Biographical films give insights into the lives of the most influential figures. These films help audiences explore a particular era’s norms, values, and challenges, providing a better understanding of history and social dynamics. Valuable for present and future generations, films such as The Iron Lady (2011), Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013), and Bob Marley: One Love (2024) can also help emerging filmmakers learn how to create their own stories about prominent individuals.
The Golda Meir Movie: Portraying Meir in Film
An upcoming film to analyze is Golda, based on Israel’s former Prime Minister Golda Meir. The 2023 film, starring Helen Mirren as Meir, focuses on her life during the Yom Kippur War. Meir, who played a significant role in the establishment and early history of the State of Israel, became Israel’s first and only female Prime Minister in 1969. She served in that capacity until 1974. During her tenure as Prime Minister, became known as the “Iron Lady” of Israeli politics.
Golda isn’t the first time Meir has been portrayed on film. Famed actress Ingrid Bergman portrayed Golda Meir in the 1982 American television miniseries titled A Woman Called Golda. Directed by Alan Gibson and written by Harold Gast, the role earned Bergman critical acclaim. She received a posthumous Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Television Movie.
Golda Debuts With NYFA Connections
NYFA alum Shivani Rawat, known for her work on The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020), The Ice Road (2021) and Captain Fantastic (2016), co-produced Golda. Rawat is the visionary behind ShivHans Pictures, an independent production and finance company specializing in creating distinctive and captivating feature films. Some of the noteworthy films produced by her studio include Beirut (2018), Danny Collins (2015), and Trumbo (2015).
Rawat graduated from our 1-Year in Screenwriting, one of many hands-on NYFA programs that teach students the fundamentals of crafting compelling stories. In these courses, students complete screenwriting projects and exercises such as fully revised scripts, feature screenplay treatments, short films, and more.
Takeaways for Emerging Filmmakers
Films like Golda present unique opportunities for aspiring filmmakers. They offer a chance to tell important stories, grow as artists and professionals, and positively impact the world. However, filmmakers must approach these projects with sensitivity, integrity, and a commitment to truthful storytelling.
Takeaways from films such as Golda include:
- The Importance of Research
Many biographical films require extensive research to accurately depict the lives of the individuals they portray. One example of a biographical movie that demanded significant research is A Beautiful Mind (2001), which tells the story of mathematician John Nash. A Beautiful Mind, directed by NYFA Guest Speaker Ron Howard and starring Russell Crowe as John Nash, required thorough research to capture both the mathematical genius of Nash and his struggles with schizophrenia.
- The Challenges of Depicting Real-Life Relationships
In the 2006 film The Queen, a biographical drama about the British royal family’s response to the death of Princess Diana, director Stephen Frears, and writer Peter Morgan had to write about the relationship between Queen Elizabeth II (Helen Mirren) and newly appointed Prime Minister Tony Blair (Michael Sheen). With their guidance, audiences could see the suggested internal struggles the monarch and Prime Minister faced during national mourning and public criticism.
- The Art of Balancing Fiction with Fact
Filmmakers rely on various sources, including court documents, interviews, and books, to piece together real life events. However, at times, much of the actual dialogue and specific interactions are not directly verifiable. One example of a biographical film that required a balance of fiction and fact is The Social Network (2010), directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin. The film dramatizes the founding and rise of Facebook and the legal battles that ensued, primarily focusing on Mark Zuckerberg and his associates. While the film is based on real events and people, it also takes creative liberties to craft a compelling narrative.
- The Story Behind Controversial Figures
The Iron Lady (2011) is a biographical drama about the life of Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Meryl Streep portrays Thatcher, delving into her rise to power. Seeing that Thatcher was a controversial figure, filmmakers can gain insight into how Director Phyllida Lloyd chose to show the decisions and controversies of Thatcher’s time in office. Filmmakers can also learn how to use a character’s political journey to offer commentary on broader social and political issues.
- The Value of Casting
One of the best depictions of a real-life figure in film is often considered to be Daniel Day-Lewis’s portrayal of Abraham Lincoln in the movie Lincoln (2012). Directed by NYFA Guest Speaker Steven Spielberg, Day-Lewis’s performance was widely acclaimed for its depth, authenticity, and dedication. A great example of the importance of casting, the physical transformation of Day-Lewis allowed him to give a more nuanced performance, resulting in multiple awards for the actor.
- The Power of an Authentic Story
Slated to premiere in 2024, Bob Marley: One Love (2024) promises to delve deep into the life and legacy of the iconic reggae legend Robert Nesta Marley, known as Bob Marley. Set to capture the essence of Marley’s transformative journey; the biopic is expected to chronicle his profound impact on music, culture, and social change.
With a focus on authenticity and a commitment to portraying both the triumphs and challenges faced by Marley, this cinematic tribute aims to resonate not only with dedicated fans but also with a new generation of storytellers eager to connect with his timeless message of unity, love, and empowerment.
- The Impact of Cinematography
The Revenant (2015), directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, is inspired by the real-life experiences of fur trapper Hugh Glass. While the film is a fictionalized account of Glass’s survival journey, it draws from historical events and creates a visceral and immersive experience. The cinematography in The Revenant, led by director of photography Emmanuel Lubezki, is widely acclaimed for its breathtaking beauty and innovative techniques. Lubezki’s mastery of capturing natural light and the raw beauty of the environment contributes to the film’s impact.
Get Started in Visual Storytelling at NYFA
Learning how to be a filmmaker offers an invaluable journey of creativity, insight, and self-discovery. At NYFA, aspiring filmmakers can learn the technical aspects of storytelling and learn how to translate their unique perspectives into visual narratives that have the power to entertain, provoke thought, and inspire change. To learn more about NYFA’s degrees, certificates, and workshops in Filmmaking, Cinematography, Screenwriting, and more, explore our programs.