In our increasingly digital age, it’s easy for most people to dismiss writing utensils as an anarchonistic hobby, relegating them to message boards and specialty shops. But it seems that, more and more, directors, actors, and set designers are taking notice of the power of pens. For the better part of the last century, pens have steadily popped up in some of the most beloved films and television shows – and we’re also seeing a new presence across social media.
Part of the joy of seeing a pen in a television show or movie is like spotting an Easter Egg: it’s a small joy to recognize the subtle distinction between, say, a Montblanc LeGrand and a Waterman Hemisphere on the silver screen. But there’s often a deeper meaning as to why that pen was chosen. The pen one uses in a movie can be a sort of quick way to tell about the hobbies of a character, their social class, and what they value spending money on. For other characters, like Thomas Ripley, a pen can be a wealth signifier to move up the social ladder. No matter the reason, though, there’s usually a good reason why a character is seen holding a pen – and we’ve been paying attention to some of the best pens we’ve found across cinema!
Here are our top ten best moments in film and television where a pen stole a scene, showcasing memorable writing scenes in films and fountain pen cameos in television.