Films Every Screenwriter and Filmmaker
Should Know
by Hal Landen
While it's hard to argue with some of the 100 best films chosen by AFI, every filmmaker I know can point to many other films
that have inspired their filmmaking and scriptwriting. The list below is by no means definitive.
I'd like to hear your comments and additions to this list.
Drop me an email with a film title
that has inspired your work. And include your reasons why the film is important to fimmakers.
You can buy and in most cases rent or even buy used copies of these films by clicking on the movie database below. Most titles are available in both NTSC and PAL. This is a
good source for filmographies, reviews and streaming video trailers of more than 118,000 movie titles. Their prices are hard to beat so it's a great gift center for filmmakers and friends!
To learn more about any of the films listed below, just copy the title on the left (e.g.
Battleship Potemkin) and paste it in the Search box above.
Battleship Potemkin
One of the greatest films of the Soviet avant-garde by Sergei Eisenstein dramatizes a
1905 mutiny and subsequent Odessa revolt. Dynamic, innovative montage makes this a must-see for film history buffs. Pay particular attention to the slaughter on
"The Steps of Odessa." We consider this the beginning of the modern-day fast cutting montage
and what's remarkable is that this silent scene is as moving as any contemporary film scene.
Movies About Moviemaking
8 1/2
Fellini's film about filmmaking. Note that this film was completely dubbed which lends a dreamy quality to the film.
Day for Night
(1973)Directed by Francois Truffaut
Buoyant, frothy French comedy provides a loving,
behind-the-scenes look at a movie set. Critically acclaimed for its strong
performances, cinema verite feel. Excellent example of
European-style filmmaking.
Feature Length Documentaries
Atomic Cafe
(1982)The irreverent film that's become an underground classic. Produced with public domain footage from the U.S. government. Little did the government know its own propoganda footage would be used in this way.
What's Up Tiger Lily
What makes this unique is that no original footage was shot for this film. Woody Allen bought the rights to a pretty terrible Japanese B-grade Japanese James Bond-esque thriller redubbed his own voices into an a hilarious spy spoof produced on a shoestring budget.
Harlan County, U.S.A.
Critics and art-house audiences raved about this well-crafted,
slice-of-life documentary observing Kentucky mining workers on strike. Highly
recommended to documentary buffs, fans of gripping labor dramas.
The Wonderful, Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl
(1993)
Fascinating documentary about the famous director of Nazi
propaganda films. Probing interviews should transfix fans of complex character
portraits, documentary buffs, and viewers interested in intersection of art and
politics.
Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress
(1944)
Directed by William Wyler as one film in the World World II "Why We Fight
Series." In this documentary constructed from newsreel footage, the B-17
bomber "Memphis Belle" is the first to complete a 25-run mission in a daring
daytime attack on the submarine pens at Wilhelmshaven, Germany.
Civil War: A Film by Ken Burns, The
This is the best example I've ever seen of how to use still photographs to make a feature film. And it was the most popular series ever broadcast by PBS.
Comedies
The Music Box
This film makes me laugh so hard I cry. It's a perfect example of
how powerful a simple script can be. The entire story is Laurel and Hardy attempting to deliver a piano. This was the only film that won Laurel and Hardy an Oscar.
Raising Arizona
Directed by Joel Coen, starring Nicolas Cage and Holly Hunter. Out of the mainstream with colorful characters, uproarious slapstick, and wild chases.
Bringing Up Baby
This one IS on the AFI list, but I had to point it out simply because it's one of my all-time favorite films, even if it isn't one of Katharine Hepburn's favorites. This she told me during the second interview I filmed with her. An autographed picture and a very nice note from her are both prominently displayed on my office wall!
Action/Adventures and Westerns
Rashomon
(search for Director Kurosawa to find this title)
(1951) Kurosawa's oscar-winner for best foreign film. Character study retells brutal rape/murder from four perspectives is considered a masterpiece by critics. Deliberately paced, intellectual investigation of human nature is must-see for serious drama fans, cinema history buffs.
Seven Samarai
(search for Director Kurosawa to find this title)
(1954) Kurosawa classic which has become the model for many American films including The Magnificent Seven
One Location Films
Screenwriters, directors and low budget producers must see what others have done with just one location.
Rope
(1948) Hitchcock's experiment with mis-en-scene. Remarkable as a directing exercise because this feature film consists of only seven shots on one set. By carefully staging actor and camera moves, Hitch uses 10 minute shots without cuts. See how Hitchcock cleverly handles the transition from one shot to the next.
Lifeboat
(1944) Hitchcock's character studies are suspenseful despite the limitations
of a single set aboard a lifeboat.
12 Angry Men
(1957) Sydnet Lumet's amazing feature film debut with his classic jury room drama. Great cast, great script and it all occurs in one room.