by Evelyn J. Mocbeichel
Admittedly we are film buffs in our household. Whether it is a mystery, geographical topics, travel inspired or light hearted fantasy, we like to watch them all. However, on top of my personal favorite’s list has to be biographical films that delve deeper into the life story of the subject. Naturally, the persons these films are about absolutely qualify to be the subject of a two hour story following them or there would be no purpose in making it. Whether it is how these people overcame obstacles, rose to fame, competed in physical challenges or made discoveries that impacted others, their stories are inspirational. Often through watching these films one can discover another side of the person that can be overshadowed by their fame or even misunderstood by those looking in from the outside. Over the years, we’ve watched a list of powerful films that were engrossing, and showed a side of the subject that was totally unexpected. Even in the case of a Hollywood actor we thought we knew everything about from tabloids or TV, a biographic film can uncover more to admire about the person. Here is a brief list of our favorites worth viewing.
Arnold – This Netflix three part series was about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s life and career and Arnold appeared doing the narration throughout. It started with his bodybuilding days, to his Hollywood films we all recognize and finally his changeover into politics. His sense of humor and speaking about some of his life regrets, gives a peek into what makes Arnold who he is.
Sly –Sylvester Stallone’s life story was an eye opener where he describes how he escaped from his “rocky childhood” by watching films. In a touching, sensitive moment “Sly” described why “his mouth has that crooked slant and what caused it and his speech to sound the way he does.” Both Arnold and Sly reveal another side of these men that we didn’t realize besides their superhero like persona.
Big Eyes – Do you remember the paintings that were popular in the 1960’s where the subjects had oversized, doe-like eyes? Margaret Keane was the artist that drew children, adults and animals with these distinct features. Her life story is intriguing because her arrogant husband claimed he was the original artist in the 1950’s when she became famous and he told her “a male artist would be better accepted”, so he took credit.
Hillbilly Elegy – When famed director Ron Howard selects a film topic, you can be guaranteed it is a powerful story. This is true of his movie, Hillbilly Elegy, a memoir by J.D. Vance that Howard turned in an engrossing film and almost unbelievable story of a terrible childhood that only a strong person could endure and overcome. The original book by Ohio Senator Vance was about the poverty he grew up in Appalachia and the surrounding Rust Belt communities.
NYAD – We saw this film originally at the Hampton International Film Festival (HIFF) in October 2023, but it is now featured on Netflix. It is the true story of athlete, Diana Nyad that had a dream to swim from Cuba to Florida, which is more than 100 miles of ocean. Annette Bening stars as the 60 year old Nyad that finally accomplished her dream after many harrowing tries. Co-star, Jodie Foster, played Nyad’s coach through the exhausting, several year’s long experience.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is a title that everyone that watched Mr. Rogers recognizes the title for his opening song. This film follows the real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and a journalist Lloyd Vogel. Apparently the journalist was a bit skeptical about Mr. Rogers’ sincere personality and in interviewing his subject, thought he would uncover a less than appealing persona. He didn’t and a lasting friendship developed.
Try to watch at least one biography a month and you will see a whole new world of understanding personalities, ambition and positivity that propelled those to greater heights and achievements!
