We all know how easy it is to lose writing momentum or have seasons of withering inspiration. One of my favorite things to do when I’m facing a writer’s block is to turn to another genre; film. Yes, you read right. I jump into another writer’s visual world, swim around for a bit, and hopefully find inventiveness from their creations to channel into my own.
So allow me to unfold my tiny list of films about poets & poetry for you to ‘write’ without writing; relax and enjoy the thematic artistry, you never know – your next favorite film could be on the list.
1. Dead Poets Society
Yes, we’re starting with an oldie and a goodie. Released in 1989, this film has remained a classic for a multitude of reasons, but we’d be negligent if we didn’t recognize a Mr. Keating in our own lives. One of my college creative writing professors was the first to encourage me to experiment with poetry and I’m thankful for her everyday.
Each time I come back to this film, I find something new to appreciate. It’s a timeless story focused on not just poetry, but companionship and the heartbreaking trajectory of growing up.
Notable Quote: “We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we’re members of the human race.”
2. Paterson
This is an underrated gem I found years ago – a film which follows a bus driver and poet named Paterson, on his daily route through Paterson, New Jersey. Yes, his name is Paterson and he lives in Paterson, NJ — quite peculiar if you ask me.
This film is quiet, in all regards. It takes us through his life as a driver, meeting a variety of passengers, and eventually ending his day back at home with his wife Laura. There’s no explosions or grand gestures – it’s a film centered on the simplicities of life. It reminds me to be conscious in my interactions and embrace even the most mundane circumstances, finding beauty in the ordinary.
Notable Quote: “Without love, what reason is there for anything?”
3. Kill Your Darlings
Admittedly, I haven’t seen this film in its entirety, but plenty of friends have recommended it to me. Loosely based on true events, this film brings together poets Allen Ginsburg, Jack Kerouac, and William Burroughs after the murder of David Kammerer. It’s been said that this occurrence essentially launched The Beats/Beat Generations – a literary and artistic movement focused on challenging conventional norms and instead, vouched for rebellion, individuality, and freedom.
Notable Quote: “Another lover hits the universe. The circle is broken, but with death comes rebirth. And like all lovers and sad people, I am a poet.”
4. Ruby Sparks
Okay, this may not be poetry, but has anyone ever wished their words would melt off the page and become a reality? That’s exactly what happens in Ruby Sparks, when writer Calvin faces such severe writer’s block that he writes his “dream girl” into reality.
As you would guess, things don’t go as planned, but it’s a remarkable story about desire and inspiration. Don’t be turned away by the playful and light-hearted posters for this film – there’s much more at the core.
Notable Quote: “You haven’t written a person, okay? You’ve written a girl.”
5. Barfly
The first Charles Bukowski book I ever read was plucked off the shelves of the Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris. It was Love is a Dog From Hell. Granted, Bukowski has proven himself to be a controversial, if not very one-dimensional human being, but I still give poetic credit where it’s due. He was one of the first poets I really invested time in reading, and I feel it warrants this film being on the list.
The screenplay for this film was penned by Bukowski himself and follows the relationship between two chaotic individuals. It’s labeled as a black comedy and yet, slivers of Bukowski’s life peek through, following some of his experiences in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. It’s not often that a poet dabbles in scriptwriting, maybe after watching you’ll be inspired to do the same?
Notable Quote: “Nobody who ever wrote anything worth a damn could ever write in peace.”
6. Little Women
One of the most writerly films ever, Little Women speaks to the heart of sensitive artists. This film is for poets, writers, and dreamers who aspire to go beyond the lot they’re given. Louisa May Alcott’s own writing career began with poetry at the age of eight. It’s only fitting that a woman who has delved in poetry, short stories, and novels belongs on this guide.
Notable Quote: “I believe we have some power over who we love. It isn’t something that just happens to a person.” “I think the poets might disagree.”
7. If Beale Street Could Talk
James Baldwin only wrote one collection of poetry, Jimmy’s Blues, but his poetic sensibilities shine in this film based on his 1974 novel of the same name. The story follows childhood friends turned lovers Tish and Fonny living in Harlem. After Fonny is wrongly arrested with a crime he didn’t commit, Tish seeks to prove his innocence before welcoming their child into the world. Classic 70s Harlem community, loyalty & melancholy, intertwine to create this devastating and beautiful on-screen adaptation of one of Baldwin’s greatest creations.
Notable Quote: “I hope that nobody has ever had to look at anybody they love through glass.”
We hope one of these titles sparks inspiration to write a new poem or three!
Did we miss any films that belong on this list? Comment them, below!
Kaci MoDavis (she/her) is an MFA Candidate in The Writer’s Foundry at St. Joseph’s University in Brooklyn, NY. Originally from Pennsylvania, she earned her B.A. in Sociology & Creative Writing from Susquehanna University and enjoys literary fiction, gritty poetry, and the occasional speculative piece.