I used to be the person who would go to certain classifications of movies. Anything that was labeled Independent I always thought was for the fancy French person who got something out of it that my simple non-artistic mind couldn’t possibly grasp. One day I stumbled across a movie that had good reviews, but it was labeled the dreaded genre, Independent. Oh whoa to me, I felt like it would be too weird for my mind to grasp. Let me tell you, if you were like me, you are dead wrong about the Independent genre. First, let me give you an overview of the common misconceptions of independent films.

What Makes a Movie an Independent Film?

All an independent film is, is when a film is made outside of the most recognized film studio system. So that is why sometimes you will see interesting film company names such as “Stalking Aloe Vera Productions” (please don’t look this up because I just made it up. If it is an actual company then sorry about that). A film may be produced by an independent film company for many reasons such as creative freedom, the director’s vision, etc.

Myth #1: Only hipsters like Independent Films

Ever heard of Pulp Fiction? Yes, this is an independent film that is loved by thousands of people of all backgrounds. There is a film for everyone in the independent film genre.

Myth #2: All Independent films are depressing

Ever heard of Juno? Yes, that movie had some sad moments but was it a sarcastic, funny masterpiece? I would say so!

Myth#3: All Independent movies are the same

Please refer to my responses for Myth #1 and #2. Independent films come from every genre and are not all the same. Trust me.

Myth#4: Only nobodies are in independent films

Bruce Willis, Jennifer Lawrence, Tilda Swinton, and numerous others have been in Independent Films. Actors who often star in independent films have a chance to embody a character that is vastly different from previous movies. While Bruce Willis is often the crime fighter who deals with a lot of explosions, in an independent film he can be a timid cop (Moonrise Kingdom)

Independent films to get you started:

1. We Need To Talk About Kevin
2. Juno
3. Th Babadook
4. Silver Linings Playbook
5. Moonrise Kingdom
6. John Dies At The End
7. Pretty Ugly People
8. Creep

Do you have a movie that you would like to suggest? Do you have questions about Independent Films? Please reply below!

-NYL