So I finally got the chance to watch Christopher Nolan’s first feature length film, and it’s undeniably fresh and what I would consider a must see!
It’s amazing that he’s able to generate such an intriguing story in only 70mins, which is by far, his shortest film, considering some of his films are just shy of 3 hours. Short and sweet, but what on earth is going on!?
Films that rattle your brain and chose to only show you the necessary bits are fascinating, because you want to keep watching and find out more. This story is no less fascinating than Memento, and if you’ve seen Memento, then you know what I’m talking about! Memento and Following, must be seen, at least once! The innovative story telling technique used in Following is something I want to see more, it’s basically a triple layered telling of events, very fascinating!
This film was extremely low budget, with film stock being the most expensive expense for the film, there wasn’t much room for error. Nolan would rehearse with his cast on the weekends, since all the cast had other full-time jobs. Only one or two takes were possible, considering Nolan was paying for the film himself! He also had to use natural light, since he didn’t have access to professional lighting equipment. Inspiration indeed, and what drive and motivation from this modern thinker!
The result is something akin to a Hitchcockian noir thriller, nothing short of slick and sophisticated.
I really find this still below awesome, because who would go on and direct the Batman movies?
If anything, I would have wanted this film to be longer, to draw out further into these unusual characters. The conclusion to the film, that you might not see coming, some will scoff at, but I thought it was genius and creative. This film may be considered one of the cheapest films ever made, but it’s heart and core and indeed rich.
TRIVIA COOKIES: John Nolan, Nolan’s uncle stars in this film, including in a number of other Nolan features.
The main protagonist uses an alias in one of the scenes, Danny Lloyd, this is also the name of Jack Nicholson’s son in The Shining. Nolan considers Stanley Kubrick to be one of his main influences. Interstellar is another testament to that fact!
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