For years, I’ve loved the art of Edward Hopper. I’m sure you’ve seen his famous “Nighthawks” painting. It’s one of the more famous pieces of 20th century American art, and has been spoofed and copied many times, influencing other visual artists and many filmmakers. Wim Wenders said that Hopper’s paintings appeal to filmmakers because “You can always tell where the camera is.” Evidently it was a huge influence on the look and feel of Blade Runner.
Film Noir Influence and Parodies
Urban Loneliness
One of his biggest themes was urban loneliness. I can relate: sometimes I feel most alone in the biggest crowd.
Light and Shadow
But I think the thing I love most about Hopper’s work is the light and the shadows. The light is sublime. The shadows are foreboding.
“What I wanted to do was paint sunlight on the side of a house.”
