This shit is so annoying. I rather be around someone who over analyzes a piece of art or media instead of someone who insists that there is no meaning beyond the surface level. Everyone is influenced by someone or something. I mean, if you’re able to pick up language and grammar as a child without thinking about it, what makes people think they can’t do the same for the various other beliefs and interests and inspirations?

It’s why I find the Breaking Bad “bravo Vince” meme kind of funny. It’s said unironically and ironically by people who don’t understand that large production media involve hundreds or thousands of writers and staff who go through various versions of a product and inspired by different things. They all have different interpretations of the story and characters. Vince Gilligan didn’t produce everything, and he has no way of tracking every little motive or reason he does something. People in costume design or sound might interpret a scene a certain way, and the directors whose focus and specialties lie elsewhere might sign off on it because it simply looks good to them. One man’s blue curtains is another man’s subtle portrayal of deep and complex emotions

If something objective and final like math and science can be challenged after it’s been established and used forever, I don’t see why something as inherently subjective and varied like art is excepted.