I figured out I wanted to be a writer because of the movies I loved most…
When I was younger I struggled terribly trying to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. You know how I finally got there…? — Movies. At some point, I realised that the movies I kept coming back to were all about writers. My love of reading, dreaming and journaling should have long given it away but for the longest time I just wouldn’t admit the truth to myself, instead dabbling in so-called “shadow-careers” = professions that were somewhat close to writing novels, but not quite that.
The following movies helped me find my path…
…Are you a writer? Did I miss any that inspired you? Or did the term “shadow-career” perhaps ring true to you and you realised that’s what you’ve been doing, too? Do let me know in the comments; I’d love to make this a conversation about what we love, what helped us, and what inspires us.
And now without further ado, here come the movies that helped me find my path as a creator:
Miss Potter.
This film brings to life the enchanting world of Beatrix Potter, which is largely inspired by her time growing up in the Lake District. I love how she fought for her dream as a woman in the male-dominated publishing world, love the depiction of nature and her drawings and writings.
Almost Famous.
Combining both my passions for music and writing, this movie takes us on a nostalgic journey through 70s rock journalism. I always come back to this one, not just for the young, committed writer, but also for the music… I may just have been born in the wrong decade.
Midnight in Paris.
Be swept away to a magical, literary night in Paris… I loved the vibes of this movie and felt understood in my own pursuit of creating stories even though other people think you foolish.
Saving Mr. Banks.
This one is a real heart-warmer about the backstory of Mary Poppins and the creative process that brought her (and the movie) to life. (“No, no, no, no, no! ‘Responstible’ is not a word! — We made it up. — Well, un-make it up!”)
Colette.
This one is especially empowering for female writers. Witnessing Colette’s journey to find her own voice and challenge societal norms certainly hit home for me…
The Hours.
This film weaves the lives of three women through Virginia Woolf’s novel. It’s a complex movie and I don’t think I fully understood it the first time I watched it. But I kept coming back (and found myself skipping to the parts about Virginia working on her story) Also: Nicole Kidman is incredible here!
Finding Forrester.
A movie about the unexpected friendship and mentorship that transforms a young writer’s life. I’ve only seen this once when I was maybe seventeen and can’t find it since on any streaming service. But it always stuck with me…
Dead Poets Society.
This one needs no introduction, I’m sure, and while it’s not about a writer per se, it is about passion and creativity, and of course, Robin Williams (O Captain my Captain) does drop a lot of meaningful quotes by famous writers… Time for a rewatch, what do you say?
Becoming Jane.
Love Jane Austen (In fact, she was one of the writer’s footsteps I travelled in at 24, visiting her hometown of Bath) Also: A young James Mcavoy will always get me excited.
The Words.
I didn’t love the ending , if I remember correctly, but I did find the idea behind it haunting. Very ‘Yellowface’ this one, as a struggling author finds a manuscript by accident, then publishes it as his own…
Finding Neverland.
Always fills me with wonder, watching the backstory to J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan…. Might need tissues for this one.
Genius.
A movie about the collaboration between Thomas Wolfe and Max Perkins. I love this one especially because it highlights the essential but often unseen role of editors.
Julie & Julia.
I admit, I skip the parts about the blogger, only watching the wonderful performance by Meryl Streep as Julia Child. The moment when she finds the letter in the mail, informing her that her cook book will be published never fails to touch me.
Now & Then.
Demi Moore plays Samantha, a writer, and I always felt most connected to her story line. Plus, the soundtrack is great!
(Nerd-Alert!) Dawson’s Creek Season 5 & 6.
My homegirl Joey Potter dabbles in writing classes when she studies at the fictional “Worthington College”. My teenage heart still aches for an alternative ending where she ends up with Professor Wilder…
Hi ♥️, I’m Gisele Stein, author of feel-good novels with a little magic and places like characters, which i craft from my cosy cabin on Wadandi Boodja in Western Australia. Have a look at my books here. I’m also podcasting as The Earthy Writer, to document my rewilding year: Every new moon, I set a new rewilding intention for the month, and every full moon I share my learnings with you…
