Movies about Movies
Yo, my fellow film fanatics!
My scribbler’s journey wasn't just about making Super-8 movies or hitting up schools like TISCH and AFI. It was heavily shaped by flicks about the craft itself and candid insights from director commentaries on DVDs.
The behind-the-scenes footage of epic films like Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark blew my mind open to the magic of movie-making. It wasn't just the final product on the big screen that had me hooked, but seeing the organized chaos behind the scenes and the people who brought those stories to life.
One of my big obsessions has been collecting and binge-listening to DVD commentaries. These are straight-up troves of knowledge. Robert Rodriguez's commentaries are a masterclass in indie filmmaking badassery. His talks on flicks like El Mariachi and Spy Kids are loaded with gems on creative problem-solving and embody his "do more with less" philosophy.
My time at NYU synced-up with the release of The Big Picture, a goofy but fun Kevin Bacon flick about a film school grad breaking into the biz. Then there's Truffaut's Day for Night, a stunning love letter to the filmmaking process, and Fellini's 8 1/2, which takes a trippy, introspective look at the director's role in navigating both the creative process and personal drama.
These films played a massive role in shaping my understanding, appreciation, and excitement for the art and complexity of making movies. Deep dives into the filmmaking process, through direct educational content like commentaries and more artistic reflections via cinema, framed my understanding of what it means to be a filmmaker.
Exploring behind-the-scenes gems and movies about making movies can be insanely rewarding. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned vet, there's always something new to learn.
Super 8 by J.J. Abrams is definitely a dope example. It nails the vibe of my filmmaking youth. Here are a few more flicks worth viewing:
The TV Set (2006) - Jake Kasdan directed this flick about an idealistic writer who sells his series concept to a network - only to find himself an unwilling participant in altering his original idea in ways he never intended. For my cash, it’s the best fictional representation of selling and making TV.
Living in Oblivion (1995) - This indie comedy-drama, directed by Tom DiCillo, is a must-see for its hilarious yet real portrayal of the challenges faced during indie film production. It's especially rad for showing the chaos and personal beefs on set.
Adaptation (2002) - Directed by Spike Jonze and written by Charlie Kaufman, this flick digs into the struggles of adapting a book into a screenplay, with a meta-narrative that blurs the lines between what's real and what's fiction.
Ed Wood (1994) - Tim Burton's biographical film about Edward D. Wood Jr., often called one of the worst directors ever, is both a comedy and a heartfelt look at making movies with limited resources and unlimited passion.
The Disaster Artist (2017) - This biographical comedy-drama tells the story of the making of Tommy Wiseau's The Room, often called "the best worst movie ever made." It's a study in determination and chasing a seemingly impossible dream.
Shadow of the Vampire (2000) - A fictionalized account of the making of the classic vampire flick Nosferatu. This movie explores a director's obsession and the extremes one might go to create a masterpiece.
Hugo (2011)—Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film is a straight-up love letter to cinema. It focuses on the life and work of Georges Méliès, one of the first filmmakers to use special effects to create magical stories.
Bowfinger (1999) - A comedy about a struggling producer who tries to shoot a film without the lead actor knowing he's in it. It's a hilarious take on the lengths filmmakers might go to get their movies made.
Soak up the knowledge and the vibe as you let these films about filmmaking fuel your own creative journey.
