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Christopher Nolan doesn't need an image to maintain; from Following (1998) to Oppenheimer (2023), fans know what's in store for them; his reputation precedes him. But why is it so? There might be a reason why, when we see his name popping up for a movie, all we think about is the details and accuracy of things that go into his films.
Nolan has an idea, at least he believes that might be the case. In July 2023, he appeared on Josh Horowitz's Happy Sad Confused podcast, where he explained,
"I hope it means a commitment to the technical side of the film, and to the the creative side that we're trying to make the best film possible. So I suppose, really, I mean I've always said, 'sincerity is the key thing of a filmmaker.'"
He is working on his next project, The Odyssey, which is the first time the filmmaking auteur is sailing his ship in mythological waters.
Oppenheimer actors were there for the film for it was a Christopher Nolan film
Fans know what to expect from a Nolan film, and so do the actors in the industry. There were a few who have worked before with the director, starting with Cillian Murphy, who collaborated the sixth time on the film, taking his first Oscar home with him for his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer.
Some other Nolan old-timers who made it to Oppenheimer's cast were Gary Oldman (Harry S. Truman), Kenneth Branagh (Niels Bohr), Matt Damon (Gen. Leslie Groves), and more. Although Michael Caine was absent here, marking it for the first time since Batman Begins (2005). The veteran actor has officially retired from acting, and Nolan said "he's always with us in spirit" for Oppenheimer.
Then comes our Nolan first-timers, where Robert Downey Jr., who has inscribed an irreplaceable name in the industry as the MCU's Iron Man, is on top and plays the supporting role of Rear Admiral Lewis Strauss. Like Murphy, he took his first Oscar to home. Emily Blunt too worked with the director for the first time and earned an Oscar nomination but lost to Zoe Saldana.
But what's interesting here is that Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, and Matt Damon, who usually charge $10 million to $20 million, took pay cuts just to get the privilege of working with the director. That's not all, Damon was going through couples therapy and was on a break from acting. But he had made exceptions for the Oppen-helmer.
Where does Nolan's inspiration come from?
This is a vast horizon to explore, but one of the biggest influences for him remains the works of the prints of graphic artist M.C. Escher; this, he once told Daily Beast. With context to filmmakers, he has mentioned Ridley Scott, Michael Mann, Quay Brothers, and more as some influences on his work.
And he has a special place for franchises like Fast & Furious too. Again, while appearing in the Happy Sad Confused in 2020, he told Josh that he has "a very soft spot for Tokyo Drift." Though he hasn't made a vast franchise like it, that is one of the things he believes is fun in it. Began from the streets; now they have reached the space; that does sound fun.
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