What Film(s) Inspire You?

[Sentinel X]

What the hell is wrong with you? Whenever any of us posts movies that we like, you shoot us down telling us that the films we like suck. Dude, I don't care. It doesn't matter if you think they suck, they've inspired me. Maybe not to you, but to me they have.

And you never give reason why they suck. Please, I would like to know why you think so. I'm not bashing you on not liking them, but just coming in and saying the films we like suck and not giving reason for it doesn't make any sense.

So please elaborate why. And what films do you like? And don't worry, whatever you like regardless, I won't say they suck.

*sigh* don't listen to him, I've seen a couple of his posts and I've finally realized that ANYTHING he says sucks is actually VERY VERY good ....and don't expect a reason 'why' anytime soon.



Oh and I've wanted to be a movie director ever since I was four years old and the film that made me want to do that: Jurassic Park. REALLY inspired me, it was my favorite film for a long time. And especially at four years old I was like "WOAH!! how did they get REAL dinosaurs in that!?!"...then my dad told me the whole film making process and I was sold...I just HAVE to get into film making whether its directing (preferably), screen writing, producing, etc...even if nobody knows my movies, haha

 

[Solidus]

Too many to count:

The Dark Knight: A film that went beyond my expectations. It has been since T2 that a film moved me in so many ways. It was entertaining, and yet deep, filled with moral play, and amazing acting on all accounts. The music was eerie, and heroic at the same time. It is a film, that is dazziling, and terrifying at the same time.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day:Just like TDK a very powerful film. It is a insight into human's possible future. At the same time, how far we take technology. On the positive side, as well, can a machine, learn to care? And have human emotion. A tale of a boy and machine, trying to save the world, as well, learn from one another. Also amazing action sequences, and iconic images that still hold up today.

The Shawshank Redemption: Yea a common one, but the film, always lifts me up when I'm down. It truly is about hope, and why it is so important. A struggle for one self. Powerful on every level.

Blade Runner: This film is one of those films, when I first saw it, I did not care for it. I expected more action. But then I found one of the deepest layered movies ever made. With so many possiblities, that can be intereperted in millions of ways. Endless discussion have come from this film.

Lord of the Rings: Truly a movie of the epic struggle between good and evil, one of my favorite books, and the movies captured the magic of the books. A simple yet complex tale, of frienship, and small beings having an effect that can change the entire universe.

The Empire Strikes Back: A sequel that goes beyond the others. Though I love all Star Wars, this was the most serious of them all. It had the great mythology, but great depth, story, and most of all, great acting. Which, the other five lacked. This was the Star Wars that all the others should of been like. And maybe some day, if ever re-made they will.

Alien/Aliens: Two films same story, yet different generes. Alien, one of the creepiest movies ever made. And Ridley gave that real, feel, to sci-fi for once. It felt gritty. Aliens, lived up, and changed the forumla a tad, but still felt like a sequel, which is a rarity in this business.

Raiders of the Lost Ark: Still the best Indy, it had it all, love, action, adventure, humor. And just good old fun. Some how this combination, puts it up as a top film, inspirational, and just great fun all around.

Die Hard: This film is still one of my favorite pure action movies. Not much talk of morality or deep meaning in this story. But it was the under dog hero, coming up to the top with out shoes on. Bruce Willis solidfied himself as an awesome action hero, with great lines, and attitude. Just a classic.

 

[Doctor Jones]

*sigh* don't listen to him, I've seen a couple of his posts and I've finally realized that ANYTHING he says sucks is actually VERY VERY good ....and don't expect a reason 'why' anytime soon.



Oh and I've wanted to be a movie director ever since I was four years old and the film that made me want to do that: Jurassic Park. REALLY inspired me, it was my favorite film for a long time.

Indeed. He seems to hate all the really good films.

But yeah, Jurrassic Park has always been one of my favorites too. I was introduced to Spielberg at an early age. JP was one of my firsts. Jaws was my first one though, I'll never forget where I saw it the first time. When I was 5 years old, I got a plastic hockey stick and climbed to the edge of my couch and aimed at my toy pretending I was Brody trying to blow up the shark. t: Malcom is one of my favorite film characters of all time. He has some of the most quotable stuff out there too.

"Must go faster."

"Anybody hear that? It's um... it's an impact tremor is what it is. I'm fairly alarmed here."

"What do they got in there, King Kong?"

"That is one big pile of sh1t."

"John, when the Pirates of the Caribbean breaks down, the pirates don't eat the tourists."

Awesome character to a freaking awesome movie.

"Dodson. Dodson! WE'VE GOT DODSON HERE!!" t:

 

[The Question]

There are three that are a bit eclectic when put together:

1: Schindler's List. Pretty self explanatory.

2: Kiki's Delivery Service. Something about the whole story of a kid trying to find her place in the world is cliche, but cliche for a reason, and done very well here.

3: The Search for Spock.

Sarek: "Kirk, I thank you. What you have done?"

Kirk: "What I've done, I had to do."

Sarek: "But at what cost? Your ship, your son."

Kirk: "If I hadn't tried, the cost would have been my soul."

Something about that exchange...

 

[Doctor Jones]

Too many to count:

The Dark Knight: A film that went beyond my expectations. It has been since T2 that a film moved me in so many ways. It was entertaining, and yet deep, filled with moral play, and amazing acting on all accounts. The music was eerie, and heroic at the same time. It is a film, that is dazziling, and terrifying at the same time.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day:Just like TDK a very powerful film. It is a insight into human's possible future. At the same time, how far we take technology. On the positive side, as well, can a machine, learn to care? And have human emotion. A tale of a boy and machine, trying to save the world, as well, learn from one another. Also amazing action sequences, and iconic images that still hold up today.

The Shawshank Redemption: Yea a common one, but the film, always lifts me up when I'm down. It truly is about hope, and why it is so important. A struggle for one self. Powerful on every level.

Blade Runner: This film is one of those films, when I first saw it, I did not care for it. I expected more action. But then I found one of the deepest layered movies ever made. With so many possiblities, that can be intereperted in millions of ways. Endless discussion have come from this film.

Lord of the Rings: Truly a movie of the epic struggle between good and evil, one of my favorite books, and the movies captured the magic of the books. A simple yet complex tale, of frienship, and small beings having an effect that can change the entire universe.

The Empire Strikes Back: A sequel that goes beyond the others. Though I love all Star Wars, this was the most serious of them all. It had the great mythology, but great depth, story, and most of all, great acting. Which, the other five lacked. This was the Star Wars that all the others should of been like. And maybe some day, if ever re-made they will.

Alien/Aliens: Two films same story, yet different generes. Alien, one of the creepiest movies ever made. And Ridley gave that real, feel, to sci-fi for once. It felt gritty. Aliens, lived up, and changed the forumla a tad, but still felt like a sequel, which is a rarity in this business.

Raiders of the Lost Ark: Still the best Indy, it had it all, love, action, adventure, humor. And just good old fun. Some how this combination, puts it up as a top film, inspirational, and just great fun all around.

Die Hard: This film is still one of my favorite pure action movies. Not much talk of morality or deep meaning in this story. But it was the under dog hero, coming up to the top with out shoes on. Bruce Willis solidfied himself as an awesome action hero, with great lines, and attitude. Just a classic.

Great list my friend!

 

[Bunker]

Remember the Titans - Pretty much made me fall in love with Denzel's acting. The message of the story has been done many times, but this was one of the original race in sports movies. It made me fall in love with football all over again, too.

The Dark Knight - After watching the trailers, I wanted to try a hand at making my own. They were pretty crappy, but I fell in love with video editing which I now want to pursue as a career. As for the movie itself, everything blew me away. Especially the mood of the film, Nolan made a work of art that should be studied by young directors for years to come.

 

[Doctor Jones]

Remember the Titans - Pretty much made me fall in love with Denzel's acting. The message of the story has been done many times, but this was one of the original race in sports movies. It made me fall in love with football all over again, too.

The Dark Knight - After watching the trailers, I wanted to try a hand at making my own. They were pretty crappy, but I fell in love with video editing which I now want to pursue as a career. As for the movie itself, everything blew me away. Especially the mood of the film, Nolan made a work of art that should be studied by young directors for years to come.[/quote]

QFT. TDK's trailers are all great, but nothing beats the teaser trailer released in December. I just came home from seing I AM Legend in IMAX and seing the six minute footage for the first time. This was the first time I've ever laid eyes on footage from TDK. So when I came home, I saw the trailer had been leaked. I watched that bootleg trailer for a long time. Until the HD version came online. Great memories.

And are you saying you'd like to take a career in editing or film? If so, that's cool man. Editing is really fun if you know what you're doing. Who knows? Maybe one day when I become a filmmaker, you can be my editor?

 

[Bunker]

Yeah I've gotten pretty good at it. I'm not sure if I want to edit trailers or film, but trailer editing interests me more.

But who knows, in a couple years when I graduate I'll change my mind.

What kind of films are you interested in making? Have you made any films for school or anything?

 

[Doctor Jones]

Yeah I've gotten pretty good at it. I'm not sure if I want to edit trailers or film, but trailer editing interests me more.

But who knows, in a couple years when I graduate I'll change my mind.

What kind of films are you interested in making? Have you made any films for school or anything?

Nope. No programs for it.

But the films I'm interested in making are suspenseful thrillers like Se7en, Zodiac, Silence of the Lambs etc. Catch the killer type of films. Fincher is a huge influence on me in the genre. But those are the films I'd like to start making. And then if someone calls me in for something big and if it sounds good, I like the script and the story, I'll do it. Supermx sounds like something I'd like to do. With of course going through alot of drafts. But first, I'd like to of course establish myself.

Well, I'm leaving, see ya guys tomorrow.

 

[Nirvana]

The Lord of the Rings: Really the only set of films that inspire me. The end of the Fellowship with Frodo saying he wishes that never happened to him was very powerful. The music, the look on his face...gives you the feeling that you want to continue going.

In the Two Towers after Frodo nearly attacks Sam, and Sam tells him the story about "Some Good in this world that's worth fighting for" really give you the sense that even though times may be hard, you just have to hang in there and continue going. The music and expressions of Sam are also very powerful

Lastly, in the Return of the King, when the armies of Rohan and Gondor stand at the Black Gates and Aargorn turn to them all and says "for Frodo" then marches on. The music and look on his face are really inspiring. It really has the underling message that you always fight for your friends. I really don't think movies are inspirational, but I really think the LotR trilogy is very motivational.

 

[Nirvana]

The Lord of the Rings: Really the only set of films that inspire me. The end of the Fellowship with Frodo saying he wishes that never happened to him was very powerful. The music, the look on his face...gives you the feeling that you want to continue going.

In the Two Towers after Frodo nearly attacks Sam, and Sam tells him the story about "Some Good in this world that's worth fighting for" really give you the sense that even though times may be hard, you just have to hang in there and continue going. The music and expressions of Sam are also very powerful

Lastly, in the Return of the King, when the armies of Rohan and Gondor stand at the Black Gates and Aargorn turn to them all and says "for Frodo" then marches on. The music and look on his face are really inspiring. It really has the underling message that you always fight for your friends. I really don't think movies are inspirational, but I really think the LotR trilogy is very motivational.

 

[Eggyman]

Thanks for bringing this thread to life, guys. Some really great posts in here.

 

[November Rain]

You do know that movie is 100% bullcrap, right?

and terminator 2 isn't?

 

[November Rain]

Your joking right? Did the two songs inspire you or the typical 80's movie plotline?

The movie is cornball but if your a pilot I kinda understand. If you wanted to fly cause of that I understand.

Yeah I wanted to be a pilot and i've got a masters in aerospace engineering because of it.

 

[WeaponXProject]

See my above post. And God, please don't use the word cornball. People in my school use it to death for some reason. It's become a thing for people saying that. Just imagine a bunch of rapper kids saying that. It's cringe inducing.

So High School right?

I get your post about movies that don't have to be very good but really? Top Gun?

You picked King Kong?

 

[WeaponXProject]

Yeah I wanted to be a pilot and i've got a masters in aerospace engineering because of it.

That's cool, I guess they're aren't many pilot movies to be inspired by.

 

[Eggyman]

Yeah I wanted to be a pilot and i've got a masters in aerospace engineering because of it.

You can be my wingman anytime.

 

[November Rain]

********, you can be mine

*manly hug*

 

[Eggyman]

You didn't disappoint

 

[Sarge 2.0]

Into the Wild is probably the most inspiring movie I've ever seen. I've never felt so riveted by a story, or had a film resonate so strongly with me. Truly a beautifully made film.

Movies that I as a writer find inspiring would probably be

Mulholland Dr.

Serenity

Dark City

Wings of Desire

Wild at Heart

Don't Look Now

Werner Herzog's Nosferatu

Paris, Texas

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

The Golem

Metropolis

F.W. Murnau's Nosferatu

Coppola's Dracula

Batman Returns

The Virgin Suicides

And tons more all had a certain verve or feel to them that I found inspiring at the time.

 

[Eggyman]

Excellent list, sarge.


I just thought I'd post an example of how one of the films I mentioned previously inspired me, and then I'll run down a few more films that make me turn on my PC and start writing.

Secret Window, an excellent novella by Stephen King that was then filmed by David Koepp (he also wrote the screenplay). The tone of the film just gets me every time - no idea why, I've seen plenty of films that are better in every way. I guess it's just a combination of elements - who knows? But the very first scene inspired a short story of mine. The very first scene has Secret Window's protagonist woken abruptly by someone at the door. When said protagonist opens the door, there's a man in a black suit there. Straight away it has tension. I loved the idea of starting the story with a guy stood at the door - lol?

I say it now and it sounds stupid. But I wanted to write a story that begins with a man in a black suit stood at the door. What I got was a story called Sympathy For Jehovah. A story about a Jehovah's witness who'd had a mental breakdown... a long way from the story of Secret Window.

--

More films that inspire me:

The Usual Suspects. Such a clever film - any film with a good twist is fine by me, and the twist in this film was excellent with the ending playing on it brilliantly. Actually, thinking about it, a lot of films that inspire have a twist.

Fight Club. The twist is great and Ed Norton's narrating is brilliant.

Psycho. Pfft, what could I say about this masterpiece that hasn't been said a million times? Hitchcock awesomeness.

 

[BLACKVULCAN]

Great thread. there are quite a few but i will give you the short list

Brian's Song-The true story of Brian Piccolo who played for the Chicago bears and died from cancer. Starring James Caan and Billy Dee williams. A real tear jerker of a movie ,but more importantly taught me long ago that regardless of race we are all brothers and sisters

Casablanca-Bogie was the coolest and this movie showed me that even if you dont end up with the girl. it all about the way you do it. Bogie just epitomizes class and cool. he could have totally got all that he wanted, but it would have cost him his Values and he did it with a tuxedo on. That's class

Superman the movie- yeah the special effects might not be state of art or it's old fashioned, but it's freaking Superman.nothing like it had been seen before.The story might be contrived in places or over the top acting, but he's Superman which we all should aspire to be. I think it inspired Chris Reeve so much, that he didn't give up after his accident when he easily could have.It's great and it inspires me to be better than i am.

 

[Sarge 2.0]

Excellent list, sarge.


I just thought I'd post an example of how one of the films I mentioned previously inspired me, and then I'll run down a few more films that make me turn on my PC and start writing.

Secret Window, an excellent novella by Stephen King that was then filmed by David Koepp (he also wrote the screenplay). The tone of the film just gets me every time - no idea why, I've seen plenty of films that are better in every way. I guess it's just a combination of elements - who knows? But the very first scene inspired a short story of mine. The very first scene has Secret Window's protagonist woken abruptly by someone at the door. When said protagonist opens the door, there's a man in a black suit there. Straight away it has tension. I loved the idea of starting the story with a guy stood at the door - lol?

I say it now and it sounds stupid. But I wanted to write a story that begins with a man in a black suit stood at the door. What I got was a story called Sympathy For Jehovah. A story about a Jehovah's witness who'd had a mental breakdown... a long way from the story of Secret Window.

--

More films that inspire me:

The Usual Suspects. Such a clever film - any film with a good twist is fine by me, and the twist in this film was excellent with the ending playing on it brilliantly. Actually, thinking about it, a lot of films that inspire have a twist.

Fight Club. The twist is great and Ed Norton's narrating is brilliant.

Psycho. Pfft, what could I say about this masterpiece that hasn't been said a million times? Hitchcock awesomeness.

Thanks, I can definitely relate to your experience of watching a film like Coppola's Dracula and then wanting to write something involving foggy London streets or gothic Victorian intrigue. Most of the time it's not the plot of the films that I find to inspire my writing so much as their feel and tone, which is why I think this is a great thread.

 

[Lobo]

Rocky Balboa-Yeah I know But whenever i start to feel depressed or down, that speech he gave his son always inspires me to go on and to better, to make myself better

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z5OookwOoY

I'll add more soon, including films that get my creative juices flowing.

 

[Lunar_Wolf]

The Evil Dead & Clerks. Both movies got me into film making.