Under The Influence is a video series that traces the themes, inspirations, or other connections from a new release to a great film of the past. Midnight Special is the latest film from Jeff Nichols, the director of Take Shelter and Mud. This time he’s teamed up again with Michael Shannon, but with a sci-fi twist.
Nichols has acknowledged the influence of Steven Spielberg’s E.T. and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Another point of reference is John Carpenter’s underrated 1984 film Starman, which follows as its main characters evade the government on a cross-country chase.
Watch the third episode of Under The Influence above and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more.
Midnight Special is in cinemas now. Read our review.
Published 19 Apr 2016
By Adam Cook
If you liked The Hateful Eight you’ll love Sergio Corbucci’s 1968 film that inspired it.
The American writer/director of Midnight Special on honing his craft and retaining creative control.
Jeff Nichols’ new film maps a similar thematic route to John Carpenter’s classic 1984 sci-fi.
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