What are Allusions in Films?

When telling a story, there are a variety of different literary techniques to potentially use in order to imply or otherwise reference a particular meaning. Allusions in films are one of several ways that literary devices which were quite common in literature and novels have come forth in filmmaking. While these crucial literary devices are not always the easiest to recognize, they do have a lot of potential!

And it’s important for filmmakers and those interested in screenwriting to fully understand them. 

What are Allusions in Films?

If you’re wondering what an allusion is, you’re not alone! It’s very common for an aspiring filmmaker or screenwriter to have questions about various literary devices.

Allusion represents the implied or indirect reference to something for use either for general discussion or elsewhere in a text. For example, there can be allusions in films, television shows, video games. Even on bumper stickers, clothing or various other elements.

For example, if you see a bumper sticker that has the saying, “Whatchu talkin’ ‘bout Willis?” It would be an alliteration to the television sitcom Diff’rent Strokes from the 1980s.  This bumper sticker is “alluding” to the television sitcom.

Additionally, you can find allusions in films in a variety of other instances when we see someone saying or doing something within the film that alludes to another event, situation, or element of a story.

Types of Allusions in Films

There are a number of different types of allusions in film. These references to cultural, biblical or other elements are often for adding meaning to the story. Or to otherwise create additional foundation for the film.

The most common types of allusions in films include:

• Historical allusions
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• Literary allusions
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• Mythological allusions
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• Biblical allusions
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• Pop culture allusions

Examples of Allusions in Films

To help you better understand how allusions are used in filmmaking it makes sense to discuss some of the most profound allusions that can be found in past films. Disney uses allusions in films that it produces on a regular basis.

For example, in the film Aladdin, Disney alludes to the Middle Eastern story collection “One Thousand and One Nights” also known as The Arabian Nights. 

In The Shining when there is writing on the door that spelled REDRUM it is an allusion to “murder” which has been spelled backwards on the door signifying terror and the potential for something bad to happen.

You can find allusions throughout filmmaking and for many different purposes. 

In Summation

So what are allusions in films? They are references to another element, situation, or event that is referenced in text or by general discussion.

Allusions in films are commonly for creating connections, establishing context or to otherwise create resonance with other works that are relevant to the story.