Owen Wilson Shares Favorite Books Theater Influence and Literary Connections

London, United Kingdom – Owen Wilson, the star of Woody Allen‘s acclaimed film Midnight in Paris, recently shared his thoughts on literature and its influence on modern storytelling. He reflects on the impact of Mark Twain‘s classic novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, claiming it serves as the foundation for all modern American literature.

In the film, Wilson plays Gil Pender, a screenwriter longing to become a novelist while navigating through the artistic and literary scene of 1920s Paris. The plot focuses on Gil’s late-night wanderings, which lead him to meet legendary figures like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Gertrude Stein.

Wilson spoke fondly of Twain’s work during an interview with Stack Magazine, highlighting the emotional separation of the characters Huck and Jim. He described the scene as powerful, illustrating the deeper themes present in the novel. He quoted Jim’s reaction to Huck’s trickery, emphasizing its raw emotional gravity.

Among Wilson’s favorite novels are Richard Ford‘s The Sportswriter and Nando Parrado’s Miracle in the Andes, both resonating with his experiences and struggles as an artist. He also mentioned Stalingrad: The Fateful Siege by Antony Beevor and The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen, showcasing his appreciation for both fiction and non-fiction.

Wilson noted how the books he loves often make him reflect deeply on life, expressing, “There are books that I read in a day, which is just great, and then there are some that I enjoy so much I don’t want them to end.” Through this exploration of literature, the actor continues to connect with the human experience and its myriad narratives.