SIX OF THE BEST #23 – FILMS ABOUT FILMMAKING
It’s no surprise there are an abundance of films about the actual process of filmmaking. Firstly, if you follow the idea of “writing what you know” literally, a filmmaker, screenwriter or director will certainly have first hand experience of this. Secondly, and most importantly, is that the film industry is full of rich possibilities in terms of drama, action, tragedy, romance and comedy. Lastly, cinema down the years is replete with imaginative, tough, evil, spoilt, egotistical, eccentric and frankly insane individuals working in the film industry.
Therefore, over the course of cinematic history there have been many great films about the movie-making business. I personally love the sub-genre and probably could’ve have chosen a top twenty. Indeed, the following could also have been picked too: 8 1/2 (1963), Dolemite is My Name (2019), Shadow of the Vampire (2000), Sullivan’s Travels (1941), Barton Fink (1991), State and Main (2000), Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019), Hugo (2011), Living In Oblivion (1995) etc. However, as is the case with this feature, I’ve selected just six of the best.
**CONTAINS SPOILERS**
BOOGIE NIGHTS (1997)
“Wait a minute. You come into my house, my party, to tell me about the future? That the future is tape, videotape, and not film? That it’s amateurs and not professionals? I’m a filmmaker, which is why I will never make a movie on tape.” Jack Horner
THE DISASTER ARTIST (2017)
“Not closed set. Open set. Life is not closed set! I want everyone to see!” Tommy Wiseau
ED WOOD (1994)
“Really? Worst film you ever saw. Well, my next one will be better. Hello. Hello.” Ed Wood
THE PLAYER (1992)
“I was just thinking what an interesting concept it is to eliminate the writer from the artistic process. If we could just get rid of these actors and directors, maybe we’ve got something here.” Griffin Mill
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (1952)
“Why bother to shoot this film? Why not release the old one under a new title? You’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.” Cosmo Brown
TROPIC THUNDER (2008)
“First, take a big step back… and literally, FUCK YOUR OWN FACE! I don’t know what kind of pan-pacific bullshit power play you’re trying to pull here, but Asia Jack is my territory. So whatever you’re thinking, you’d better think again!” Les Grossman
The Cinema Fix presents: 
Tropic Thunder makes me laugh every time. This was a fun post.
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Thanks Cindy! Yes, I love that film! And all those listed.
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Cool picks! Ed Wood is amazing, and Tropic Thunder never fails to make me laugh. It’s nice to see Barton Fink mentioned too. Saving Mr Banks would make my list, if it counts. 🙂
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Thanks Jade. I’ve never seen Saving Mr Banks. I will certainly check it out on your recommendation.
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Such a fantastic post. If you think about it there are a lot of really good movies about making movies.
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Thanks Keith. Yes, one could probably do a top 30 easily. I missed off loads, but I limit it for discipline. Bowfinger is a one such example.
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Very true. I was thinking about Hail Caesar! from the Coen brothers. Not about making a movie per se but definitely set within the movie making culture.
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Well, that would work as it was about filmmaking and the eccentrics in the Hollywood system. Such an entertaining film.
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I love it too. It really came together for me during a second viewing. I think it’s a movie many people have overlooked and forgotten.
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Indeed, Coen Brothers films always improve with further viewings, I find.
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An amazing list. I find the topic fascinating too and should really educate myself with those because my knowledge is limited. The only film that came into my mind when I saw the post title is 8/12, which you mentioned. Also, Cinema Paradiso (1988) may have something to do with movie-viewing rather than making, but that is another one that pays tribute to cinema like Hugo (2011) does.
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Thanks for reading and liking all the posts 🙂
There are indeed so many films to choose. I haven’t seen 8 1/2 in years, so did not feel confident including it. Hugo (2011) was a lovely film and great that Scorsese paid tribute to Melies at the same time as telling a moving story.
Cinema Paradiso is indeed about the magic of cinema and could have been included as the character did grow up to be a filmmaker. Great suggestions indeed 🙂
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