Movies About Filmmaking

From Giuseppe Tornatore, starring Philippe Noiret, Enzo Cannavale, Antonella Attili, Isa Danieli
Rated R

Cinema Paradiso is an Italian drama film directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. Set in a Sicilian village in the 1950s, the film follows the life of Salvatore Di Vita, a young boy who discovers a passion for film while frequenting the local cinema, the Cinema Paradiso. He is mentored by the theater's projectionist, Alfredo, who reveals to Salvatore the secrets of cinema and encourages him to pursue his dreams. After Alfredo passes away, Salvatore moves away to pursue his dreams of becoming a filmmaker but eventually returns to his hometown to make peace with his past and his childhood memories of cinema. He realizes the importance of family, friendship and love, making Cinema Paradiso a timeless story of redemption, nostalgia and the power of cinema.

From Directors: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly, starring Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen
Rated G

Singin' in the Rain is a classic musical comedy starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor. The film takes place in Hollywood during the transition from silent movies to talking pictures in the late 1920s. Kelly plays Don Lockwood, a famous silent film star who is struggling to adjust to the new technology. Along with his trusty sidekick Cosmo Brown (O’Connor) and aspiring actress Kathy Selden (Reynolds), Don attempts to make the transition to talking pictures. Throughout the film, the three characters must contend with a jealous leading lady, a conniving studio head and a host of other obstacles. In the end, the trio comes out on top and Singin' in the Rain becomes a joyous celebration of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

From Curtis Hanson, starring Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kim Basinger
Rated R

L.A. Confidential is a 1997 neo-noir film directed by Curtis Hanson, based on the novel of the same name by James Ellroy. The story takes place in 1950s Los Angeles, and follows three police officers (played by Russell Crowe, Kevin Spacey, and Guy Pearce) who become entangled in a web of police corruption and violence. The film focuses on themes of screen noir, such as moral ambiguity and the dark side of human nature. The film was a critical and commercial success, and is widely considered to be one of the best films of the 1990s.

From Federico Fellini, starring Marcello Mastroianni, Anouk Aimée, Claudia Cardinale, Sandra Milo
Rated Not Rated

8½ is an Italian comedy-drama film directed by Federico Fellini. It follows Guido Anselmi, a director who is struggling to make a movie. As Guido deals with his personal issues, he also faces pressure from producers who are dissatisfied with his script, and from the press who want to know what his movie is about. To cope with his anxiety, Guido retreats into a fantasy world of memories, dreams, and reflections. The film is an exploration of creativity and the difficulties of sustaining it. Despite his obstacles, Guido eventually finds a way to realize his artistic vision. 8½ won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and has become an acclaimed classic in the history of cinema.

From Peter Bogdanovich, starring Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, Ben Johnson
Rated R

The Last Picture Show is a 1971 American drama film directed and co-written by Peter Bogdanovich, adapted from the 1966 novel by Larry McMurtry. Set in a small town in rural Texas in 1951, the story follows the coming-of-age of Sonny Crawford (Timothy Bottoms) and his friend Duane Jackson (Jeff Bridges), both of whom are navigating the highs and lows of adolescence. The film depicts the downward spiral of the town's economic fortunes, as well as its sense of community, as its inhabitants grapple with disappointment, heartbreak and the harsh realities of life. The Last Picture Show also explores issues of class and racial tensions in the small town, as well as themes of nostalgia, loss, and disillusionment. The film was a critical and commercial success, garnering eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and winning two awards, for Cloris Leachman and Ben Johnson. The film is considered to be a landmark of American cinema and is often cited as one of the best films of the 1970s.

From Michel Hazanavicius, starring Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell
Rated PG-13

The Artist is a 2011 French-American silent comedy-drama film written and directed by Michel Hazanavicius. The film stars Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo and is a love letter to the bygone era of silent cinema. Set in 1927, the story follows silent movie star George Valentin, who after the introduction of talking pictures, finds himself unable to compete with the new sound technology and quickly becomes a forgotten relic. At the same time, the young and upcoming actress Peppy Miller finds her star on the rise as a result of the new sound technology. As George’s career falls apart, a love story develops between the two. The Artist was a critical and box office success, receiving numerous awards including the Academy Award for Best Picture, the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture, and the BAFTA Award for Best Film.

From Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, Luis Guzmán
Rated R

Boogie Nights is an American period drama film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson in 1997. Set in the San Fernando Valley during the late 1970s and early 1980s, it tells the story of Eddie Adams, a young man who becomes a pornography star and is renamed "Dirk Diggler". The film follows Dirk's rise and fall in the porn industry and the people he meets along the way. It stars Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, Don Cheadle, John C. Reilly, William H. Macy, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. The film explores themes of fame, ambition, and the rise and fall of a powerful but troubled industry.

From David Lynch, starring Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux, Jeanne Bates
Rated R

Mulholland Drive is a 2001 psychological thriller film by director David Lynch. The movie follows an aspiring actress named Betty Elms (Naomi Watts) and a woman suffering from amnesia (Laura Harring) as they attempt to discover the mystery behind the woman's identity. Along the way, they encounter a wide variety of bizarre characters, including a Hollywood director, a mysterious cowboy, and a hitman. As the story progresses, the two protagonists unravel secrets about the dark side of Hollywood and its surreal underworld. The film is a surreal exploration of identity, dreams, reality, and death, and it has been interpreted by many film scholars in various ways.

From Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Martin Landau, Sarah Jessica Parker, Patricia Arquette
Rated R

Ed Wood is a 1994 biographical comedy-drama film directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp as the eponymous cult filmmaker. It was written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski and based on the life of Ed Wood, a low-budget director of the 1950s, who is remembered for the movie Plan 9 from Outer Space, widely considered the worst film ever made. The film chronicles Wood's efforts to make two of his cherished projects, Bride of the Monster and Plan 9 from Outer Space, despite a lack of funding and his lack of knowledge of filmmaking techniques. The film also stars Sarah Jessica Parker as Wood's girlfriend, Dolores Fuller; Bill Murray as Baird Whitlock, a Hollywood actor hired to act in Wood's films; and Martin Landau as Bela Lugosi, a Bela Lugosi impersonator hired by Wood to appear in his films. The film follows Wood's struggles as a filmmaker, his friendship with Lugosi, his relationships with his actors, and his eventual success in the film industry despite his limited experience and resources. The film was a critical and commercial success, and earned Landau an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

From Ashim Ahluwalia, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Niharika Singh, Anil George, Zeena Bhatia
Rated Not Rated

Miss Lovely is a 2012 Indian crime drama film directed by Ashim Ahluwalia. The film is set in the mid-1980s in the world of C-grade Hindi B-movies. It follows the story of two brothers, Vicky and Sonu Duggal, who produce low-budget exploitative films. After their first film flops, they enter the world of underground pornography. As their business grows, their lives become enmeshed with drugs, violence, and the seedy underbelly of the Mumbai film industry. The brothers also have their own dark secrets, and soon their lives spiral out of control. The film explores the dark, gritty world of the Mumbai film industry, and has been praised for its intense performances and complex, nuanced characters.

From Víctor Erice, starring Fernando Fernán Gómez, Teresa Gimpera, Ana Torrent, Isabel Tellería
Rated Not Rated

The Spirit of the Beehive is a 1973 Spanish drama film directed by Víctor Erice. It is set in rural Spain in 1940, shortly after the end of the Spanish Civil War. The film follows two sisters, six-year-old Ana and her older sister Isabel, who become fascinated by the James Whale 1931 film Frankenstein, which they watch at their village's only cinema. As the two sisters explore their surroundings, they become more and more enchanted with the idea of a monster living near them. This leads them on a journey of discovery and imagination. Along the way, they come to understand the harsh realities of life, the implications of war, and the power of innocence in the face of despair. At the same time, The Spirit of the Beehive is a deeply spiritual and poetic film, exploring themes of memory, longing, and the power of fantasy.

From Spike Jonze, starring Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper, Tilda Swinton
Rated R

Adaptation is a 2002 American comedy-drama film directed by Spike Jonze and written by Charlie Kaufman. The plot follows struggling screenwriter Charlie Kaufman as he attempts to adapt Susan Orlean's non-fiction book The Orchid Thief for the big screen. He struggles with writer's block and depression, and his attempts to adapt the book are complicated by newly invented plot points, the involvement of twin brother Donald Kaufman, and the need to please a demanding studio executive. In addition to being an exploration of the creative process, the film is a satire of the film industry and features an ensemble cast that includes Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper, Tilda Swinton, and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

From Woody Allen, starring Mia Farrow, Jeff Daniels, Danny Aiello, Irving Metzman
Rated PG

The Purple Rose of Cairo is a 1985 romantic comedy-drama directed by Woody Allen. The film stars Mia Farrow as Cecilia, a young woman who lives in the Depression-era town of New Jersey. In her desperate attempt to escape her dull life, Cecilia regularly visits the local movie theater to watch the same movie - the fictional "The Purple Rose of Cairo". One night, the main character of the movie, Tom Baxter (played by Jeff Daniels), steps out of the screen and into her life. Tom soon falls in love with Cecilia, and their unlikely romance is complicated by his desire to return to the movie screen. As Cecilia and Tom struggle to find a way to stay together, they must contend with the conflicting forces of reality and fantasy.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Joanna Cassidy, Charles Fleischer
Rated PG

Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a 1988 live-action/animation hybrid film directed by Robert Zemeckis and released by Touchstone Pictures. The film follows private detective Eddie Valiant, who is hired to investigate the alleged infidelity of Roger Rabbit's wife Jessica. Eddie discovers that the Toontown residents are being blackmailed by Judge Doom, who plans to use a substance called the "Dip" to kill all the Toons. To save the Toons, Eddie must prove that Doom framed Roger for Jessica's murder. In the course of his investigation, Eddie teams up with Roger and a spunky cartoon shoe named Benny the Cab and they uncover a sinister plot by Judge Doom. With help from Jessica and a colorful cast of Toons including Baby Herman, Droopy, and Betty Boop, Eddie must prove Roger's innocence and save Toontown.

From Christopher Kenneally, starring Derek Ambrosi, Michael Ballhaus, Andrzej Bartkowiak, Dion Beebe
Rated Not Rated

Side by Side is a 2012 documentary film directed by Christopher Kenneally. The film explores the development of digital cinematography and its impact on the industry of filmmaking. The film features interviews with influential directors, cinematographers and other film-industry professionals who discuss the benefits and drawbacks of both digital and traditional filmmaking techniques. It also features archival footage and behind-the-scenes glimpses of current productions, as well as interviews with George Lucas, James Cameron, David Fincher, Martin Scorsese and many other directors who have embraced the digital revolution in filmmaking. Side by Side ultimately looks at the changing face of cinema, exploring how digital technology has altered the way movies are made, distributed, and viewed by audiences.

From Directors: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, starring John Turturro, John Goodman, Judy Davis, Michael Lerner
Rated R

Barton Fink (1991) is a dark comedy film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. The film follows the story of Barton Fink (John Turturro), a successful New York playwright who moves to Hollywood to write for the movies. He finds himself struggling to come up with new ideas, and as he becomes increasingly frustrated, he also discovers that his new neighbor Charlie (John Goodman) is involved in dark and mysterious activities. As the film progresses, Barton is drawn further and further into a surreal, nightmarish world in which his life is increasingly threatened. The film combines elements of horror and mystery with black comedy, leading to a surprising and unexpected conclusion.

From Robert Altman, starring Tim Robbins, Greta Scacchi, Fred Ward, Whoopi Goldberg
Rated R

The Player, directed by Robert Altman, is a black comedy about the film industry. Griffin Mill (Tim Robbins), a Hollywood studio executive, is receiving death threats from a writer whose pitch he rejected. In an effort to find out who the writer is, Griffin must navigate through a web of blackmail, deception, and murder, all while trying to keep his job. Along the way, Griffin meets a variety of colorful and eccentric characters, including a suspicious detective, a mysterious woman with a hidden agenda, and an ex-girlfriend who may be behind the death threats. As Griffin's investigation continues, it reveals not only the identity of the writer, but also the shocking truth behind Hollywood's inner workings.

From George Cukor, starring Judy Garland, James Mason, Jack Carson, Charles Bickford
Rated Passed

A Star Is Born tells the story of an aging Hollywood actor, Norman Maine, who discovers and falls in love with an aspiring singer, Esther Blodgett. Norman is a successful actor but his career is on the decline, and he is struggling with alcoholism. Despite the concerns of his friend and mentor, Oliver Niles, Norman promotes Esther's career and helps her rise to stardom. Meanwhile, Norman's alcoholism worsens and his career continues to decline. Despite his best efforts, Norman is unable to find employment and he eventually takes his own life. Esther is left mourning, yet she is determined to continue her career and become the star Norman believed she could be.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, John C. Reilly
Rated PG-13

The Aviator is a 2004 biographical drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, focusing on the life of eccentric aviation pioneer and filmmaker Howard Hughes, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. Spanning three decades, the film follows Hughes's career, from his early success in Hollywood to his turbulent personal life, his obsessive-compulsive disorder, and his eventual deterioration. Along the way, Hughes develops numerous groundbreaking aircraft, engages in a lifelong rivalry with fellow aviation pioneer Pan Am, and battles government bureaucracy. The film also features Cate Blanchett as Katherine Hepburn and Alan Alda as Senator Owen Brewster. The Aviator was a critical and commercial success and received eleven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Scorsese, and Best Actor for DiCaprio.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Lee, Ben Kingsley
Rated PG

Hugo is a 2011 fantasy-adventure film directed by Martin Scorsese and based on Brian Selznick's award-winning children's novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Set against the backdrop of 1930s Paris, the story follows an orphaned boy named Hugo who lives in a train station and works to unlock a mystery left behind by his late father. Along the way he meets a cast of characters, including a kindly toy store owner and a beautiful girl, which leads him on an adventure of discovery. Hugo ultimately discovers his father's secret, a hidden message that will reveal a magical connection between the two.

From Directors: Rémy Belvaux, André Bonzel, Benoît Poelvoorde, starring Benoît Poelvoorde, Jacqueline Poelvoorde-Pappaert, Nelly Pappaert, Hector Pappaert
Rated NC-17

From Bill Condon, starring Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser, Lynn Redgrave, Lolita Davidovich
Rated R

From Directors: Mojtaba Mirtahmasb, Jafar Panahi, starring Jafar Panahi, Igi, Mrs. Gheirat, Mojtaba Mirtahmasb
Rated Not Rated

From Kirby Dick, starring Kirby Dick, Kimberly Peirce, Darren Aronofsky, Atom Egoyan
Rated Unrated

From Directors: Jørgen Leth, Lars von Trier, starring Claus Nissen, Majken Algren Nielsen, Daniel Hernandez Rodriguez, Jacqueline Arenal
Rated Unrated