied with Tupac Shakur and Regina King, this quintessential 90’s production will take you to a different time.
Colette
Directed by Wash Westmoreland, this movie is based on the life of Colette, a French novelist. Most of her work involves ghost writing for her husband Willy, a famous writer. However, she tries her hand at writing a semi-autobiographical novel that instantly makes it big. However, where there should be celebration for the best-seller the couple find themselves in a situation with increasing tensions.
Bright Star
Another biographical piece, this film delves in to the last three years of the celebrated poet John Keats, played by Ben Whishaw. Directed by Jane Campion, this movie is based on Keats’ sonnet ‘Bright star, would I were steadfast as thou’. It explores the romantic relationship between Keats and Fanny Brawne and tells a captivating tale you’re sure to enjoy. You’ll also get to hear the sonnet recited throughout the film and understand it’s meaning anew.
Capote
This movie focuses on one period of Truman Capote’s life, a wise decision on the part of its writers given the insight that this manages to bring. As you explore the process of writing and research of his non-fiction ‘In Cold Blood’, the book that paved way for the True Crime novels today, you’ll find yourself unable to steer your eyes away. And with the Academy Award winning performance by Philip Seymour Hoffman there’s good reason.
Wonder Boys
Publishing an award-winning novel is the dream of every writer, not for Grady though. The English professor has yet to publish another piece since the novel that brought him to the limelight seven years ago. However, as he spends more and more time in the company of a new ‘wonder boy’ writer, played by Tobey Maguire, Grady forced to face his insecurities and short-comings. Will this help him move from the rut he finds himself in, or will it all consume him?
Quills
Based on Doug Wright’s play ‘Quills’, this film explores the final years of Marquis de Sade, incarcerated at an insane asylum in Charenton where he wrote his famous masterpiece, an erotica. The novel makes its way out of the prison through a chambermaid and is published garnering much attention from the general public. With a great star cast that includes, Philip Kaufman Kate Winslet, Michael Kane, Joaquin Phoenix and Geoffrey Rush this documentary makes for a must watch.
The Hours
Exploring topics like feminism and LGBTQ storylines, and a writer like Virginia Wolfe, this movie has it all. As you follow three women across different time periods and places you’ll find yourself yearning for something more meaningful in life just like them. With great performances by Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore this movie is sure to make you cry.
Misery
Which writer doesn’t want an obsessive fan that hangs on to each of their word? As cool as it seems, you might just find yourself in a messy situation.
Misery is based on a Stephen King novel. A famous writer gets into a car accident, but is rescued by a woman, one of his biggest fans who doesn’t want him to get better. After all, who doesn’t want to read the next manuscript of their favorite writer? Delving into the psychology of fanaticism, this is a warning for writer and a great story to boot that ensures entertainment.
Final Words
With all that these movies have to offer, these are a must watch for any writer. So, grab a cup of coffee and get a blanket to cuddle under for an evening of entertainment. With WOW Cable you’ll be able to watch them at your convenience with ease. Here’s to hoping your writing project will be complete soon!