Creative Living and the Movies

Snow fell heavy on the streets as I stepped into the theatre. It is the last month of winter and the sun has been hiding most of this year. So the opening scene in La La Land “Another Day of Sun” was a sunny break I very much welcomed.

When i studied theology a point was made that through history we first worried about life and death, then about sin and redemption and now about meaning and meaninglessness.

This movie is very much about what kind of creative outlet brings meaning to our lives. And whether it is enough.

The character played by Ryan Gosling utters a monologue about jazz. His passion shines through with gestures and a final statement to make his point come across that jazz must be saved.

Try this |

Write five lines to convey why you love one particular creative outlet. Be specific.

The whole time I was worried the movie would fall through. That it was unoriginal, that they could not sing, that it was too much, that the love story was plain or the whole premise embarrasing. This is the same line of thinking I have when fear creeps into my writing. The second time I watched it I was much more able to just enjoy it as a tribute to a version of old Hollywood and the love of creative lives.

This quote from one of the songs stuck in my head after watching the movie:

“Who knows where it will lead us

And that’s why they need us”

I happen to believe that we are all poets and dreamers if brave and supported enough. Both times I danced out of the theatre.

Write along to an Oscar Movie

I think that the cinema in many ways is our gathering around the fire, listening to stories. The many streaming series is like sitting by the rocking chair ending our day with some storytelling.

It has been said many times that in order to become a writer we must read. I love reading and I am a firm believer of this but I also think that the same line of thinking can be applied to the screen.

Download the printable with the oscar nominations 2016/2017 for best picture, adapted screenplay and original screenplay. Pick one film to watch. If a trip to the cinema is not possible select a movie from the 2016 list.

Schedule watching the movie you picked.

Take notes of what works really well. Is it the story,  the idea, the dialogue or the setting. Is there anything  you can learn from the other nominations categories like film editing, cinematography or costume design.  Can you use it in your writing?

Map out March

• When will you write five lines about the creative outlet you are passionate about?
• When will you watch a movie you picked from the Oscar sheet?
• When will you practice your writing with what you learned from watching the movie.

March brings us the first days of spring and I cant wait until the months fills up with yet another day of sun. Until then I will enjoy yet another movie and see how it will inspire my writing.

Which movie do you look forward to see and why – please share in the comments for inspiration 🙂