7) Shane
Speaking of The Wolverine, if that film cast the mutant as a sort of lone samurai figure, then Logan reimagines him as a reluctant gunslinger, in the style of various classic western movies. In particular, it’s most inspired by 1953’s Shane in depicting a man whose life has been defined by violence ending in tragedy.
The influence is lampshaded when Laura watches the movie with Charles in their hotel room. She recognizes the similarities between Shane and her father and later recites the character’s final speech at Logan’s funeral. Here it is in full:
“A man has to be what he is, Joey. Can’t break the mould. I tried it and it didn’t work for me… Joey, there’s no living with… with a killing. There’s no going back from one. Right or wrong, it’s a brand. A brand sticks. There’s no going back. Now you run on home to your mother, and tell her… tell her everything’s all right. And there aren’t any more guns in the valley.”
The subplot involving the Munson family and their troubles with greedy landowners is also likely a nod to Shane, as it heavily resembles the predicament of the characters in that film.
Finally, when he’s watching it with Laura, Charles reminisces about seeing Shane for the first time at his local movie theater, The Essoldo Cinema. This was a chain of British cinemas back in the day and there were a few in Patrick Stewart’s home county of Yorkshire, so it’s possible this detail was a little autobiographical touch from the actor.