Founders – #313 Christopher Nolan

Intro

In this episode of the “Founders” podcast, the hosts discuss the life and career of renowned filmmaker Christopher Nolan. From his obsession and commitment to his films to his unique approach to storytelling, Nolan’s journey to becoming a highly successful director is explored. The episode also touches on the importance of personal vision, the impact of technology on creativity, and the influence of past filmmakers on Nolan’s work.

Main Takeaways

Christopher Nolan’s Obsession and Commitment

• Nolan’s obsession and commitment to his films are key factors in his success.
• He believes that if you’re obsessed with what you’re making, you can make other people obsessed with it too.
• Nolan puts everything into his films and believes that every film he makes has to be the best film that’s ever been made.

Nolan’s Unique Approach to Filmmaking

• Nolan is known for being a franchise unto himself and for having large, original ideas for his films.
• He prefers to live and work in an analog world, believing that technology overstimulates and hinders imagination.
• Nolan’s desire to live and work in an analog world is his version of “mute the world and then build your own”.

Influence and Inspiration

• Nolan is constantly influenced and inspired by past filmmakers, and ensures his team watches the same material to have a shared base of knowledge.
• Ideas can brew for decades, as seen in Nolan’s use of an idea from a movie released in 1982 for his 2010 film Inception.
• Nolan’s work is heavily influenced by his favorite novels, literature, past films, and art.

Nolan’s Creative Process and Control

• Nolan is relentlessly resourceful and wants to maintain control over his projects.
• He prefers to work within the studio system without giving in to demands that compromise his vision.
• Nolan insists on working with film rather than digitizing the negative and editing electronically like most of the industry.

Christopher Nolan’s Legacy

• Nolan’s films have a dreamlike quality that allows viewers to make connections and find hidden meanings.
• He runs his career as a family business, with his wife as his partner and his kids on set.
• Nolan’s passion for cinema and belief in the job of directing are evident in his work.

Summary

Christopher Nolan’s Obsession and Commitment

Christopher Nolan’s success as a filmmaker can be attributed to his obsession and commitment to his films. He believes that by being obsessed with what he’s making, he can make others obsessed with it too. Nolan puts everything into his films, striving to make each one the best film that’s ever been made.

Nolan’s Unique Approach to Filmmaking

Nolan is known for being a franchise unto himself, with large, original ideas for his films. He prefers to live and work in an analog world, believing that technology overstimulates and hinders imagination. His desire to create in an analog world is his way of “muting the world and then building his own”.

Influence and Inspiration

Nolan draws inspiration from past filmmakers and ensures his team watches the same material to have a shared base of knowledge. Ideas can brew for decades, as seen in his use of an idea from a movie released in 1982 for his 2010 film Inception. His work is heavily influenced by his favorite novels, literature, past films, and art.

Nolan’s Creative Process and Control

Nolan is relentlessly resourceful and strives to maintain control over his projects. He prefers to work within the studio system without compromising his vision. Unlike most of the industry, he insists on working with film rather than digitizing the negative and editing electronically.

Christopher Nolan’s Legacy

Nolan’s films have a dreamlike quality that allows viewers to make connections and find hidden meanings. He runs his career as a family business, with his wife as his partner and his kids on set. His passion for cinema and belief in the job of directing are evident in his work.

Conclusion

Christopher Nolan’s obsession, unique approach to filmmaking, and relentless pursuit of creative control have made him one of the most successful directors of our time. His films captivate audiences with their dreamlike quality and hidden meanings. Nolan’s legacy is not only in his body of work but also in his commitment to his craft and his belief in the power of cinema.