Movies About Making Movies

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

Cinema Paradiso is an Italian romantic drama film directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. It follows the story of Salvatore, a successful film director, as he remembers his childhood and his lifelong love affair with the movies. The film is set in a small Sicilian village in the 1950s, where young Salvatore develops a fascination with the local movie theater, Cinema Paradiso, which is managed by a kind-hearted projectionist, Alfredo. As Salvatore grows older, Alfredo teaches him the secrets of film, and together they develop a magical bond. When Salvatore leaves his hometown to pursue his dreams of becoming a director, he promises to come back and visit Alfredo. Years later, Salvatore returns to find that Alfredo has passed away, and he is given a gift that will help him to remember their friendship. Cinema Paradiso is a beautiful story of friendship, love, and the power of movies.

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 film from 1952, directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly. Set in Hollywood in the 1920s, the movie follows silent film star Don Lockwood and his sidekick Cosmo Brown as they make the transition to the 'talkies', or films with sound. Don is already a huge star and finds it difficult to adjust to the new technology. When the first talking picture is released, the public is taken by surprise and the studio is forced to dub Don's voice with the voice of an unknown chorus girl, Kathy Selden. Don and Kathy soon fall in love, and Don must also contend with his possessive former co-star, Lina Lamont. The movie is full of classic musical numbers, such as the title song, "Make 'Em Laugh," "Moses Supposes," "Good Morning," and more. Gene Kelly's iconic dance in the rain is one of the most memorable scenes in film history. In the end, the couple is reunited and the studio finds success with a musical version of the talking picture. Singin' in the Rain is a timeless classic that continues to entertain and inspire audiences today.

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

"8½" is a 1963 Italian surrealist comedy-drama directed by Federico Fellini. It stars Marcello Mastroianni as Guido Anselmi, an Italian film director struggling to make a sci-fi fantasy. Guido is going through a personal and creative crisis and finds solace in his fantasies and hallucinations, which blend the past, present, and future together. As he struggles to complete his film, Guido must confront his inner demons and the chaos of his personal relationships in order to find a way to make this movie, and his life, work.

From Banksy, starring Banksy, Mr. Brainwash, Space Invader, Debora Guetta
Rated R

Exit Through the Gift Shop is a 2010 British documentary film directed by Banksy and featuring Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant living in Los Angeles. The film follows Guetta's journey as an amateur filmmaker who attempts to track down and befriend street artist Banksy, only to have Banksy turn the camera back on him. As Guetta becomes more involved in the world of street art, Banksy encourages him to curate an art show of his own, but Guetta's naivety and ambition leads to a series of unexpected and farcical outcomes. The film questions the idea of authorship and originality in the world of street art, and the power of mass media and celebrity. Through a humorous, insightful, and often chaotic journey, Exit Through the Gift Shop provides both a glimpse at the art world, and a cautionary tale of ambition.

From Federico Fellini, starring Marcello Mastroianni, Anita Ekberg, Anouk Aimée, Yvonne Furneaux
Rated Not Rated

La Dolce Vita is an Italian dramatic film directed by Federico Fellini. The movie follows a week in the life of Marcello Rubini, a journalist and part-time celebrity, as he moves through the social and cultural networks of Rome. Marcello travels through the city in search of pleasure, pleasure, and distraction, while being pulled and pushed in different directions by a variety of characters. He encounters a series of different people, and is exposed to the contradictory nature of modern Roman society. Ultimately, he is confronted with the reality of his own life, and is forced to make difficult choices. La Dolce Vita is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Italian cinema, and is considered one of Fellini's best works.

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

The Artist is a 2011 French romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Michel Hazanavicius and starring Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo. Set in Hollywood between 1927 and 1932, the film tells the story of a silent film star and a rising young actress as they try to adapt to the advent of the talkies. In a time when Hollywood was transitioning from silent films to talkies, the film captures the struggles of George Valentin (Dujardin), a silent film actor, as he attempts to keep his career afloat. He has little success, however, and fails to make the transition to the talkies. Meanwhile, the young actress, Peppy Miller (Bejo), makes the transition and finds success in the new medium. The two stars, in different parts of the industry, develop a relationship as they try to navigate the changes in Hollywood. Ultimately, The Artist is a celebration of the art of silent film and a tribute to the stars who made it possible.

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

Boogie Nights is a 1997 American drama film written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Set in 1977, it follows the rise of porn star Dirk Diggler (Mark Wahlberg), whose rise to stardom and subsequent fall from grace are witnessed by his mentor, the highly ambitious porn producer Jack Horner (Burt Reynolds). Along the way, Dirk and Jack form a family of sorts with other porn stars and misfits, including Amber Waves (Julianne Moore), Rollergirl (Heather Graham), and Buck Swope (Don Cheadle). The film highlights the rise and fall of the porn industry in the 1970s and 80s, exploring themes of friendship, family, ambition, and fame.

From Directors: Merian C. Cooper, Ernest B. Schoedsack, starring Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, Bruce Cabot, Frank Reicher
Rated Passed

King Kong is a 1933 American monster adventure film directed and produced by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack. The story follows Carl Denham, a filmmaker, who sails to a remote island with his film crew in search of the legendary giant ape, King Kong. Along the way, they encounter a beautiful young woman named Ann Darrow, whom they take with them as the star of their film. When they arrive at the island, they soon realize that it is home to a variety of prehistoric creatures and a giant gorilla known as King Kong. The crew captures the ape and brings him back to New York, where he is put on display at a Broadway theater. However, King Kong escapes and rampages through the city, eventually being defeated by the military. Despite his tragic fate, the story of King Kong continues to inspire generations of fans around the world.

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

Mulholland Drive is a psychological thriller directed by David Lynch. The story follows the intertwining lives of two women in Los Angeles: Betty Elms, an aspiring actress, and Rita, an amnesiac who has lost her memory after a car accident. As the two women investigate clues that may lead to Rita's identity, they unravel the dark secrets of Hollywood. The film is filled with dream-like sequences, surreal imagery, and a dark mystery. As the story progresses, the viewer discovers the dark secrets of Hollywood, the power of dreams, and the frightening implications of a world where identity and reality have become blurred.

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

Ed Wood is a 1994 biographical comedy-drama directed by Tim Burton, telling the story of the eponymous filmmaker's struggles to make his low-budget cult classic films in the 1950s. The film follows Wood as he strives to make his dream of becoming a famous Hollywood director a reality. Despite facing many obstacles and criticism, Wood continues to pursue his dreams, eventually finding himself a group of misfit actors and crew to help him produce his passion projects. With the help of his friends and mentor, Bela Lugosi, Wood produces a string of cult classic films, including Plan 9 from Outer Space. The film follows Wood's life and career as he is met with both commercial and critical failure, yet continues to strive for success. The film stars Johnny Depp as Wood, Martin Landau as Lugosi, and Sarah Jessica Parker as Wood's fiancée. Ed Wood is a funny and heartwarming look at one man's determination and dedication to pursue his dreams, regardless of the odds.

From Chris Smith, starring Mark Borchardt, Mike Schank, Tom Schimmels, Monica Borchardt
Rated R

American Movie (1999) is a documentary film directed by Chris Smith that follows the life and work of Mark Borchardt, a man from Wisconsin attempting to make a feature-length horror film entitled Coven on a shoestring budget. The film follows Mark as he works tirelessly to complete his film and make his dream of becoming a filmmaker come true. Throughout the course of the documentary, the audience is given an intimate glimpse into his life, his struggles, his relationships, and his dedication to making his mark in the film industry. Along the way, the audience is introduced to his friends and family, who support him and help him in his endeavors. Ultimately, the film follows Mark's bittersweet journey to create his masterpiece.

From Vincente Minnelli, starring Lana Turner, Kirk Douglas, Walter Pidgeon, Dick Powell
Rated Passed

The Bad and the Beautiful is a 1952 American film noir directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Lana Turner, Kirk Douglas, Walter Pidgeon, Dick Powell, and Gloria Grahame. It tells the story of an ambitious film producer who manipulates the people around him to achieve success in Hollywood. He uses and discards people, often without remorse, in pursuit of his dream. The film looks at the darker side of Hollywood and its power struggles, while also emphasizing the passion and dedication it takes to succeed. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Grahame and Best Original Screenplay. It was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress.

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

Adaptation is a 2002 film directed by Spike Jonze and written by Charlie Kaufman. The film follows the life of an insecure screenwriter, Charlie Kaufman (played by Nicolas Cage), who is trying to adapt the non-fiction book "The Orchid Thief" by Susan Orlean (Meryl Streep) into a screenplay. Struggling to find an angle, he takes advice from his more confident and successful twin brother, Donald (Nicholas Cage in a dual role), and begins to write a script based on his own life story. The film follows both Charlie and Donald as they try to navigate their way through the film industry, both professionally and personally, in search of success and fulfillment. The film is noted for its surreal, meta-fictional elements, as well as its commentary on identity, creativity, and ambition.

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

The Purple Rose of Cairo is a 1985 American romantic fantasy comedy-drama film written and directed by Woody Allen. In this film, Mia Farrow plays a 1930s housewife in a small town in New Jersey who falls in love with a character in a movie. The film follows the story of Cecilia, a woman who escapes her humdrum, small-town life by dreaming of the movie star, Tom Baxter. One day, Tom Baxter steps off the screen and into her world. Although they come from two different worlds, they soon develop a relationship and Cecilia finds the courage to stand up to her husband and make a life of her own. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Director (Woody Allen), Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress (Mia Farrow).

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

Barton Fink is a 1991 dark comedy-drama film written, produced and directed by the Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan Coen. The film stars John Turturro in the title role, with John Goodman, Judy Davis, Michael Lerner, and John Mahoney in supporting roles. Barton Fink follows a young New York City playwright who is offered a job in Hollywood writing an adaptation of a novel by a professional wrestler. Upon arriving in Hollywood, Barton is overwhelmed by the oppressive heat and allure of the movie industry, and finds himself in a strange hotel frequented by a range of strange characters. As he struggles to write the script, he is haunted by visions of a doomed writer living in the hotel and a mysterious insurance salesman. As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that something sinister is afoot and that Barton is in over his head. The film was a critical and commercial success, and won three major awards at the Cannes Film Festival, including the Palme d'Or. In addition, the film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film is widely considered to be one of the Coen Brothers' finest works.

From Directors: Ted Demme, Richard LaGravenese, starring Francis Ford Coppola, William Friedkin, Robert Altman, John G. Avildsen
Rated R

A Decade Under the Influence is a 2003 documentary film directed by Ted Demme and Richard LaGravenese that explores the New Hollywood era of filmmaking in the 1970s. The film uses interviews with directors, actors, writers and cinematographers, as well as clips from classic films to tell the story of this era, which saw a revolution in film language and unleashed a torrent of creativity and experimentation. The interviews touch on the influence of personal experience and the wider cultural and political environment of the time, and how these contributed to the unique style of filmmaking. The film also examines how the success of this era of filmmaking changed Hollywood and the industry as a whole.

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

Hugo is an orphan living a secret life in the walls of a Paris train station. He desperately searches for a key to unlock a mysterious automaton, which he believes contains a message from his father. With the help of a kind but eccentric girl, Isabelle, Hugo embarks on a magical adventure that reveals a hidden treasure and the secrets of his past. Along the way, Hugo discovers the power of friendship, family, and the strength to carry on after loss and heartache.

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

The Player is a 1992 black comedy film written, directed and produced by Robert Altman and based on the 1988 novel of the same name by Michael Tolkin. The story follows Griffin Mill (Tim Robbins), a Hollywood studio executive who is being threatened by a screenwriter whose script he rejected. In order to protect himself, Griffin must navigate a web of blackmail and murder, all while trying to keep his job and maintain his relationships. The film also features an all-star cast of supporting actors such as Greta Scacchi, Peter Gallagher, Whoopi Goldberg, and more. The Player is a satirical look at the Hollywood film industry and its high-stakes power plays.

From Tom DiCillo, starring Steve Buscemi, Catherine Keener, Dermot Mulroney, Danielle von Zerneck
Rated R

Living in Oblivion is a 1995 independent film directed by Tom DiCillo, which follows the struggles of a low-budget film crew to make their movie in the face of a wide array of comedic and dramatic obstacles. The movie focuses on the director, Nick Reve, as he deals with a lead actress who constantly questions his decisions and a rookie cinematographer who does not know the basics of filmmaking. The crew also has to deal with unreliable equipment, a scene that can't be finished because of a dream sequence, and a baby that won't stop crying. Despite these obstacles, the film crew manages to come together and create a unique and heartfelt movie that speaks to the struggles of both independent filmmakers and life in general.

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

A Star is Born is a 1954 musical drama film directed by George Cukor, starring Judy Garland and James Mason. The film follows the story of Esther Blodgett (Garland), an aspiring actress, and Norman Maine (Mason), an acclaimed but troubled actor. When Esther is cast in Norman's latest film, the two quickly fall in love. As Esther's career begins to take off, Norman's begins to unravel. Despite his love for her, Norman becomes increasingly jealous of Esther's newfound fame and ultimately sabotages her career. In the end, Norman is forced to accept the fact that Esther will never be able to love him the same way she loves her career. Despite this, he still ultimately sacrifices himself to allow her to pursue her dreams.

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

The Aviator is a 2004 biographical drama directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the influential and eccentric aviation pioneer, Howard Hughes. The film follows Hughes from the peak of his career in the late 1920s, through his mental illness in the 1940s, and his subsequent reemergence in the 1950s. As Hughes' obsession with aviation and filmmaking grows, so too does his eccentric behavior, which leads him to fall from grace and endure a tumultuous life. At its heart, The Aviator is a story of ambition, genius, and madness, as Hughes faces the consequences of pursuing these three objectives. In the end, however, Hughes triumphs, inspiring a generation of aviators and filmmakers.

From Richard Attenborough, starring Robert Downey Jr., Geraldine Chaplin, Paul Rhys, John Thaw
Rated PG-13

Chaplin is a biographical drama about the life and career of iconic British actor and filmmaker, Charlie Chaplin. Directed by Richard Attenborough, the film follows Chaplin from poverty-stricken London to his prestigious career in Hollywood, along with the obstacles and controversies he faced throughout his life. Robert Downey Jr. stars as Chaplin, and the film also features Dan Aykroyd, Geraldine Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Anthony Hopkins, Marisa Tomei and Kevin Kline. The film covers Chaplin’s early years as a child actor and his success in the film industry. It follows his relationships with his wives, family members and co-workers, as well as his personal struggles with his identity and career. The film culminates with Chaplin’s return to London to accept an honorary knighthood and his eventual re-entry into the United States. Chaplin was well-received by critics and was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won three BAFTAs. It is a major success in the cinematic biography genre and remains a classic of the 1990s.

From Directors: Jaume Balagueró, Paco Plaza, starring Manuela Velasco, Ferran Terraza, Jorge-Yamam Serrano, Pablo Rosso
Rated R

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

From Mario Van Peebles, starring Mario Van Peebles, Nia Long, Joy Bryant, Ossie Davis
Rated R