seidelman was inspired early on by european film directors lina wertmüller and agnès varda, whose work she studied in college during the 1970s—a time when there were very few female directors active in the american film industry. the feminist movement of the 60s and 70s, as well as the personal filmmaking style of the french new wave, and directors jean-luc godard, françois truffaut, and john cassavetes were also early influences. seidelman is a fan of billy wilder for his social observation, drama, and humor.