“The Words”, 2012
Director: Brian Klugman, Lee Sternthal
This film intertwines the stories of several characters related to the literary world. Bradley Cooper plays a young writer who discovers an old manuscript and decides to pass it off as his own work, only to face the moral consequences of his action. While not solely focused on scholars, it delves into themes of authorship, plagiarism, and the power of storytelling.
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Irons, Zoe Saldana, Dennis Quaid, Olivia Wilde, Ben Barnes, Nora Arnezeder, Zeljko Ivanek, J.K. Simmons, Brian Klugman;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: thriller, drama, melodrama, detective;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
“The Hours”, 2002
Director: Stephen Daldry
This drama traces the life of Virginia Woolf (played by Nicole Kidman) as she writes her novel “Mrs. Dalloway” and depicts how her work profoundly impacts the lives of two other women in the 20th century. While focusing more on Woolf the writer, it offers a deep dive into literary analysis, making it a compelling watch for those interested in literary scholarship.
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, Meryl Streep, Ed Harris, Miranda Richardson, Claire Danes, Jeff Daniels, Stephen Dillane, John C. Reilly, Toni Collette;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “The Hours” on the website imdb.com
“Stranger Than Fiction”, 2006
Director: Marc Forster
In this comedic drama, Will Ferrell plays Harold Crick, an ordinary man who discovers that his life is being narrated by a famous author, played by Emma Thompson, who is struggling with how to kill off her main character. The film explores themes of narrative control, destiny, and the intersection of life and art, providing a lighter, yet insightful, perspective on the influence of literature on life.
Starring: Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman, Queen Latifah, Linda Hunt, Tom Hulce, William Dick, Guy Massey, Martha Espinoza;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: fantasy, drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Stranger Than Fiction” on the website imdb.com
“Shadowlands”, 1993
Director: Richard Attenborough
This biographical film tells the story of C.S. Lewis (played by Anthony Hopkins), the famous author and literary scholar, focusing on his relationship with American poet Joy Gresham. It explores the emotional depth and intellectual richness of Lewis's life, highlighting his contributions to literary criticism and Christian apologetics.
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Debra Winger, Edward Hardwicke, Joseph Mazzello, James Frain, Julian Fellowes, Michael Denison, John Wood, Peter Firth, Roddy Maude-Roxby;
Production year: 1993;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 131 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Shadowlands” on the website imdb.com
“Finding Forrester”, 2000
Director: Gus Van Sant
Directed by Gus Van Sant, this film follows a black teenager, Jamal, who befriends a reclusive writer, William Forrester (played by Sean Connery). Forrester, once a literary scholar of great acclaim, mentors Jamal not only in writing but in navigating the challenges posed by their differing worlds. The film delves into themes of mentorship, talent across socio-economic divides, and the transformative power of writing.
Starring: Sean Connery, Rob Brown, F. Murray Abraham, Anna Paquin, Busta Rhymes, April Grace, Michael Pitt, Michael Nouri, Richard Easton, Glenn Fitzgerald;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 131 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Finding Forrester” on the website imdb.com
“Iris”, 2001
Director: Richard Eyre
Based on the life of revered British novelist and philosopher Iris Murdoch, this film chronicles her journey through the lens of her relationship with John Bayley, from their early romance through her battle with Alzheimer's disease. While focusing on her personal life, the film provides a glimpse into Murdoch's intellectual vigor and her impact as a scholar and writer.
Starring: Kate Winslet, Hugh Bonneville, Judi Dench, Jim Broadbent, Eleanor Bron, Angela Morant, Penelope Wilton, Siobhan Hayes, Juliet Aubrey, Joan Bakewell;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 91 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
“Dead Poets Society”, 1989
Director: Peter Weir
Robin Williams stars as John Keating, an English teacher who inspires his students at a conservative boarding school to discover their love for poetry and to seize the day. Although it's more about teaching than literary scholarship per se, the film passionately argues for the value of literature in understanding life and oneself.
Starring: Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, Gale Hansen, Dylan Kussman, Allelon Ruggiero, James Waterston, Norman Lloyd, Kurtwood Smith;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 128 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Dead Poets Society” on the website imdb.com
These films represent a diverse look at the world of literary scholarship, exploring the deep connections between life, literature, and the pursuit of knowledge and understanding through the art of narrative.
Concluding, films about literary scholars weave the intricate tapestry of intellectual pursuit, emotional complexity, and the unending quest for understanding within the realms of literature and human connection. Through the lens of these narratives, audiences are invited into the sanctuaries of thought and reflection where characters navigate the challenges of academia, the nuances of literary interpretation, and the personal transformations spurred by their engagements with texts and authors. These stories stand as testaments to the power of literature to shape lives, influence thinking, and provoke profound self-discovery. Whether uncovering lost manuscripts, wrestling with the complexities of authorial intent, or confronting personal demons amidst scholarly endeavors, these films illuminate the rich and often tumultuous journey of the literary scholar with poignancy and depth, celebrating the indomitable spirit of inquiry that drives them.
