I think more than writers, the major influences on me have been European movies, jazz, and Abstract Expressionism

I think more than writers, the major influences on me have been European movies, jazz, and Abstract Expressionism

Don DeLillo, one of the most prominent American novelists of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, has often cited European movies, jazz, and Abstract Expressionism as major influences on his work. These influences can be seen throughout his vast body of work, from his early novels like "White Noise" and "Libra" to his more recent works like "Underworld" and "Zero K."

European movies have had a profound impact on DeLillo's writing style and themes. He has often been compared to filmmakers like Michelangelo Antonioni and Jean-Luc Godard for his use of fragmented narratives, non-linear storytelling, and existential themes. DeLillo's novels often explore the alienation and disconnection of modern life, much like the films of the European New Wave. His characters are often adrift in a world they don't fully understand, much like the protagonists of Antonioni's "L'Avventura" or Godard's "Breathless."

Jazz is another major influence on DeLillo's work, particularly in his use of language and rhythm. His prose is often compared to the improvisational nature of jazz music, with its syncopated rhythms and unexpected shifts in tone. DeLillo's dialogue is often sparse and elliptical, much like the solos of a jazz musician. His novels are filled with references to jazz musicians like Miles Davis and John Coltrane, whose music serves as a backdrop to the existential dilemmas of his characters.

Abstract Expressionism, with its emphasis on emotion and spontaneity, is another major influence on DeLillo's work. His novels often explore the limits of language and representation, much like the paintings of artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. DeLillo's prose is often described as painterly, with its vivid imagery and bold strokes of language. His novels are filled with references to art and artists, reflecting his fascination with the power of visual expression.