The Top 10 Best Movies About Filmmaking

Behind the Glitz and Glamor, Filmmaking is a Brutal Business

Hollywood is a land where many dreams come true and that’s why, deep down, everyone wants to get into the filmmaking business. It’s not all bright lights and after parties though. In fact, recent events have shown that there’s a lot of horrible things that happen behind the scenes. In this case, though, I think it’s better to hate the players than the game. After all, beneath the corruption and scandals, filmmaking is about creating stories to share with the world. That’s why I thought it would be a good idea to put together a list of the best behind the scenes movies that focus on the making of those movies we love so much. The only rule was that I couldn’t pick actual documentaries, because 1) It’s a bit too meta for me and 2) that’s kind of cheating. So, before you pack up your bags to make it big in Hollywood, be sure to check out this list of movies to get an idea of what you might be in for. They might not be accurate, but they do share some universal truths about the process. Be sure to let me know if the comments below which movie is your favorite!

10. Get Shorty

Ah, the movie that made me fall in love with filmmaking. In all seriousness though, I have no idea why I love this movie so much. I guess it’s probably because deep down it has the message that anyone can make it in Hollywood, even ex-loan sharks with a penchant for violence. Honestly though, with the recent headlines in Hollywood, a few producers or actors getting roughed up might not be the worst thing in the world. Plus it’s from back when John Travolta was still a bankable leading man. It’s such a great twist on the “strong-arming” that goes on in tinsel town I have to hold out hope that it’s partially true.

9. Shadow of the Vampire

One of the best early horror movies was Nosferatu starring Max Schreck. It’s essentially one of the first vampire movies and insanely creepy. So, how do you make a creepy behind the scenes movie? Well, you cast Willem Dafoe as a real live vampire the filmmakers get to star in the movie. It sports a stellar cast, including John Malkovich, Eddie Izzard, and Catherine McCormack as the cast and crew trying to make a truly terrifying silent film. Just a quick heads up, this vampire definitely doesn’t sparkle. Instead, he looks… Well, he’s played by Willem Dafoe, so I think that pretty much sums it up.

8. Adaptation

What’s better than one Nicolas Cage? How about two Nicolas Cages! As most people know, writing is the first stage of filmmaking. It’s also probably one of the least exciting parts of the process. As one who has some experience putting letters together to form words and sentences, I can tell you it’s not always as easy as it seems and Adaptation proves exactly that. In it, Cage stars a screenwriter trying desperately to adapt a novel (as well as his twin brother). With writer’s block eating him alive Cage sets out to try to find a way to make a truly great adaptation and ends up stumbling onto the story of a lifetime.

7. The Disaster Artist

Anyone who has seen The Room knows that it’s one of the weirdest things to ever come out of Hollywood. Often called the best bad movie ever made, The Disaster Artist takes a look at the filmmaking process behind it. The film stars the Franco Brothers (James and Dave), who might seem like they could be a bit much, but manage to really knock it out of the park as Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero, the two men responsible for The Room. Honestly, even if you haven’t seen The Room before, I’m pretty sure you’ll get the gist of it before the end comes. All I’m going to say is that the performances border on just plain eerie at times, which only makes it’s all the more worthwhile when Franco steps out and delivers the famed “Oh hai, Mark” line.

6. Singin’ in the Rain

One of the truly great movies about filmmaking is Singin’ in the Rain, a musical about making a musical. I’ve always been more team Gene Kelly than Fred Astaire, just because he seems like the kind of guy you’d love to get a beer with. He’s just got that charisma that rubs off on you after a while. Joining him is Debbie Reynolds as a fellow actor trying to adjust to the newfound “talkies” all the kids are talking about. The two decide the best way to transition into the new age of sound is to put on a musical rather than just another talking picture. If you haven’t had a chance to catch this one, trust me it’s one of the best musicals of all time.