The influence of "The Searchers" can also be seen in "A Perfect World." Both films feature a grizzled, rugged hero who is haunted by a traumatic event from their past. In "The Searchers," Ethan Edwards is a Civil War veteran who spends years searching for his niece who was kidnapped by Comanches. In "A Perfect World," Butch Haynes is a convict who is haunted by the memory of his brother's death, which he believes was his fault.

Both films also explore the theme of the American West as a place of redemption and second chances. In "The Searchers," Ethan Edwards finds solace in the vast expanse of the frontier, where he can escape the constraints of society and find a new sense of purpose. Similarly, Butch Haynes and Phillip's journey across the country serves as a metaphor for their own personal journeys of self-discovery and redemption.

The visual style of "A Perfect World" also pays homage to the classic Hollywood films of the 40s. The use of sweeping vistas and panoramic shots of the American West evokes the work of directors like John Ford and Howard Hawks, who were known for their iconic westerns. The film's score, composed by Lennie Niehaus, also adds to the sense of nostalgia, with its lush orchestral arrangements and classic Hollywood sound.