I only have a simple opinion on our discussion in regards to Wes Anderson’s inspiration from Zweig. I think it’s a perfectly valid project, simply because as artist it is important to learn and reflect upon the work of others. I have no issue in bringing back old stories to retell, granted if the media is suiting.

Of course, there is a fine line between being inspired and just flat out copying what you see. As an artist it is impossible to learn and shape yourself without first emulating that which inspires you. This is a common artistic technique, what, writing “love letters” to and fro within a community. In my opinion a sign of properly handled influence comes from how influence is integrated. There must be enough of a twist.

A piece must both make its influences obvious, and yet take much from its creator in presentation. But there is also, at least for me, and extent to the “magic”. The first time a story is retold it has its biggest chance to provide a nostalgia factor. Though in recent media, its obvious that artists keep trying to hang on to this aspect. They’re working off of a formula, perhaps along the lines of “Hey, the people already like this story, why bother to come up with anything else?”. Of course, this relies on the existence of storyverses in popular culture.

Fan bases make these things huge. And, yes, there are those who do really enjoy certain worlds and stories, and frankly don’t mind hearing their favorite tales over and over. But for me, that gets old fast. At some point it loses it’s inspirational aspects and simply becomes copying, money preying, a drag.

Directly, I suppose I’m just being bitter about the mass of super hero movies, or fantasy, or action movies using the same characters over and over. But that’s just my opinion. I don’t want to see another King Kong or Godzilla movie. But, I do not in the least see Wes Anderson’s work amongst the same category. I believe he is taking from a quieter source, one that is little looked upon, and is thus healthy for popular culture. And I bet he has no intentions of milking his source dry. In this case, I applaud him.