The Rewrite - A Movie Review

Writing is a journey through the mind. Keep on writing.

The Rewrite is a 2014 film about an Oscar-winning writer who is offered to teach a screenwriting class at a college on the east coast. At first, skeptical of the idea, Keith is opened up to a world he never thought about, creating friendships with his students.

If there is any movie that deserves to be talked about more, it’s The Rewrite. The Rewrite contains everything that a good movie should hold. Characterization, an effective story, and an integral message about finding your path in college.

Every character goes through a bold journey in The Rewrite. At first, selfish and uninterested, Keith learns an inspiring lesson about the world of writing. Hugh Grant was excellent in his portrayal, opening his students out of their shells. He has a contrasting personality, unlike the other English professors.

The Rewrite is all about characterization. As mentioned in the film, character is everything. A terrific ensemble portrays the classmates of the screenwriting class. You have one student who thinks they know everything, another student who is a total fanatic over a certain subject, and another student who goes to college for an entirely different reason.

Scenes where the students share varying opinions about writing were realistic. Their development is noteworthy. Most people don’t realize how vital classmates are in your journey of education. You won’t agree with everything that they say or do, but they help you learn.

Representation is especially important to a college film. There’s always someone who we can relate to. Interactions are highly important across the course of this film. The dialogue feels so natural to the way people would hold a conversation. One of my favorite altercations happened between Kieth and Mary (Allison Janney) where they argue over literature.

A notable cast fills in as other members of the college. Chris Elliot is wonderful. You will also get a kick out of Allison Janney playing a professor I am sure we have all had the pleasure to work with. And J.K. Simmons was another honorable character. Looking through the context of a person, there is always more.

One of the best characters in the film is Holly. Juggling between life as a full-time college student, a single mom, and working two jobs, Marissa Tomei excelled in bringing out the message that starting something now is better than never. Anybody can go to college no matter the age.

Marc Lawrence spent time on the story, but mostly the characterization. The comedy was done well, too. It’s all about delivery. I like how he studied the interactions among characters. Lawrence highly attributed the world of writing. One of the best parts about this film is that he made it relatable for everyone.

Writing is a central theme across the film. Can you teach writing? The world of writing has several definitions and opinions amongst anyone, but one thing for sure is that anybody can write. Write what you choose. Be true to the story you are telling.

College is a vital period to find what you are good at. Watching this film reminded me of my own journey through college. I took a screenwriting class in college and it really opened my mind. Explore your options because you never know what you will like. Whether a teacher or student, you never know who you are going to learn from. Always be yourself.

I am so glad that I found this movie again. The Rewrite has influenced me to keep on writing. I recommend that you find this movie and watch it.