We’re used to experiencing their stories on page, but what about on screen? Here are some exciting films about the world of authors, books and writing.
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‘Stranger Than Fiction’ (2006)
Image via Amazon
Starring Will Ferrell, Emma Thompson, Queen Latifah, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Dustin Hoffman, IRS agent Harold (Will Ferrell) begins to hear voices in his head, narrating his life as if he is the main character in a novel. He meets with a literary professor, and eventually figures out that the voice in his head is that of author Karen Eiffel, who’s books all feature the death of the main character. The two meet, and Harold is mortified to read her manuscript. Dealing with themes of fate and mortality, this film is a must watch for anyone who can relate to struggling with writer’s block.
2. ‘Capote’ (2005)
Image via movierewind.com
Based on a true story, Phillip Seymour Hoffman portrays legendary real life writer Truman Capote, and follows his journey in constructing his iconic novel, In Cold Blood. Capote interviews those responsible for the grizzly murder of an entire family, unraveling their minds and thought processes. Phenomenally acted, Capote gave Hoffman his first and only actor for his accurate and haunting depiction of the author. Dark and disturbing, this film is not recommended for children.
3. ‘Can You Ever Forgive Me’ (2018)
Image via Amazon
Based on a true story and 2008 memoir, Melissa McCarthy successfully experiments with a more serious role. She portrays the real life writer Lee Israel, depicting her infamous plagiarism scandal. Israel is an emotionally distant and struggling Manhattan based magazine writer who found moderate success earlier in her career. In order to collect survival money, she begins to convincingly forge letters from famous writers and sells them to collectors. However, her scheme eventually unravels and blows up in her face. Thoroughly entertaining, this film is a must watch for anyone who has interest in the life of writers.
4. ‘Ruby Sparks’ (2012)
Image via Amazon
Written by The Big Sick’s Zoe Kazan, Ruby Sparks follows the life of the fiction writer Calvin Weir-Fields. Weir-Fields was deemed as a prodigy after writing and publishing a highly successful novel as a teenager. However, he is now at a low point in his life, isolated and struggling to redeem himself after he’s hit his “peak”. To cope with his loneliness, he writes stories about his dream woman, and is shocked to find that everything he writes comes to life. The film follows themes of success, fantasy, companionship, and control. (Plus Antonio Banderas makes a fun cameo).
5. ‘Misery’ (1990)
Image via tvguide
Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, this titular tale follows the story of fictional renowned romance writer Paul Sheldon (played by James Caan). He is rescued by a nurse named Anne Wilkes (Kathy Bates) after he gets trapped and badly injured in his car during a blizzard. Coincidentally, Wilkes happens to be Sheldon’s biggest fan. Mental torture ensues as she forces Sheldon to cater his manuscripts to her desire by threatening him with his life. Kathy Bates gives a chilling performance. Warning: Not for the fainthearted.
feature image via newsdio
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