My Top 5 Movies That Inspire Me to Create

Intro and Criteria for Selection

• Movies have the ability to inspire, entertain us, and provoke thought. Although I love to read, I thoroughly enjoy a good film, and I especially enjoy films that inspire me creatively. Below are the top 5 movies throughout my life that have not only inspired me but have stayed with me in both my mind and heart. Enjoy! ~Jessica Saenz

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

The List of Top 5 Movies

1. The Fantastic Mr. Fox

   This film was released in 2009 and was directed by Wes Anderson, one of my favorite directors of all time. The movie is based on the novel by Roald Dahl, whom is one of my personal heroes. The film is uniquely animated and the combination of both adventure and comedy make for such a feel-good movie. This is one of those comfort movies for me that if I'm having a bad day, I can put this film on and instantly feel lighter. The movie takes you on an action filled adventure in the life of Mr. Fox along with his friends/family as they face off with local farmers.

   
   

2. Pink Floyd's "The Wall"

   This film came out in 1982 and is of course based on the album "The Wall" by Pink Floyd. It contains live action, adult animation, and surrealist musical drama. To understand this movie, you have to see it yourself. The rich images combined with the incredible music throughout is quite the unique experience. I recommend grabbing a glass of your favorite beverage and experiencing this movie in a space where you can concentrate and "feel" as you move through the film. In this movie, we are privy to the life of "Pink", a depressed rocker as we move through pieces of his life and experiences.

   
   

3. Labyrinth (1986)

   I'm an 80's baby so I of course I love David Bowie and Jim Henson. As a young girl growing up in the 80's and 90's, this movie is so relatable as we watch our main character Sarah's journeys. The main plot revolves around her journey through a maze to save her brother in this musical fantasy film. This is also one of those feel-good movies for me. The nostalgia of this movie takes me back to my own childhood and the movie contains the most amazing puppetry of any film that I've ever seen. The stunning visuals and the creation of this unique world are so inspiring to me.

   
   

4. LaBamba

   This film is a 1987 biographical drama that follows the musical career of Ritchie Valens. This movie is sad but is so incredibly inspiring. We see the life of Ritchie play out throughout the film as we watch his incredible journey as musician from a poor family to his rise to fame. The movie contains some amazing music and although the ending is sad, I do find the film inspiring. Ritchie not only overcame a lot of obstacles throughout his entire life, but he remained a good and morally righteous example to those around him. He was talented, loved, and above all else he longed to create music as it was his ultimate passion.

   
   

5. The Darjeeling Limited

   Another film directed by Wes Anderson, this movie was released in 2007 and takes us on a journey with three brothers as they ride "The Darjeeling Limited", which is a train in India. This film holds a dear place in my heart as it was me and my best friend's favorite film to watch together prior to him passing away. The cast is absolutely incredible in this film, and we are taken on an emotional journey throughout. The film is full of wonderfully vivid imagery and although it is a drama, it contains bits of comedy throughout.

   
   

Final Thoughts

• Film is such a powerful medium for storytelling, and it is yet another medium that has inspired me throughout my life. I receive inspiration to write poetry from all around me, through film, nature, books, and my own emotions. However, sometimes film gives me a unique way to escape from the world and find creative inspiration. I hope you enjoyed my list and that you may find the time to view one of these film suggestions.