Other influences:

Star Wars.

I only mention it because I spent my blogging time today watching this, which is SPOT-ON BRILLIANT:



When you have the time, check it all out. Parts 2-7 are here, every second of which illuminates, enlightens, and gives you the closure you have longed for. The analysis of light sabre duels in Part 6 alone is worth [what I'm still spending on] a USC film school tuition (about $200,000.) I'm not kidding: save yourself a quarter million dollars and just watch all 70 minutes.

And you better hurry, before the Lucasfilm lawyers shut it all down.

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