What are the best movies for a new screenwriter to watch? You have probably already watched a lot of the kinds of movies you want to make. This list is more about teaching you valuable lessons about writing and how people use a camera to tell a great story.
Watch this shit:
- Adaptation – Watch this, then watch some other Charlie Kaufman movies and read his scripts.
- Wonder Boys – Note the lesson about editing and making choices: Editing is the work.
- The Princess Bride – William Goldman’s writing at its best.
- Directed By John Ford – One of the most influential filmmakers of all time, and too often forgotten.
- Cinema Paradiso – Just feel it, then go watch a bunch of Fellini and Antonioni movies like La Dolce Vita, Roma, Red Desert and L’Eclisse.
- L.A. Story – Possibly a little too accurate.
- Swimming With Sharks – Even though Spacey’s been canceled, lessons to be learned here.
- Hail, Caesar! – Look how Hollywood used to be.
- Trumbo – It’s important.
- Get Shorty – A funny take on breaking into the business. Not entirely accurate.
- Sunset Boulevard – Just watch it.
- The Player – Just watch it.
- Casablanca – Just watch it.
- Singin’ In The Rain – Just watch it.
- Black Narcissus – Just watch it.
- The Searchers – Just watch it.
- Ran – Just watch it.
What are some other best movies for a new screenwriter to watch? Start networking and ask other screenwriters.
