Filmmaker Christopher Nolan discusses the influence of Michael Mann and James Bond films on his work, the ambition of 'Tenet', and the bold performances of Heath Ledger and Tom Hardy in the Batman films. They also explore the complexity of 'Tenet', the decline of action films, the experience of having their films analyzed, the importance of endings in films, and the impact of COVID-19 on the film industry.
Christopher Nolan aims to reimagine traditional action tropes by utilizing the concept of time in 'Tenet', creating unique action sequences that challenge audience expectations.
Christopher Nolan emphasizes the significance of a strong ending in films, recognizing that even a weak ending can tarnish the overall experience, and ensures a solid understanding of the ending before starting a project.
Deep dives
Embracing Unique Action Tropes
In "Tenet," Christopher Nolan aims to reimagine and invert traditional action tropes, such as car chases and fist fights. By utilizing the film's science fiction premise, which plays with the concept of time, Nolan creates unique action sequences that challenge the audience's expectations and perspectives. He believes that finding new ways to present action is essential, as the familiarity of traditional action can lead to decreased engagement for viewers.
The Importance of a Strong Ending
Christopher Nolan emphasizes the significance of a strong ending in films. He asserts that the ending is everything and acknowledges that even if the majority of a film is exceptional, a weak ending can tarnish the overall experience. Therefore, before embarking on a project, Nolan ensures that he has a solid understanding of the ending, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping the narrative and leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The Future of Theatrical Releases
Christopher Nolan shares his thoughts on the future of theatrical releases amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic. He believes that people will eventually return to movie theaters as the desire for the shared cinematic experience persists. However, he expresses concern about managing corporate expectations and balancing the needs of studios and exhibitors. Nolan emphasizes the importance of controlling the supply and demand of film releases, highlighting the significance of creating anticipation and allowing for cinematic experiences to unfold in a controlled manner.
Limits and Creativity
Despite working with larger budgets and expansive resources, Christopher Nolan explains that limitations still exist in filmmaking. He recognizes that there is never enough time or money and believes that these constraints are essential for fostering creativity and innovation. Nolan embraces the challenge of pushing the boundaries and maximizing the production value within the limitations, as it allows him to find unique and inventive solutions to bring his vision to life.
He very well may be the most important filmmaker working today, delivering challenging spectacles and awe-inspiring entertainments meant for the biggest screen possible. Christopher Nolan returns to the podcast this week as his film, "Tenet", finally becomes available for everyone in their comfort of their homes. In this chat, Christopher chats about the influence of Michael Mann and James Bond films on his work, the ambition of "Tenet", the bold performances of Heath Ledger and Tom Hardy in the Batman films, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices