There's nothing quite like the feeling of walking out of a cinema with a newfound sense of motivation, passion and excitement – you are determined to adopt the persona of the main character and change your life, well at least for the next day or two. Nearly all of us have fallen victim to the gloriously inspiring escapism of movies and media, but what if there was a way to harness this to actually help us make change in our lives?
Imagine the convenience of igniting your deep passion for maths a week before your exam, or the motivation of reminding a sad, stressed psychology student the valuable career outcome they are striving for. Here are some examples of beautiful movies, all filled with passion and care for their subject areas, which will hopefully motivate those of you currently stuck in a study slump and need to remember what you are doing it for!
Good Will Hunting
“You don’t know about real loss, ‘cause that only occurs when you love something more than you love yourself. I doubt you’ve ever dared to love anybody that much.”
An all-time classic, Gus Van Sant’s Good Will Hunting was born from the minds of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in their college years and follows the story of Will Hunting (Matt Damon), a rare and incomprehensible genius who has been delt a poor hand in life, and his forced journey with a Psychologist (Robin Williams) leading him to process his past and live his life to the fullest.
For those of you who love maths, this movie is centered around it. Passion for maths is found everywhere, from Will’s mathematical genius and his enjoyment found in solving the most complex of maths problems, to the reverberating interest found in the fellow college students, the professor and fields medal winner (Stellan Skarsgård) who works tirelessly to advocate for Will’s mathematical potential, and even the study drive of Will’s girlfriend Skylar (Minnie Driver).
This setting is sure to reaffirm a love for mathematics in the minds of all those STEM lovers, and hopefully provide some exam motivation!
Additionally, Good Will Hunting focuses on Will’s journey in therapy, and Robin Williams depiction of his psychologist Sean provides a powerful and moving insight into what it is to be a psychologist. His unwavering commitment and care for Will and ability to stand by him even when his own limits were pushed to ensure Will had his best possible outcome epitomizes the passion and commitment that is required from a psychologist and reflects to those who are aspiring to this career how their hard work and devotion has immeasurable benefits and truly can change lives.
Image Credit: J. Weisner from Unsplash
Dead Poet’s Society
“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”
Another example of Robin William’s ability to inject passion into any career, Dead Poet’s Society is a powerful film exploring the beauty and value in pursuing your interests, even if that means taking the road less travelled. Directed by Peter Weir, the film follows high school teacher Mr. Keating (Robin Williams), who returns to his former highly conservative boy’s boarding school and, through straying from the status quo, teaches them to find deeper meaning and appreciation in life through more than just success on paper.
Fellow English students agree that this movie was fundamental in shaping the way we considered our own career paths and reinforcing the critical value of learning for the sake of appreciating knowledge, which is devastatingly overlooked by many in the whirlwind of college applications, extracurriculars and straight As sought after in high school. So, if you’re currently struggling to finish a poetry close reading and feel like it’s a waste of time, watch this movie and take a step back to appreciate the knowledge you gain from the work, not only the grade.
These key messages are reinforced through William’s depiction of Mr. Keating, who has been the epitome of teaching in the eyes of a generation of high school English teachers. His endless passion for sharing knowledge and truly enriching the lives of these boys, so forcefully set in their ways, has inspired thousands to reject grand financial success for the joy found in enriching someone with knowledge and ambitions. For those of you considering a career in education, this film would truly inspire you and prove that there are rewards much richer in life than financial gain.
Image Credit: Sebastien LE DEROUT from Unsplash
Tick, Tick… Boom!
“It would be a tragedy to give up what you have”
This one is for the theatre kids, or anyone seeking to pursue the arts, who has been told countless times by parents, grandparents or teachers that its not a real job. However, unlike many rags to riches tales, Jonathan Larson’s musical doesn’t sugar coat anything. In his musical, re adapted by Lin Manuel Miranda, it follows the story of Jon (Andrew Garfield), and his constant battle with his internal biases as he believes he has wasted his life pursuing theatre and unless his current musical has a major breakthrough, his life will have been a waste.
Tick, tick… boom! captures the quintessential energies of moving to the ‘big city’, with life not being as romanticized as you thought it would be. However, despite highlighting these constant energies of defeat, the endless passion, enthusiasm and drive for life reverberating through the musical soundtrack reignites his glorification of life. This beautification of the mundane, such as awkward living situations or unstable roommate, is what connects many young people with big dreams to this film and helps them re gain appreciation for their life and chase their aspirations.
Productive procrastination
There are countless more films with beautiful inspiring plotlines to indulge in, such as On the Basis of [censored] for those aspiring lawyer girlies, The Man who knew Infinity for theoretical maths enthusiasts and countless more. Although, like most dramas, these films all cover heavy topics and are not necessarily easy watching material, so please watch with caution and when you’re ready. Now, go forth and productively procrastinate and remind yourself why you love what you study!
Films Referenced
Damon, M., & Van Sant, G. (Producers & Directors). (1998). Good Will Hunting [film]. Miramax.
Haft, S., & Weir, P. (Producers & Directors). (1989). Dead Poet’s Society [film]. Touchstone Pictures & Walt Disney Studios.
Miranda, L. (Director). (2021). Tick, Tick… Boom! [film]. Netflix.
