Is it possible to use a classic story or legend or true historical event to shed

Question:

Is it possible to use a classic story or legend or true historical event to shed new light on a current event?

Can a director or an author use an ancient historical event, or a legend or myth, or an old story or maybe evn an older movie to make a new movie that serves to shed new light on a current event ? Is that possible in art? if so please give examples.Thanks

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

An old proverb says: If you know the Bible you will understand English literature for much of it is a rewrite.
A common example was Moby Dick as a Jonah and the whale rewrite.
This kind of thing may be getting more difficult as we move forward and away from the classic life style. Technology changes common activity and therefore common knowledge.