Work in progress: STILETTO

Part 4: References

I mentioned earlier, that films such as “The French Connection” and “Bullit” are some of my major influences on this project. It’s a contemporary story, and yet the cops look like they wandered out of an episode of “Streets of San Francisco”. I wanted them to look off, like they’re relics in a fast-moving world, completely out-dated and useless. As you can see below, the police station is actually borrowed from “French Connection II”.

Having digested my share of crime novels, cop shows and gangster movies, it’s actually a big help to pick out a few works and say: That’s my reference. It helps to keep focus, hopefully giving the book a unique look and style.

The one thing I’ll miss the most, if I ever leave the studio I work in, are a set of reference books called “The Fairburn System”. They’re absolutely great. Full of black-and-white photos of men and women posing, in suits, running, carrying things, walking up stairs, falling down. From every angle. And the best thing is; They’re from the Seventies. It fits my story perfectly. Thank you, Fairburn, whoever you are!