What to Watch When

WRITER’S BLOCK, BRAIN FOG, BURNOUT. Creativity ebbs and flows like everything in life. Sometimes it’s more productive to consume something instead of forcing yourself to create something. It might be the spark you need to reset your creative flow. Here is a list of films that inspire me to get out of bed and do something amazing.

FUNNY GIRL (1968)

Directed by William Wyler • Screenplay by Isobel LennartBarbra Streisand stars in this film as comedian, Broadway performer,and film star Fanny Brice. Despite being told her legs are too skinnyand her nose too big, she transforms from a girl with a dream, toa woman with her name in lights. After seeing Streisand’s iconicperformance of “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” you’ll feel unstoppable.

BOTTLE ROCKET (1996)

Directed by Wes Anderson • Screenplay by Wes Anderson & OwenWilsonAs the auteur’s first feature film, Bottle Rocket is the most modestof Anderson’s career. Shot in their home state of Texas, and starringthe Wilson brothers before they were famous, this film is atestament to following a dream. You don’t need a lot of money orresources to follow your passion. Even the masters start right intheir own backyard.

ALMOST FAMOUS (2000)

Directed by Cameron Crowe • Screenplay by Cameron CroweThis semi autobiographical film by Cameron Crowe is more than anostalgic trip to the 70s. It follows young journalist William as heis thrown in the middle of the rock and roll music scene. Crowehimself finished high school at age fifteen and began writing forRolling Stone magazine. This film dismisses age and proves thatyou are never too young to get your dream job.

LEGALLY BLONDE (2001)

Director: Robert Lukatic • Screenplay: Amanda BrownThis classic romantic comedy is a staple in my movie library. Itreminds me that you never have to do what people expect. You arethe only one that can decide who you are going to be. If I ever feellost, I just ask, what would Elle do?

WHIP IT (2009)

Director: Drew Barrymore • Screenplay: Shauna CrossThis all-female roller-derby film will give you your daily dose of girlpower. This is film is special not only because of its abundant femaleenergy both in front of and behind the camera, but also because ofits message. Just like Bliss in the movie, when you feel lost or alone,remember that eventually you will always find your tribe. It’s a tributeto chosen family wherever you find them.

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY (2013)

Director: Ben Stiller • Screenplay: Steve ConradBased on the short story of the same name, The Secret Life ofWalter Mitty lets you fall back in love with life. It reminds you of all

the beauty in the world, in art, and in people. The philosophy ofthis movie is summarized in this quote: “To see the world, thingsdangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find eachother, and to feel. That is the purpose of life.” Walter Mitty urgesyou to discover this purpose.

WILD (2014)

Director: Jean-Marc Vallée • Screenplay: Nick Hornby & CherylStrayedWild is adapted from the true story of Cheryl Strayed and her solohike on the Pacific Crest Trail. It is about healing, self-exploration,and doing things you never thought you would. Cheryl remindsus that no matter how tough it looks, you’ll always make it out theother side.

HIDDEN FIGURES (2016)

Director: Theodore Melfi • Screenplay: Margot Lee ShetterlySet against the backdrop of the Space Race, Hidden Figures makesvisible the African American women behind NASA. Though it tookdecades for these women to be recognized, their work changedthe world and what we know about it. This movie reminds me thathard work may not always be appreciated, but that does not meanit is any less important.

LA LA LAND (2016)

Director: Damien Chazellei • Screenplay: Damien ChazelleLa La Land pays tribute to all the dreamers and doers in Los Angeles.It is a paradox, a heartbreaking musical that is both wonderfullymagical and unapologetically realistic. Ultimately, it is a story aboutfalling in love while chasing your dreams, how what is meant tohappen always will.

SING STREET (2016)

Director: John Carney • Screenplay: John Carney & Simon CarmodyHave you ever wanted to run away to London and start a band?Sing Street takes place in 1980s Dublin and follows young studentsas they discover New Wave, eyeliner, and themselves. It remindsme not to take things too seriously and to always put time intodoing something you love.

FREE SOLO (2018)

Directors: Jimmy Chin & Elizabeth Chai VasarhelyiFree Solo was my favorite movie of 2018. I sweated, laughed, andcried through the entire film. It is so inspiring to be able to intimatelywatch someone push themselves physically, mentally, and emotionallyto literally climb their biggest mountain. Alex Honnold makesyou forget the excuses and do the thing that scares you the most.