If you’ve ever worked in a marketing agency, one thing you’ll notice is that we’re always encouraged to express our creativity in one way or the other. If you resonate with this, then you would understand that from directing world-breaking ads to composing one-line copy, you must have at some point wondered whether you’re really oozing creativity. You’re not alone. That’s why we’ve put together 6 movies that would definitely inspire you.
Before we dive in, what is creativity? Is it doing things outside the norm? Creating out of nothing? Or bending the rules at the right time? Creators in our line of work sometimes struggle with a way to define creativity because, for the most part, art is subjective and opinions vary. In our endeavors to define creativity we’re attempting something near impossible. “To put four walls around the concept of thinking outside the box”.
Still, certain films manage to capture the essence of creativity through stellar scriptwriting and stunning film production. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
Creation with a purpose – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)
The toughest situations call for the greatest inventions, from the lightbulb to penicillin and even the telephone, humans would always find a way to innovate and improve. This movie follows a failed inventor, Flint Lockwood, who struggled to build anything useful. Things take a massive turn when his hometown starts experiencing an economic crisis which prompts our protagonist to create a machine that can turn water into food.
But what happens when the purpose of your creation is exploited? Flint only ever wanted to help out but that’s not enough for the villagers in his community as greed turns a useful invention into a massive disaster.
Moving against the crowd – Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
The solution given to us isn’t always the best one available. After the traumatising near-loss of his younger brother, we follow Desmond who vows to not engage in war and ever handle lethal weapons. In a rather interesting turn of events, he joins the US military as an army medic. A pacifist In the army?
Throughout this cinema masterpiece, we learn more about Desmond’s reasons for his pacifism as his mentality is unbroken during the constant abuse and discrimination he received during his service.
When Justice Fails – The Black Book (2023)
The Black Book portrays a nation grappling with corruption within the ruling class and the pervasive influence of manipulative kingmakers. Sound familiar?
The movie follows a devoted deacon whose life shatters when his innocent son is framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Thrust back into his dark past, Paul Edima (Richard Mofe-Damijo) must confront a corrupt police unit led by his former boss, the ruthless General Issa (Alex Usifo).
Fueled by grief and a thirst for justice, Paul embarks on a dangerous mission. He uncovers a web of deceit that connects to a powerful minister and a shocking secret. Can Paul clear his son’s name and expose the truth before it’s too late?
Fear is the mind-killer – Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
While this movie has themes based on greed, corruption and drug addiction, there are still lessons to be learned.Â
Based on a true life story, Wolf of Wall Street recounts the fall of Jordan Belfort and his eventual incarceration for his numerous financial crimes. Set in 1987, Belfort starts as a Wall Street stockbroker but he’s not just any regular stockbroker and uses his unique aggressive style to become highly successful.Â
Belfort might have been a fraud but he could sell anything, which can speak to passionate creatives who struggle to express their ideas.
Read between the lines – Inception (2010)
If you could plant an idea in a person’s mind and make them believe it’s theirs, would you?
This gripping sci-fi thriller follows Dom Cobb, a thief skilled in stealing secrets from deep within the subconscious of his target’s dreams. Offered a chance to erase his criminal record, he is tasked with the impossible: inception—implanting an idea in another’s mind.
Cobb assembles a team and they get started on their target, Robert Fischer, heir to a business empire. They aim to plant the idea of dissolving his father’s conglomerate.
As they delve deeper into Fischer’s subconscious, navigating layers of dreams, they face Cobb’s haunting past and an increasingly unstable dream world. The film challenges viewers to read between the lines, merging creativity with a complex narrative and visual innovation, ultimately questioning the nature of reality and perception.
Don’t be sheep – 12 Angry Men (1957)
Finally, we take a massive leap back in history to look at a true classic. This courtroom drama centres around a jury deliberating the guilt or innocence of a teenage boy accused of murdering his father. A unanimous decision has to be made and a guilty verdict would mean a mandatory death sentence.Â
The entire film is set within an uncomfortable jury room where 12 men with very diverse backgrounds are trapped until they can reach a consensus. All but 1 of these men are convinced of the boy’s guilt and urges his fellow jurors to give proper thought to the evidence.Â
The film explores themes of justice and moral responsibility, highlighting how easily people can follow the majority, much like sheep, without critical thought or courage to stand alone.
As creatives, we often face challenges that demand innovative thinking, resilience, and the courage to defy the norm. These movies and TV shows serve as a reminder that creativity is multifaceted. It’s about solving problems, challenging conventions, embracing fear, understanding deeper meanings, and standing firm in our beliefs. By immersing ourselves in these narratives, we can draw valuable lessons that fuel our creative journeys.