Pen to screen

From A to B: 10 movies centered around the world of writers and words

Image: Rafaela Biazi

A script may be constructed in words, but it is not a book. At least not in the common sense of the term. That is why it can sometimes be hard to translate a great book into a great movie. Likewise, expressing onscreen the struggles of writing is never an easy task. A few notable exceptions exist, where the passion, the work, the loneliness, and the hardships endured by those who immerse themselves in the world of prose and poetry, are vividly depicted. The following ten are movies that manage to successfully translate those same things. If you haven’t seen any of these, we encourage you to do so: The experience will be a rewarding and inspiring one.

Image: Alex Batchelor

The movie that brought a whole new fame level to the Latin phrase Carpe Diem (seize the day), Dead Poets Society was a blockbuster that no one saw coming when it came out in 1989.

Starred by Robin Williams as an English teacher who inspires his students through teaching poetry at a fictional elite boarding school, Dead Poets Society received many accolades, including Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director. It remains a classic to this day.

Image: Fabian Mardi

A movie based on a book about a writer who is kidnapped by a fan and forced to rewrite one of his books, Misery is a quintessential Stephen King story. The psychological thriller film starred James Caan and Kathy Bates and was released in 1990 to highly positive reviews and box office success.

Misery manages to capture the deep anxiety and horror of a person who realizes that he is utterly helpless and in the hands of a disturbed individual, far away from society. Stephen King himself has stated that Misery is one of his top ten favorite film adaptations.

Image: CK Hicks

Capote is a movie sometimes more remembered for the actor who played the starring role (and did a fantastic, Academy Award-winning job), Philip Seymour Hoffman, than for the movie itself. But it actually is a great film.

This biographical drama is about Truman Capote, the American novelist, and follows the events during the writing of Capote's 1965 nonfiction book In Cold Blood. The film became a box office success and received acclaim from critics.

Image: Rachel Martin

Every story about a recluse writer is probably going to be compared to the real-life story of J.D. Salinger and this is not the exception. Finding Forrester is a 2000 American drama film in which, a teenager is invited to attend a prestigious private high school. By chance, Jamal befriends a reclusive writer, William Forrester, through whom he refines his writing talent.

The writer is played by Sean Connery, who later acknowledged that the inspiration for his role was indeed Salinger.

Image: David Lusvardi

As delirious as this movie is, it is a brilliant representation of the actual book and its writing style. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas was released in 1998 and is based on Hunter S. Thompson's novel of the same name.

The film, starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro as Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo respectively, details the duo's journey through Las Vegas as their initial journalistic intentions devolve into an exploration of the city under the influence of psychoactive substances.

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Presented as a semi-autobiography of American poet and author Charles Bukowski during the time he spent drinking heavily in Los Angeles, Barfly is a 1987 black comedy that starred Mickey Rourke and Faye Dunaway.

The movie was scripted by Bukowski himself, who later published a longer version of the script as a novel, called Hollywood.

Image: Ruth Durbin

The previously mentioned Charles Bukowski was a big fan of John Fante, the man who wrote the book on which Ask the Dust is based. This romantic drama film was almost entirely shot in South Africa, even though it portrays Los Angeles.

The movie and the book depict the life of John Fante’s alter ego, Arturo Bandini, as a young struggling writer living in motels and trying to get his works published.

Image: Mitchell Lawler

Inspired by the life and works of the Marquis de Sade, Quills is a fiction film based on the final years of the Marquis's incarceration in the insane asylum at Charenton. The movie starred Geoffrey Rush as de Sade and Kate Winslet as laundress Madeleine "Maddie" LeClerc.

In the film, the Marquis continues to write prolifically even when all writing equipment is taken from him, resorting to using his bed sheets and his own blood as ink.

Image: Jakob Owens

Another film about a young writer trying to make it in Los Angeles, Barton Fink was released in 1991 with John Turturro in the title role. The Coen brothers' movie was written when they were experiencing writer’s block during the production of another script.

Barton Fink depicts the writing process, labor conditions in creative industries, and the relationship between intellectuals and regular people. The main characters are supposedly based on writers Clifford Odets and William Faulkner.

Image: Nathan DeFiesta

The last entry on our list is a 2002 comedy-drama film based on director Charlie Kaufman’s struggles to adapt Susan Orlean's 1998 nonfiction book The Orchid Thief while suffering from writer's block.

The movie featured Nicholas Cage, Meryl Streep, and Chris Cooper in the leading roles and received widespread acclaim for their performances as well as for the direction, screenplay, and humor.

THE FEAR FACTOR

Have You Heard About These Phobias? Discover The Fears Of 10 Celebrities!

Image: Tim Trad

Fear is a common experience for everyone. As human beings, it is almost impossible not to feel fear in some situations. Even the most famous -those who play heroes on the silver screen- can be afraid of something, and some of them have no problem admitting it.

Many celebrities, in various interviews, have revealed which are those objects, animals, or situations that evoke overwhelming terror, anxiety, or anguish in their lives.

Join us to discover the 10 strange phobias of these well-known stars!

Image: Marvin Meyer

The truth is, the sound of someone loudly chewing can send shivers down anyone's spine. But for Oprah, it's a bit more than that. The successful host has revealed that chewing gum triggers an overwhelming sense of disgust in her. In fact, it's been said that she banned the chewy candy from her TV show set.

According to Winfrey, this phobia stems from her childhood, when her grandmother's excessive gum chewing left a lasting impression. So, if you attend a show hosted by Oprah, it's probably wise to opt for mints instead.

Image: Waldemar

It might be unexpected for some to learn that the renowned writer Stephen King, famously dubbed the "King of Horror," harbors fears of his own. Beyond his well-known triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13), King has openly admitted to having experienced Nyctophobia (fear of the dark), arachnophobia (fear of spiders), and coulrophobia (fear of clowns), among others.

Interestingly, King has channeled these fears into his literary works, using them as inspiration for his stories and characters, turning what terrifies him into art admired by millions worldwide!

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Although the characters he plays give the impression that nothing can stop him, the versatile Matthew McConaughey has a surprising fear: revolving doors.

While it's unclear when this phobia took root, one thing is certain: the actor won't enter or exit any establishment equipped with these spinning portals.

But that's not all. McConaughey has also admitted to feeling unease and distrust with tunnels, opting to avoid them whenever possible.

Image: Nong

In the universe of clowns, there are two types: those who give you laughter and balloons, and those who evoke spine-tingling fear. Horror fans know this well.

Coulrophobia is the phobia of clowns, and the famous Johnny Depp has been suffering from it for many years. But the most curious thing is how the actor faces his fear. Depp revealed his strategy: surrounding himself with clown imagery and paraphernalia. That's what we call bravery in action.

Image: David Clode

For people who live in cities, the possibility of encountering snakes may be a little low, but for actors, socializing with exotic creatures on various film sets is par for the course.

However, this scenario was a huge challenge for Matt Damon, who has Ophidiophobia, the fear of snakes, a widespread anxiety shared by many across the globe.

Rumor has it that during the filming of "We Bought A Zoo" (2011), Matt experienced intense stress whenever he found himself near reptiles. Poor Matt; walking in his shoes would be no easy feat.

Image: Alexandre Brondino

Madonna is a strong and talented woman who has fearlessly challenged many social and cultural boundaries throughout her career. But, amidst her fearless pursuits, there's one thing that can still send shivers down her spine.

Madonna experiences brontophobia, an intense fear of thunder and lightning. But this is not unusual; brontophobia resonates with countless people worldwide, making it one of the most common phobias out there.

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From the legendary Bucephalus, companion to Alexander the Great, to the gentle steeds loved by riders today, horses have held a special place in the hearts of humans throughout history. But there is someone who prefers to avoid connecting with these creatures.

Snoop Dogg has equinophobia, the fear of horses. Although the rapper stated that he understands the beauty and value of equines, he finds himself seized by an overwhelming feeling in their presence. This deep anxiety has led him to decline roles in movies and music videos that involve horses.

Image: Ranae Smith

It is widely known that dolphins are very social and intelligent animals. For many people, the idea of interacting with these friendly creatures generates intrigue and fascination, but for others, dolphins represent a fearsome threat. That is the case of the famous model Tyra Banks.

Despite her strength, confidence, and grace, there is a weak spot in her when it comes to dolphins. According to what she said in different interviews, her phobia began around the age of 8, when she was tormented by nightmares starring these marine mammals.

Image: Joshua J. Cotten

Nicole Kidman was born in Hawaii and raised in Australia. And if you've been to The Land Down Under, you know how many insects and creepy crawlies are there. However, while she's developed a superhero-like immunity to snakes, spiders, and cockroaches, nature had a surprise in store to scare the actress: butterflies.

That's right, those delicate symbols of transformation and beauty that captivate many evoke quite the opposite reaction in Nicole. This peculiar phobia is known as lepidopterophobia, encompassing not only butterflies but also moths.

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Imagine your worst fear constantly looming over you. An endless nightmare, right? This may be the reality for Khloé Kardashian, who has openly shared her panic at the sight or touch of belly buttons. Her phobia isn't limited to others' belly buttons but extends to her own, leading to significant complications during her pregnancy.

The model expressed a great concern: she was afraid that her "innie" belly button turned an "outie" during her pregnancy. What are your thoughts on this unique phobia?