Needing a Bit of Inspiration? Me too!
If you’re anything like me, your inspiration may be waxing and waning these days. There are even days that you want a bit of an escape, and that’s fine. Self-care is important! I tend to get lost in reading, or even watching a good movie or TV show. And I’m gravitating towards the lighter side of entertainment. But just because it’s light entertainment, doesn’t mean it has to be silly or insignificant. It can even be inspirational!
So I wracked my brain (and did a bit of Googling) to come up with a list of movies based on books and/or real life experiences that inspire! I narrowed it down specifically to focus on inspirational stories about writers, speakers, and entrepreneurs. They’re all either relatable, or good reminders of why we do what we do. Here are seven!
Overcoming Hardship To Reach Their Dreams
The Pursuit of Happyness
This heartwarming tearjerker is based on the story of Chris Gardner and the struggles he went through to achieve his dreams. The movie is based on his memoir. Not only did Mr. Gardner become a successful entrepreneur, he is an author and motivational speaker. Watching him struggle is hard, but when you realize how much he had to go through to get where he is now it makes you realize that if he could do all of that with all of the hardships and roadblocks he endured, you can live your dreams too. And maybe even write about it!
The Weight of Water
This documentary, not to be confused with the 2002 Catherine Bigelow film of the same name, follows Erik Weihenmayer, who is sightless, on a white water rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. This one will inspire your bravery! Erik is an avid adventurer, author, philanthropist and motivational speaker. Pretty inspirational if you ask me!
How Passion Kept Their Inspiration Going
Julie&Julia
This movie was inspired by two books. One, a memoir by the famous chef, Julia Child, and the other written by Julie Powell, about her experience cooking all 524 recipes from Child’s, The Art of French Cooking. It’s not just inspiring to see Julie set a goal and see it through, it’s the first movie to be based on a blog, which was later published as a memoir— which should be extra inspiring for all you bloggers out there!
Adaptation
This is a fun and quirky film that is writerly in every way, and very meta. It’s based not only on Susan Orlean’s book, The Orchid Thief, that was based on an article she wrote for the New Yorker, but also on the director’s experience of adapting that book into a screenplay. There are plenty of fiction elements thrown in, making it incredibly entertaining, and like the Coen Brothers movie, Barton Fink (another quirky one), it was ironically inspired by writer’s block.
Sunset Boulevard
Okay, so this one may be more of a cautionary tale. But it’s on the list because it’s one of those classics that still draws people in. It’s wild and weird. This one is a bit dark, but it is about writing—in this case, a screen play—and may be a good one to relate to if you’ve ever felt trying to live out your dreams was literally crazy making.
I Remember Mama
Another Hollywood classic, a bit on the more wholesome side. This one was based on a play, based on a book. Nice reminder that there are so many ways to tell a story, isn’t it? It follows a family of Norwegian immigrants, their struggles, and how they support each other. The eldest daughter turns these experiences into an autobiography. This is one of those movies that remind us that with enough love, support, and determination we can all live our dreams in some way, and of course, that every story is worth telling if you tell it well.
Inspiration to Love Writing
Dead Poet’s Society
This well known inspirational movie starring Robin Williams won so many awards for a reason. It’s a great example of how passion for art (in this case poetry) can be infectious. As the teacher in the movie, Robin Williams encourages his students to think outside the box, be themselves, and to find the beauty in everyday things through creativity. It also reminds you how much writing can bring people together and open our eyes to the experiences of others.
Most of these films are based on books, so if you’re so inclined, you can read these stories instead. Either way, they’re inspiring and entertaining, and I’m sure we could all use a little of both right now.
What’s your favorite inspirational movie, or movie about writing/writers? Maybe a book or movie even inspired you to do what you do? I want to hear about it! Comment on the original post, and let’s start an inspiring conversation.
