Regardless of what you think about his films, there’s no denying that writer-director Wes Anderson is an auteur. His balanced compositions, quirky characters, and particular editing and pace have made him a stand-out filmmaker. However, even the most defined and unique cinematic voices take influence from peers and predecessors, allowing — knowingly and otherwise — bits and pieces of other ideas seep into their work. From an edit or a zoom, a tracking shot or an article of clothing, there are countless parallels that can be drawn between two pieces of work.
A new video essay by Beyond the Frame has taken Anderson’s filmography and compared its more influenced moments with those of its predecessors, including The Graduate, Harold and Maude, 400 Blows, and Citizen Kane among others. What’s interesting about some of the examples is the twist Anderson puts on the influence. For instance, a shot of Marlon Brando in all his (vulnerable) masculinity in On The Waterfront compared and juxtaposed with a geeky, meek Jason Schwartzman in Rushmore.
See the full video below.