MovieChat Forums > Jacob's Ladder (1990) Discussion > Was it the inspiration for The X-Files?

Was it the inspiration for The X-Files?

posted 11 years ago by reachtitan
5 replies | jump to latest

If you watch the series and know it's characters, then it's for you:

American government conspiracies against its own people apart, this movie has certain religious imagery and insinuations and nuances which many of the X-Files character relate to or undergo in reference to their past life experiences and incidents. Moreover, the Vietnam veterans' experience or the syndromes they face which is the dominant theme of this film, has been explored in many of the X-Files episodes such as Sleepless(s02e04) and Unrequited(s04e16) (There might be many more, I don't remember now). Skinner was a veteran and he recounts his near-death experience to Mulder in one episode. And all X-Files fans (I'm a die-hard one myself) sure know that Scully has her numerous trysts with the religious when confronted and crippled by the scientific.

Don't get me wrong; I'm not saying that one ripped the other off. I'm an avid lover and admirer of this movie as well as the series. My affair with X-Files is old and I just now came across this movie and was struck by its ingenuity, brilliance and atmospheric quality. I am aware that Chris Carter has cited the series Kolchak as his series' primary influence; I'm just suggesting that this movie might be another one among a few.

Your thoughts guys..

[–] 11 years ago

[deleted]

[–] jpowell180 8 years ago

X-Files creator Chris Carter has stated that his inspiration for the X-Files was actually the 70s TV series Kolchak: The Night Stalker - which involves an intrepid reporter (played by Darren McGavin) who investigates the strange and abnormal (including vampires, monsters, AI robots, and even a space alien!).

[–] reachtitan 8 years ago

Yep, and I am aware of that. I mentioned it in OP. I was suggesting this could be another one of the influences. Thanks for your reply.

[–] jpowell180 8 years ago

........That's what I get for skimming the post before replying :/

[–] lowegoes 8 years ago

I remember reading that the writer of the episode "Grotesque" listened to the Jacob's Ladder soundtrack a lot while writing and making the episode, to help get him into the right mood and establish that tone and atmosphere for the story.