Hidden References in Movies and TV: Unseen Connections You Will Miss

Often, when watching a movie or TV show, viewers can miss some of the subtle and not-so-subtle intertextual references to other works. These allusions can add layers of depth and meaning to the story being told. In this article, we explore some of these hidden references, including a dive into the film Anger Management and the TV show Lost.

The Comedic Hints and Hidden Revivals in Anger Management (2003)

Anger Management, released in 2003, starred the comedy giant Adam Sandler. The movie follows Michael Heffley, a mild-mannered administrative assistant, who is struggling with commitment issues and is relentlessly bullied by his overly obnoxious boss. The film's protagonist, played by Adam Sandler, seeks help from an eccentric therapist, Jack Nicholson, to overcome his personal and professional frustrations. A scene that fans might miss is near the 1:58 mark, where Sandler’s character comments, 'Have fun looking like Colonel Klink.'

At the time, I didn’t get the reference. It was only later, when I watched the biopic Autofocus (2002) about the life of the late actor Bob Crane, that I realized the significance. Bob Crane, known for his role in the iconic sitcom Hogan's Heroes, had a recurring character, Werner Klemperer, who played Colonel Klink. The actor Kurt Fuller, who played Crane in Autofocus, also had scenes as Colonel Klink. This subtle nod to a beloved character in a now-classic series adds an unexpected layer to Sandler’s comedic persona.

Lost in Time and Space: Unrecognized Remakes and Allusions

Airplane! (1980) is a renowned parody of disaster movies, particularly the 'Airport' series. However, in 2018, viewers finally connected the film to its roots. The storyline is eerily reminiscent of the 1957 film Zero Hour, making it a veritable scene-by-scene remake. This realization underscores the intricate connections between different cinematic eras and genres, demonstrating the ripples of influence that run through the history of film.

The TV show Lost, which aired from 2004 to 2010, is a treasure trove of allusions, some of which were only deciphered years after the show concluded. For instance, the characters being referred to as "candidates" was a nod to the Richard Condon novel The Manchurian Candidate. To think that the writers of Lost tapped into a 1959 novel for a subtle yet powerful metaphor on brainwashing was quite masterful.

Multilayered Allusions Beyond the Surface

In 2023, while revisiting Lost, fans noticed additional layers of allusion in the show's visual and narrative elements. Comparisons to director Alfred Hitchcock were evident in cameo appearances that the show made. These allusions were about the role of the character, not just the actor, likening them to a director of action, especially one who directs actions designed to be observed by others. Recognizing this took years of rewatching and revisiting the show, but the insights are profound.

Another recent realization regarding Lost revolves around the character named Jacob. While it might seem like a generic first name, it actually evokes the name of Jacob Baker, the central figure in the imaginary Baker estate swindle, a scheme that reportedly cheated over 500,000 people out of their money. This detailed allusion adds depth to the character and reflects the show's persistent exploration of betrayal and manipulation.

Conclusion

Films and TV shows are more than just entertaining; they are repositories of cultural and artistic references. Understanding and recognizing these hidden connections can enrich your viewing experience and provide new dimensions to the stories told. From Anger Management, to the hidden references in Lost, these allusions remind us that every work is a bridge to another, often bringing into focus the intricate web of storytelling that spans the ages.