9 of My Favorite “Artist” Movies Where the Heroes Never Gave Up
I love having a life that is essentially centered around art—don’t get me wrong! However, you know and I know that there are days when life gets us down. Sometimes things just aren’t going right and it feels like everything is getting in the way of our art.
Maybe it’s finding out you didn’t score the high-paying, long-term writing job you were sure was as good as yours (me). Or those rejection letters…. Maybe you got yet another rejection on that story you poured your heart and soul into (yep, also me).
Sometimes the best thing to do in these situations is take a deep breath and give your mind time to cool off from all of the inner turmoil and exhaustion. A little mind-break paired with a dose of inspiration is many times just the ticket.
When I find myself in this state, I do my best to remember that everyone who has ever striven for anything has experienced bumps in the road and felt disheartened.
When I unwind and take a step back from my goals, I tend to gravitate toward things that’ll encourage me in small ways and help me to see the bright side of struggle—the reason I’m even doing my writing and dancing and teaching in the first place. Today I’m going to share with you a few of my favorites when it comes to stories about overcoming obstacles. Disclaimer: some of these movies are very sad, but I find that I need that when I’m battling the artist blues and it actually makes me feel a little better in the end, like I’m not the only one.
Now, I’m going to share with you my artist must-haves movie list for when your art’s got you down:
- La La Land
“Maybe I’m not good enough….. Maybe I’m one of those people that has always wanted to do it, but it’s like a pipe dream for me. Maybe I’m one of those people and I’m not supposed to.”
The path that artists take in their pursuit of recognition for doing what they love best is rarely a cake walk. I love that in La La Land, this struggle wasn’t minimized. Just when you think you’ve taken a step forward, you take two more back.
I know, I know, it’s just a movie, but, still, the realism of the way the movie unfolds hits home for me. I love that this story doesn’t shy away from portraying the road as long, just as it is in the real world of art.
2. Stage Door.
“Of course, he would probably take one look at you and send you right back again, but then you have to expect that.”
An oldie, but a goodie. I’m an old soul, so I love classic actors like Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire (Real talk: they don’t make actors like they used to. I mean, these guys could sing, dance, and act. Um, yes please!). And somehow I feel that those who appreciate the artist’s struggle would find something in this movie that resonates. All that aside, who isn’t inspired by Ginger Rogers and Katherine Hepburn in the same movie?! Another reason this movie makes onto my list of pick-me-ups is because the healthy dose of humor and snark always raises my spirits. Plus, the dialogue is absolute gold. Witty to a T.
3. The Cutting Edge
“There can be no halfway. You go halfway, you get hurt.”
Emotions and conflicts go from hot as fire to cold as ice quickly in this story of striving against competition and expectations.
Brimming with artistic drama, struggle, and even the big question every artist and athlete asks at some point “Why am I doing this?”
4. Million Dollar Baby
“Problem is, this is the only thing I ever felt good doing. If I’m too old for this, I got nothing. That enough truth to suit you?”
A classic that gets the feels flowing every time (in the toughest, most champion-like sense, of course). This one is definitely a go-to when I’m feeling like my dreams have passed me by and maybe its too late.
Pop this one into the player when you need a good punch in the head from Hilary Swank to remind you that it isn’t too late and you aren’t too old.
5. Seabiscuit
“You don’t throw a whole life away just because it’s banged up a little.”
And you don’t give up when you get a little banged around by your dreams, right? Right!
Talk about pursuing your dreams when times are tough! This true story that took place during the Depression shows how you can still work with what you’ve got even when you’ve got nothing but will power.
If you’re tempted to think that you can’t bounce back from the obstacles that have put you behind, get a load of this story about an unlikely team who did!
6. Sister Act II
“If you wake up in the morning, and you can’t think of anything but singing first, then you’re supposed to be a singer, girl.”
Another story of how, with a little encouragement, people can accomplish great things with their undervalued gifts. Singing seemed so far off for these inner-city school kids that they weren’t even trying to use their abilities. Until Whoopie Goldberg showed up!
Fill in ‘singing’ with your passion: writing, dancing, painting….. Life changing!
7. Country Strong
“Don’t be afraid to fall in love. It’s the only thing that matters in life. Fall in love with as many things as possible.”
The struggle is real in this movie. From paralyzing stage-fright to addictions that just can’t be kicked even with an artist’s passion is at stake, its all there. The realities of how life tries to interfere with your pursuits is full-fledged in this story of country singers seeking fame, fulfillment, and love. It’s a roller coaster that’ll meet you in the disappointment you’re currently in, and offer hope about recovering that core reason you did it all in the first place.
8. The Greatest Showman
“No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.”
The only thing as good as watching one person rise from the ground up is watching a whole group do just that! Based on another true story, it’s impossible not to be inspired when watching an assortment of misfits become a united and passionate circus. Literally. Then, there’s also P.T. Barnum who had all the odds against him and still reached heights he never imagined. The fantastic dancing and singing this modernized musical brings is always a welcome tonic.
9. Hidden Figures
“Mary, a person with an engineer’s mind should be an engineer. You can’t be a computer the rest of your life.”
The odds were against all of the women in this true story. In spite of their immeasurable and invaluable talents and education, the existence of racial prejudice and gender inequality made it pretty darn hard for African American women to chase their callings. This movie tracks the work of three women who made great strides through collaboration with NASA, showing that odds can be conquered.
After all, a person with an artist’s heart should be an artist. You can’t just be “normal” for the rest of your life.
Alright, feeling better now? Good! Get back up tomorrow and continue chasing down your dreams! Feel free to share your pick-me-up and make-me-feel-better movies after one of those hard days that come with creativity!
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