Ari Aster's Disturbing Inspirations: A Look at His Influences

Ari Aster, the acclaimed director behind the unsettling films Midsommar and Hereditary, has revealed surprising sources of inspiration that have shaped his cinematic vision. One such influence is a seemingly innocuous drama from the late 1980s, highlighting how even the simplest narratives can leave a profound impact on filmmakers.

In 2018, Aster's Hereditary was released, quickly earning a reputation as one of the most intense horror films of the past decade. The story revolves around a family grappling with the death of their grandmother, Ellen Graham, leading to a series of harrowing events that unravel their lives. The film's unsettling premise is rooted in Aster's own experiences, particularly influenced by a film he watched during his adolescence.

The 80s Film That Inspired Hereditary

In an interview with Far Out Magazine, Aster disclosed that Peter Greenaway's 1989 film The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover played a pivotal role in shaping Hereditary. The narrative follows Georgina, portrayed by Helen Mirren, who is trapped in an abusive relationship with a gangster, played by Michael Gambon. Her secret affair with a literate patron, portrayed by Alan Howard, unfolds in a restaurant run by a chef, Richard Bohringer.

Reflecting on his teenage viewing of this film, Aster admitted, "I regretted having seen it for many years," explaining that the film's artificiality deeply unsettled him. He noted, "It results in Peter Greenaway's visceral disgust for humanity."

The Connection Between the Two Films

While Hereditary and The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover explore different themes, the parallels in their unsettling tones are unmistakable. Both films evoke a sense of discomfort, leaving audiences with a lingering mix of unease, disgust, and fascination. This emotional complexity is precisely what Aster aims to achieve in his storytelling.

Interestingly, Aster has also mentioned that he wrote a prequel to Hereditary. During the "Bleak Week" festival at the American Cinematheque, he shared, "I wrote a prequel to this. The timing never seems right. It’s a prequel, not a sequel, so I don’t know where it will lead us." This revelation certainly piques interest among fans eager to delve deeper into Aster's unique narrative universe.