Watching movies is one of my favorite things to do – next to reading books of course. Film has evolved greatly over the years from the improvement of CGI, to 3D, and the fact that directors are taking more creative approaches on screen. Movies are a form of art that makes you feel something. Whether it be happiness, melancholy, something that makes you contemplate life, or something that makes you laugh, movies can achieve great things.
I remember being fascinated by the way movies are able to tell an original story through both pictures and script. I remember grabbing our family video camera and creating movies with my siblings – a remake of Snakes on a Plane with a giant stuffed animal snake.
Every year, Oscar season brings us both excitement and disappointment. We watch our favorite movies of the previous year either win the highest awards, or not. The Red Carpet is always glittering with the latest fashion, and the next day we vote on best and worst dressed. It’s a grand affair.
In order to prepare for the Oscars, here are 5 bookish movies to see before the award show.
1) Hidden Figures
Based on the book, Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
Inspired by the true story of four black women who worked at NASA during the Jim Crow era as mathematicians. Their work would produce one of the best known trips to space, ever. Opens Christmas Day.
2) Neruda
Based on the life of Pablo Neruda.
Pablo Neruda, or Ricardo Eliécer Neftalí Reyes Basoalto was a Chilean poet. Most famously known for his love poetry, Neruda is a name we all know and cherish, but this film shows a side of him we haven’t seen. Opens December 16th.
3) Silence
Based on the book, Silence by Shusaku Endo
Two Jesuit priests travel to Japan where their religion is not accepted with open arms. They experience some of the worst horrors and struggles because of their faith. Opens January 6th.
4) Arrival
Based on the book, Story of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang
When aliens become a part of life how do we communicate with one another? The age of intelligence has arrived and we must learn how to live in an entirely new world. Playing now.
5) A Monster Calls
Based on the book A Monster Calls by Siobhan Dowd and Patrick Ness
Conor’s mother is seriously ill. One night, a monster presents itself outside of Conor’s window and asks him for something horrible and scary – the truth. Playing now.
Featured image courtesy of 20th Century Fox