83 Films About Writers and Writing

This film explores the relationship between T. S. Eliot (1888-1965), the renowned writer and literary critic, and his second wife, Esmé Valerie Fletcher (1926-2012).

This is a look at the life, work, and thought processes behind the creation of the Cthulhu mythos.

This film follows poet Emily Dickinson, often misunderstood as an eccentric recluse, as she recounts key moments from her life throughout the changing seasons of 19th-century New England.

February 2, 1922, Paris. American poet Sylvia Beach, owner of the Shakespeare & Co. Bookstore, publishes James Joyce's novel *Ulysses*. The book, which took Joyce seven years to write during a period of financial hardship for his family, would later…

This is a look at the acclaimed author behind the novels that became classic films like "The Birds," "Jamaica Inn," and "Rebecca."

Agatha Christie is the best-selling author of all time, second only to the Bible and Shakespeare. Her characters and intricate plots are legendary, but who was the woman behind them? This film uses rare family access, her personal archives, and…

This film chronicles the life of a beloved English author, brought to the screen by the team behind "The Catherine Cookson Story" on television.

C.S. Lewis, beloved author of the Narnia chronicles, is a literary icon. The story of his transformation from atheist to a major voice in Christianity is as compelling as the fantastical world he created. Initially dismissed by his friend J.R.R.…

Celebrating 25 years since Bridget Jones first appeared in The Independent, author Helen Fielding shares her personal archive, revealing the story behind the creation of *Bridget Jones’s Diary*. The film explores the inspirations for the characters, featuring interviews with Helen's…

George Orwell, a highly influential 20th-century author, predicted a frightening, totalitarian future in his novels *1984* and *Animal Farm*. Director Raoul Peck combines film clips, excerpts from Orwell's diary, movie references, and contemporary footage to offer a portrait of the…

This program offers exclusive access to Julia Donaldson, her family, personal archives, and home movies, alongside the beloved characters from her stories. New animations by her longtime illustrator Axel Scheffler bring her life story to the screen. Featuring insights from…

Arthur Miller was a highly acclaimed 20th-century playwright known for powerful works like *Death of a Salesman* and *The Crucible*, which remain popular worldwide. He also faced scrutiny from the House Un-American Activities Committee during the McCarthy era and had…

This film offers a personal look at Susan Sontag, a highly influential and often controversial figure of the 20th century. Using archival footage, recollections from those who knew her – friends, family, colleagues, and lovers – and Sontag's own writings,…

Born in 1819 as Mary Ann Evans, novelist George Eliot defied Victorian society's strict rules regarding women, religion, and relationships. "George Eliot: A Scandalous Life" examines how personal scandals and rumors throughout her life did not diminish her determination or…

This film explores the life of Thomas Hardy (1840-1928), a British writer known for his poetic talent and tragic view of the world. Despite his progressive ideas and aversion to hypocrisy, Hardy maintained a composed exterior while grappling with deep…

In this intimate documentary, directed by her nephew Griffin Dunne, literary icon Joan Didion looks back at her significant career and the personal challenges she faced.

"Laura Ingalls Wilder: Prairie to Page" offers a straightforward portrait of the surprising author who created stories about the American frontier and independence that deeply influenced how Americans viewed themselves. A woman from a Midwestern farm, Laura Ingalls Wilder began…

Pauline Kael (1919–2001) was a leading voice in film criticism. Starting her career with a review in 1953, she became a regular contributor to 'The New Yorker' in 1968. Known for her strong opinions and direct writing, Kael offered reviews…

This film, completed shortly before the poet's death at 88, explores his life through footage of his speaking events at Amherst and Sarah Lawrence Colleges, combined with analyses of his poetry and scenes from his life in rural Vermont. The…

Born in Steventon, Hampshire, in December 1775, Jane Austen would become one of literature's most enduring figures. Despite writing only six novels – "Sense and Sensibility," "Pride and Prejudice," "Mansfield Park," "Emma," "Persuasion," and "Northanger Abbey" – she remains beloved…

This film, released for the centenary of T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land," offers a revealing look at the personal experiences that inspired the poem's creation.

"J.R.R. Tolkien: A Study" is a 1992 documentary, narrated by Judi Dench, created to mark the centenary of J.R.R. Tolkien's birth. Also known as "J.R.R. Tolkien: A Portrait" and "J.R.R. Tolkien - An Authorized Film Portrait," it uses archival footage…

This documentary film explores the life of Beatrix Potter, the celebrated author and illustrator of *The Tale of Peter Rabbit*. It is based on Judy Taylor's acclaimed biography, *Beatrix Potter: Artist, Storyteller and Countrywoman*.

This documentary chronicles the life and career of Harlan Ellison.

This film explores the secluded life of American author J. D. Salinger (1919-2010), who largely withdrew from public view. It examines how his wartime experiences shaped his life and writing, his relationships with younger women, his intense writing process, and…

"Little Women" author Louisa May Alcott secretly wrote novels under the name A.M. Barnard, a fact not revealed until the 1940s.

In 1959, Lorraine Hansberry's play 'A Raisin in the Sun' premiered on Broadway, significantly impacting American theater. As the first Black woman to write a play performed on Broadway, Hansberry presented complex characters and an original story. The production was…

This film chronicles the life of E.M. Forster, the acclaimed author of "A Passage to India." It charts his significant development as a writer alongside the complexities and changes in his personal relationships.

This documentary explores the enduring impact of MAD Magazine, a cultural phenomenon. It features interviews with people who have long admired the magazine, including its famous readers, alongside the artists, writers, and editors who created it – affectionately called "The…

This is the story of how Sylvia Plath, an American writer (1932-63), created *The Bell Jar*, her distinctive, semi-autobiographical novel. It was published in February 1963, just months before she died.

Zora Neale Hurston, a groundbreaking novelist and anthropologist and a key figure in American literature (known for *Their Eyes Were Watching God*), elevated African American vernacular to a powerful and inventive voice. This comprehensive film biography, developed over eighteen years,…

This drama-documentary recounts the significant assembly held in Geneva in 1816. This meeting sparked the creation of both Mary Shelley's *Frankenstein* and the first contemporary vampire narrative.

This film offers a heartfelt exploration of Maurice Sendak, a beloved and often debated figure in children's literature. It provides an intimate look at the creator who uniquely connected with young readers through his distinctive stories and artwork.

Published in 1968, Jackie Collins' debut novel, *The World Is Full of Married Men*, was both a critical and popular sensation, sparking immediate controversy. Throughout her career, Collins established herself as a leading author of books centered on strong female…

Judy Blume's groundbreaking young adult novels offered unflinchingly honest portrayals of adolescence, profoundly impacting how millions of readers understood themselves, their sexuality, and the experience of growing up. This honesty, however, sparked significant controversy and fierce opposition from those seeking…

Historian Lucy Worsley journeys to England, exploring the locations and homes that shaped Jane Austen's life and provided the settings for her novels.

Agatha Christie was born in Torquay, on England's south coast. The highly productive crime writer spent over fifty years crafting stories inspired by the landscapes and people of her homeland, many of which appear in her novels. This documentary offers…

This is a close-up look at the author who fundamentally changed how we see nature. Her 1962 book, "Silent Spring," was a surprise hit that triggered major shifts in government rules about pesticide use.

Gyles Brandreth journeys to the places that inspired Thomas Hardy's novels. Hardy lived his life in the southwest of England and set his most celebrated works – including *Tess of the d'Urbervilles*, *The Mayor of Casterbridge*, *Jude the Obscure*, and…

This is the remarkable story of Ursula K. Le Guin (1929-2018), the acclaimed science fiction and fantasy author. Though she remained largely outside the mainstream literary spotlight for much of her career, Le Guin ultimately earned recognition as one of…

In the 1960s, writer and activist Jane Jacobs battles against urban planner Robert Moses' aggressive redevelopment plans that threaten historic New York City.

The film examines the time, life, and career of William Shakespeare, focusing on his mysterious missing years and the lasting impact of his work.

In this biography, A.N. Wilson explores the life of C.S. Lewis, the author of *The Chronicles of Narnia*. Wilson investigates the private world of a man known for his secrecy, a world deeply affected by the loss of the three…

This film offers a compelling and deeply personal look at the life of writer William S. Burroughs, a figure often perceived as emotionally detached and aloof.

The summer Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald spent in Connecticut sparked the creation of one of the most celebrated novels ever written: *The Great Gatsby*. While the book and its adaptations are well-known, the real story remains largely unknown. This film…

Director Raoul Peck uses James Baldwin's unfinished final novel as a starting point for a film exploring the experience of being Black in America.

This documentary follows the trail of Edgar Allan Poe, exploring the story behind the author of iconic works like "The Raven," "The Tell-Tale Heart," and "The Black Cat." It seeks to uncover the mystery surrounding the man who created these…

This documentary examines the life of Ted Hughes, a leading poet of the 20th century, exploring the connections between his personal experiences and his artistic creations.

Amy Tan is a highly acclaimed American author. Growing up with Chinese immigrant parents, she didn't fully grasp the lasting impact of past trauma until much later in life. This trauma stemmed from the experiences of women who endured the…

Far Out Isn't Far Enough: The Tomi Ungerer Story chronicles the extraordinary life of a man who challenged societal norms through his provocative art. This 98-minute film blends documentary with original animation, drawing from over 70 years of work by…

Neil Gaiman is a highly acclaimed storyteller known for his work across comics, novels, and stage. He gained prominence with *Sandman*, captivated readers with *Coraline* and *The Graveyard Book*, and has consistently connected with fans through readings and signings. This…

Actress and writer Sheila Hancock has long been captivated by the Brontë sisters. This program explores a central question: how did three unmarried women, living secluded lives in a remote parsonage on the Yorkshire moors, produce such powerfully shocking, passionate,…

The man who created the detective story finds himself increasingly baffled by his own life. He becomes the central enigma in a puzzle he can't solve, blurring the lines between creator and creation.

Canadian author Margaret Atwood's work resonates deeply with contemporary concerns. As we grapple with authoritarianism, technology, and climate change, readers seek insight in her novels. Her stories offer a sense of preparedness for difficult times. Yet, little is known about…

This film explores the life of Flannery O’Connor, a writer whose unconventional stories were groundbreaking. The movie features previously unseen archival footage, newly discovered journals, and interviews with Mary Karr, Tommy Lee Jones, Hilton Als, and others.

Historian and professor Amanda Vickery examines the enduring appeal of Jane Austen's novels, exploring why they have resonated with readers for nearly two centuries.

This documentary delves into the eerie realm of Charles Dickens' ghost stories, featuring actor readings, historical film, and vivid imagery.

In November 1952, William Faulkner granted a film crew access to his private life at Oxford for a short documentary about himself. Funded by the Ford Foundation, the film aired on CBS's Omnibus program on December 28, 1952, presented here…

This is the powerful story of a remarkable woman who rises from humble beginnings in the cotton fields of Georgia to become a celebrated writer of the 20th century. Alice Walker made history as the first Black woman to win…

Walt Whitman, born into humble beginnings in Long Island and Brooklyn, published his groundbreaking collection *Leaves of Grass* in 1855, fundamentally changing the course of American literature. The film explores many of the poems that established him as a literary…

A poet relocates to Washington to tend to wounded Civil War soldiers, but becomes disheartened by the excesses of the Gilded Age following the conflict. After recovering from a severe stroke, he spends his remaining years in Camden, New Jersey,…

This film honors Dr. Maya Angelou by combining her powerful words with rare archival photos and videos, revealing personal glimpses of her vibrant life during pivotal moments in American civil rights history. The film follows her journey from the Depression-era…

Gyles Brandreth journeys to the locations that sparked the imagination of a celebrated British author.

This is the story of a man who lived a quiet life, yet created a vast and unfinished literary masterpiece. The film explores the origins of his inspiration, seeking to understand the enduring popularity of his work. How did JRR…

Karl Edward Wagner was a highly respected dark fantasy and horror writer in the 1970s and 1980s, though largely unknown to those outside his dedicated fanbase. He is best known for creating the iconic antihero warrior Kane and for writing…

"The Fantasy Makers" is a documentary exploring the lasting influence of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and George MacDonald on modern culture. The film features interviews with scholars, writers, filmmakers, and fans of fantasy from around the globe.

This documentary explores Carolyn Cassady's life, her marriage to Neal Cassady, her connection to Jack Kerouac, and her role in preserving the literary legacy of both men.

The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin chronicles the life of a celebrated author, charting his transformation from a traditional Southern upbringing to becoming a leading figure in the gay rights movement. His novels profoundly impacted millions, empowering them to embrace…

This documentary film explores the life and literary legacy of W. Somerset Maugham. Writers including Armistead Maupin and Alexander McCall-Smith, alongside experts like Selina Hastings, discuss his work and the impact he had.

David Suchet, best known for his iconic portrayal of Hercule Poirot on television, is undertaking a personal exploration of Agatha Christie. Suchet journeys to the locations that shaped Christie's life and writing, meeting those who knew her and were influenced…

This thoughtful and personal look at the celebrated author delves into her life, her books, and the significant issues she explored in her writing. Toni Morrison gathers writers, critics, and friends for a discussion about race, history, America, and what…

Jane Austen lived from 1775 to 1817, a life that, while perhaps not outwardly remarkable, profoundly impacted the world of literature. This DVD explores the locations that influenced Austen's writing and inspired her enduringly popular novels. Journey to Steventon, her…

This explores the key ideas found in the works of Daphne du Maurier. It examines recurring themes within her writing.

This docudrama examines the diaries of pioneering author Anais Nin. A young reporter, Leah, discovers Nin's bold writings and uncovers a life defined by freedom, liberation, and passion. Blending documentary and dramatic elements, "Adventures" offers an intimate look at the…

The lives of writer Truman Capote and playwright Tennessee Williams, two friends and brilliant artists, run parallel. While they achieved extraordinary success, both were deeply troubled by their pasts, plagued by self-doubt, battling addiction, and struggling with the illusion of…

This film explores the life of L. Frank Baum, the author who created the timeless American story of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. By the time his famous book was published in 1900, Baum was 44 and had dedicated much…

This film explores the locations where Charles Dickens lived and worked, and examines how these places influenced his novels and stories.

This drama-documentary explores the life of Jane Austen. Anna Chancellor, a distant relative of the author, uncovers the woman behind the novels through readings and reconstructions. The film includes location footage of Austen's homes in Steventon and Chawton, as well…

Explore the enduring impact of J.R.R. Tolkien's *The Lord of the Rings*, a cornerstone of 20th-century culture. This film combines breathtaking new 3D animation of Middle-Earth with illustrations by the Hildebrandt brothers, rare archival footage of Tolkien, and insightful commentary…

Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1905, Ayn Rand immigrated to America in 1926 as Soviet Communism gained power. She lived in the United States for the remainder of her life, achieving recognition as the author of *The Fountainhead* and…

Patricia Routledge, as patron of the Beatrix Potter Society, hosts a documentary exploring the life and work of the author.

Television personality Gyles Brandreth journeys to the West Yorkshire moors, the landscape that inspired the Bronte sisters and which, in turn, was profoundly influenced by them. He examines the ways in which this region shaped their literary works.

This film explores the difficult life of Virginia Woolf (1882-1941), a celebrated British writer.