The Worlds of Wes Anderson: The Influences and Inspiration Behind the Iconic Films

In each of his films, Wes Anderson builds entire worlds that fans tend to feel somehow really should exist. Discover the rich veins of inspiration that he weaves into this unique magic. Anderson’s colorful and richly structured style is universally admired – but how has he managed to create such an enigmatic visual signature? Like many key creatives, he’s found inspiration in a huge host of varied influences. From Hitchcock and Spielberg, to Truffaut and Varda, there are countless filmic homages and references scattered throughout Anderson’s filmography, while his cultural anchor points also go deep beyond film, and into the worlds of art and literature. Evocations of place and time also underpin his work, from mid-century Paris in The French Dispatch, to grand pre-war Europe in The Grand Budapest Hotel, while cultural institutions – such as Jacques Cousteau and The New Yorker magazine – are other touchstones. For Wes Anderson fans and cinephiles alike, uncover the fascinating creative process of one of the world’s most revered filmmakers.