Films you should study if you want to make a movie
Have you ever wanted to create your own movie? Are you seriously motivated? What will it be about? Pay close attention to that last question, wether you have an answer or not. If you do, you might just have an idea or you might have an entire story planned out. If not, or even if you have a story planned out, I strongly believe this list of films will, if anything, provide you with a list of do's and don'ts for your movie. I put a description with each film I chose to clarify my reasoning. Hopefully, these films can serve as great examples for you.
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- DirectorSidney LumetStarsHenry FondaLee J. CobbMartin BalsamThe jury in a New York City murder trial is frustrated by a single member whose skeptical caution forces them to more carefully consider the evidence before jumping to a hasty verdict.If you want to make your own movie, you should start by writing your script. A good way to start writing is to ask yourself, "What is this movie going to be about?" 12 Angry Men, for example, is a well put together film focusing mostly on the way strangers react, which in itself is a big part in any story. People should be driving the story along, not so much the writer, because otherwise the people you put in your movie will be a plot device and nothing more. A lot of good stories and scripts base themselves on a group of well thought out characters faced with a situation, and simply letting the characters work their way through. If that's not the kind of story you want to write, this film still offers a good example of Drama. Drama sounds cheesy to some, but is the highest form of entertainment, mostly due to the complexity of some works (A.K.A. 12 Angry Men). This film takes a small scale situation, and creates a chain of events that, despite the lack of visuals, keep a grip on the viewer through pure anticipation. There are other films like this that you can look at too if you plan to make a small scale movie (Exam, Phone Booth, Fermat's Room)
- DirectorRupert WainwrightStarsBrian BonsallKaren DuffyJames RebhornAfter a bike accident, a young boy inadvertently gains possession of a check for $1 million and proceeds to spend it, unaware that the gangsters it belongs to are in pursuit.Once you have a script or at least an idea, you might want to double check it so you don't end up with anything watered down or uninventive. Blank Check is the perfect film for finding cliches. If you're making a comedy or satire, you don't need to watch this film, though it might still help you find any weak points in your story. Blank Check is the definition of an average movie. You have a unique idea that unfortunately is not ompletely thought out, and therefore leads to lots of filler, cliches, and predictable moments. This would be a good time to point out that if you are stuck when writing your story, you may want to try reading through it so you can add plot devices earlier in the story rather than throw them in at the last second to tie up loose ends.
- DirectorFrancis Ford CoppolaStarsAl PacinoRobert De NiroRobert DuvallThe early life and career of Vito Corleone in 1920s New York City is portrayed, while his son, Michael, expands and tightens his grip on the family crime syndicate.I bet you had a hunch that the Godfather would be on this list. But either way watching the first two (and even the third one) will provide a great example of storytelling. There are few plotholes, goofs, or unnecessary scenes. I won't go too deep into these films because everyone else probably has already, and I have already talked enough about storytelling. If you plan to have sequel, than Part II and III are essential tools continuing a story.
- DirectorJames AlgarSamuel ArmstrongFord Beebe Jr.StarsLeopold StokowskiDeems TaylorThe Philadelphia OrchestraA series of eight famous pieces of classical music, conducted by Leopold Stokowski and interpreted in animation by Walt Disney's team of artists.Background plays as much of a role in a film as the foreground. Visuals are one of the main reasons people watch movies, so obviously good visuals are an asset. While this film in particalur has no story or protagonist, it prides itself on visuals, climax, and most of all, music. If you intend to create an original score or create a silent movie, then this shouldn't be a big issue. If you are creating an original score, however, you will still need to match audio and visual accordingly to your story. The same goes for adding other existing pieces of music into your movie. If you have an interest in detail, you will have an advantage in creating your movie.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsSam WorthingtonZoe SaldanaSigourney WeaverA paraplegic Marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home.If your movie is going to be large-scale or largely computer-generated, then this film is a must-see for example. One of the tough things to work out is coordinating the real action with CGI so it is not obvious. Movies like these are usually more time-consuming to make, even after scripting, casting, and filming are complete.
- DirectorMichel GondryStarsJim CarreyKate WinsletTom WilkinsonWhen their relationship turns sour, a couple undergoes a medical procedure to have each other erased from their memories forever.This is one the best in terms of films with a lasting impact. This is a must-see if your movie is along the lines of a psychological film and/or a bittersweet (or just plain sad) ending.
- DirectorTerry GilliamTerry JonesStarsGraham ChapmanJohn CleeseEric IdleKing Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table embark on a surreal, low-budget search for the Holy Grail, encountering many, very silly obstacles.This film (or any made by the crew of Monty Python) are good examples of how to be resourceful if you have little to work with. Granted, you may be trying to take a more serious approach, but either way, these films can give way to an effecient creation process.
- DirectorTommy WiseauStarsTommy WiseauJuliette DanielleGreg SesteroIn San Francisco, an amiable banker's seemingly perfect life is turned upside down when his deceitful fiancée embarks on an affair with his best friend.This film is absolutely terrible. So how could this possibly help you create your movie? Well, this is kind of a what-not-to-do list. Make sure you movie is nothing like this. If you're not sure, watch The Room, and if you don't like it (which is highly probable), then try and point out what made it bad (filler, repetition, acting, story, etc.).