Escapees in nature

[Emile (Henri Marchand) contemplates a flower. From À nous la liberté (dir. René Clair, 1931).]


[Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson) contemplates a butterfly. From O Brother, Where Art Thou? (dir. Joel Coen, 2000). Click either image for a larger view.]

Perhaps a coincidence. But both Emile and Delmar have escaped from prison, and Tim Blake Nelson does resemble Henri Marchand, at least vaguely. And phonographs and records play an important part in each film. I’m going with more than coincidence. I’m going with tip o’ the hat.