Recently, without setting out to look for them, I stumbled upon a handful of movies about writers which I found totally fascinating as well as relatable on many levels. You’ve probably seen one or more of the movies already, but just in case, I’m sharing my short list below.

The first movie is an ‘oldie’  from 2004, called “Finding Neverland.” It details how author and playwright Sir J.M. Barrie, upon a chance encounter with a widowed mother and her four young sons, discovered new inspiration to overcome his writer’s block and pen what would become his best-known work, Peter Pan or The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up. It is a touching story about compassion and love, the pursuit of passion and excellence in the face of adversity, and the sacrifices that all that entails.

Next is a 2016 movie titled “Genius.” It chronicles the special but turbulent relationship between famed editor Maxwell Perkins (who worked closely with F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway) and talented newcomer Thomas Wolfe. It highlights the struggle between two geniuses at work, whose talents beautifully complemented each other’s, and who constantly challenged and pushed each other to new heights, oftentimes to the detriment of their health and personal lives.

“Rebel in the Rye,” a 2017 movie, follows celebrated author J.D. Salinger as he fought to overcome his father’s disapproval, his own self-doubt, early rejections, heartbreaks, and severe PTSD following WWII, in order to keep writing and finish his masterpiece, “The Catcher in the Rye.” The viewer also gets a glimpse into his single-minded pursuit of his own truth (writing for an audience of one—himself) even if he had to turn his back on fame and fortune as well as the rest of the world, including his own family.

Another movie from 2017, “Goodbye Christopher Robin,” depicts the loving relationship between A. A. Milne and his young son, Christopher Robin (Billy Moon), whose toy animals inspired the enchanting adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh that brought immense comfort to England following the Great War. Unfortunately, the unexpected worldwide fame that ensued proved too much for the family to cope with and forever shattered their idyllic existence.

All four movies are real treats for me as they reconfirm the universal truths about talent nurture and fulfillment in spite of self-conflicts and the creative struggle, as well as the pursuit of a life’s purpose over obstacles along the way. Truths that apply indiscriminately to each and every one of us, from the common folks to the supremely talented. I hope you’ll enjoy the movies, too.