Using movies to inspire personal and creative growth
A film like Amadeus [starring Tom Hulce, photo] may be primarily designed to entertain, but a number of writers and psychologists point out that movies can illuminate ways we may grow and realize creative talents, or point out ways we get blocked.
In her article How to Become Creative with Inspiration from Movies, Maria Grace, PhD offers an exercise in using films:
“The characters in the following films are different but they all share one characteristic in common: their lives are determined by their willingness to be creative.
“They can inspire you to trust your creativity and follow your creative impulses until they bring fruits in your life.
“Choose a film and watch it alone or with a group of friends. Answer the questions at the end of the list in writing and discuss your answers with your friends. Repeat the same with more films of the list, as your time permits:
• Amadeus (1984); directed by Milos Forman
• Artemisia (1997); directed by Agnes Merlet
• Babette’s Feast (1987); directed by Gabriel Axel
• Chocolat (2000); directed by Lasse Hallström
• Frida (2002); directed by Julie Taymor
• Maya Lin: A Strong, Clear Vision (1994); directed by Freida Lee Mock
• Music of the Heart (1999); directed by Wes Craven
• Shall We Dance? (2004); directed by Peter Chelsom
“Questions to answer:
1. What role does creativity play in the life of the main character of the story?
2. How does the environment respond to the main character’s creativity?
3. What forces in the character’s life do oppose his/her creativity? Notice that these forces may be not only external, but also internal.”
[Continued in the article]
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Related page: nurturing mental health : films / filmmaking -
includes quotes about specific films, plus lists of articles & books
You can also get entertaining and inspiring DVDs through subscription services such as Netflix and the Spiritual Cinema Circle.
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personal development
talent development
creative talent
cinema therapy
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