Conversation so far:
What are some of the historical references in the film Hugo?
The film depicts of the Montparnasse derailment, when at 4:00 pm on 22 October 1895, the Granville–Paris Express overran the buffer stop at its Gare Montparnasse terminus
What era is the film Hugo based on?
Hugo is based on Georges Méliès' life, a Frenchman who lived from 1861-1938
How is history incorporated into the film Hugo?
People from Melies' life appear, as well as scenes from his life, scenes from other movies, and popular books from the time

Question: Was there a theme to the historical references that were chosen for this film?
Self-contained rewrite: Was there a theme to the historical references that were chosen for the film Hugo?