Key Takeaways:
• “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”, “Easy Rider”, and “Friday the 13th” heavily influenced “X”, the first installment of the Maxxxine trilogy.
• “Pearl”, the prequel to “X”, draws elements from “The Wizard of Oz”, “Ziegfeld Girl”, and “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?”.
• “Maxxxine”, the trilogy’s conclusion, finds its roots in classics like “Body Double”, “Hardcore”, and “Peeping Tom”.
The Journey through Maxxxine Trilogy
This weekend anticipates the release of the finale in the Maxxxine horror trilogy. Taking a deep look into the varying paths starlets venture upon to gain fame, the Maxxxine series delves into adult films, B-movies, and even infamy. Pearls, penned by Ti West and Mia Goth, alongside the rest of the trilogy scripted by West, carries strong influences from several cinema classics.
Horror Classics Behind “X”
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Undeniably, “X” bears considerable resemblance to “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”. This ground-breaking 1974 horror staple redefined the genre and has heavily influenced subsequent films, including West’s. Grindhouse films, most notably those by directors like Rob Zombie, owe much to this classic’s influence. “X” pays tribute to it through elements like farmhouse settings, youth traveling in a van, and the omnipresent tension of sexuality.
Easy Rider
Dennis Hopper’s revolutionary “Easy Rider” has left its mark on “X” as well. The film’s imaginative editing and non-linear storytelling techniques mirror Maxine’s mind-boggling journey to stardom, further invigorated by the 1970s Porn Chic movement’s success.
Friday the 13th
“X” also benefits from stylistic elements inspired by another iconic feature, “Friday the 13th”. From iconic POV shots to a simmering score, this movie’s influence is felt.
Narrative Influences on “Pearl”
The Wizard of Oz
“Pearl” reflects the vivid colors and saturation reminiscent of “The Wizard of Oz”. Particularly, the Scarecrow sequences provide a clear connection, along with the enchanting bright colors that permeate through the story.
Ziegfeld Girl
“Pearl” also owes its magnificent choreography and final act’s vibrant dance sequence to influences from the musical “Ziegfeld Girl”.
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
The complexities of its lead character, Pearl, are artistic echoes from the film “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” Its influence lies in revealing the fury and frustration behind unfulfilled dreams of fame and fortune.
Classic Inspiration Behind “Maxxxine”
Body Double
“Maxxxine” finds parallels with Brian De Palma’s “Body Double”. The movie’s neon brilliance is evident in Maxxxine, as are strikingly similar kill scenes.
Hardcore
Paul Schraeder’s “Hardcore” shares the narrative of a young woman abandoning her past for a life in pornography. “Hardcore’s” undervalued brilliance is reflected in aspects of “Maxxxine”.
Peeping Tom
Finally, the voyeuristic approach to horror in “Peeping Tom” has shaped the personal and camera-focused POV in “Maxxxine”.
In conclusion, the Maxxxine trilogy, while presenting a captivating horror narrative, is a beautifully assembled homage to several influential movies. The contribution of these classics lends the series its unique charm and flair, gifting viewers with a thrilling cinematic experience.