A musician recently shared insights into the creative influences shaping her work, pointing to two distinct but equally impactful sources: the Japanese filmmaker Ryūsuke Hamaguchi and the 1999 science fiction film The Matrix, directed by the Wachowski sisters. She praised Hamaguchi for developing a narrative style that emphasizes ultrarealism, where characters feel intensely authentic and the staging is meticulously crafted. She noted his unique ability to manipulate time and use silence as a central element, almost like a character in its own right. Regarding The Matrix, the musician highlighted its groundbreaking approach, as it was one of the first films to mimic the structure and pacing of video games. The film introduced a revolutionary visual style, including innovative editing techniques, character design, and color grading that set new standards in cinema. She found the themes of parallel worlds and multiple dimensions particularly compelling, drawing a symbolic connection to the 1990s anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, which also explores complex realities and existential questions. In a special 40th anniversary edition of Inrockuptibles, a French music and culture magazine, more than 250 artists and actors shared personal memories and reflections on their experiences with the publication. This edition serves as a tribute to the magazine’s long-standing influence in the arts and its role in shaping cultural conversations over four decades. The musician’s reflections underscore how diverse media—from film to anime to music magazines—can inspire and influence creative expression across different art forms. Her appreciation for both Hamaguchi’s nuanced storytelling and The Matrix's visual innovation highlights the cross-pollination of ideas in contemporary art and entertainment.