![Cover of "The Shining [Blu-ray]"](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vXBnleG585Nh-VXe1ZFk0LdJFmtkwmNZulsJPp7pPH7q_Gi8ZaEn6WvzBtqs3RYWvbd8cbj1xmkXEs7n10L-bdEDqCPd5dWcmeFg3QEDoGCUuUjYYJuzuOc3yTgNcIyiY=s0-d) |
| Cover of The Shining [Blu-ray] |
If writers write what they know then it makes sense that they might write about writers. If that holds true then it makes sense that there would be a lot of films about writers since films are usually based on works by writers or are original screenplays written by writers. Yes, this mini-genre of films is about writers. And there are a whole lot of them.
Here are some of my favorites:
8 1/2 (1963)--Okay, I know I already used this film in my post Movies about Making Movies, but that's how much I like this film. This is one of my top ten films. If you are a serious writer you should see this film and take it to heart. A masterpiece of the genre of thinkers' films. Forget this one if you're an action fan unless you're in the mood to just sit, listen, and learn. I'll warn you that it's in Italian and you'll have to read the subtitles if you don't know the language. I just can't rave enough about this film. Oh, and did I say it's good?
The Shining (1980)-- Jack Nicholson stars as a writer who gets more than he bargains for when he secludes himself and his family so he can get some writing done. Chalk up another hit for Stephen King. One writer's nightmare is another writer's dream. A shot of Red Rum anybody?
Misery (1990)--Famous novelist crashes car and is rescued by his "number one fan". Fans like this we don't need. Stephen King strikes again.
Shadowlands (1993)-- Based on the true relationship between author C.S. Lewis and poet Joy Davidson, this one's a weeper. Grab the popcorn and the Kleenex.
Shakespeare in Love (1998)-- A liberal dose of poetic license results in a lot of fun with one of the most famous writers of all time. This film won a few awards as well.
Adaptation (2002)--Great cast of actors in a curious tale. This is one of those films that I rewatched as soon as I had watched it the first time. Great film.
Secret Window (2004)--Johnny Depp as a writer suffering from writer's block. But it doesn't end there. Now he's being accused of plagiarism and it only gets worse. Oh yeah, and Stephen King is in on this one too.
Sideways (2004)--If the writing career is not working, you can always go get drunk. The focus of this film is wine, but it's really about a writer and writing.
Freedom Writers (2007)--Brand new idealistic English teacher gets assigned to tough class of inner city students. She gets them involved in journaling and they in turn fall into the writing life. Inspirational film about teaching and the power of words.
Midnight in Paris (2011) -- In one of the best films directed by Woody Allen, a writer vacationing in Paris time travels back to the 1920's and meets famous authors and others. Doesn't matter if it's a dream, a fantasy, or what--it's fun.
What are some of your favorite films about writers or writing? If you like movies about writing, why is this? Have you seen 8 1/2 yet?
Ready to do some more writing after the A to Z Challenge ends? Join us for the A to Z Reflections post starting Friday May 3rd. For more details be sure to visit the A to Z Blog.
