Christopher Nolan’s directorial path in the past decade has been exceptionally distinct, making him stand out in the cinematic field. Known for his intricate narratives and grand visual spectacle, Nolan’s approach to filmmaking is often marked by a set of strict rules that guide his creative process. ForInterstellar, his sci-fi masterpiece from 2014, Nolan abandoned his usual directorial approach, particularly for the film’s most emotionally stirring moments.
Matthew McConaughey leadsInterstellar, a film that ventures into outer space’s vast regions and delves into the nuances of time distortion. The character of Cooper, a father and portrayed by McConaughey inInterstellar, embarks on a space mission and learns that time flows uniquely for him, unlike for his children on Earth. This narrative decision lays the groundwork for touching episodes that underscore the film’s main theme – the everlasting connection between a parent and their offspring.
Christopher Nolan Shines a Light
Interstellar
In a conversation withThe Atlantic, Nolan shared insights into the filming of a scene where Cooper watches videos of his children, who have aged significantly in his absence. This scene stands out in Nolan’s oeuvre for its raw emotional impact, achieved by breaking two of his filmmaking principles. First, Nolan chose to film McConaughey’s close-up reactions before shooting the wider shots – a reversal of the conventional shooting order. McConaughey was seeing the video messages for the first time, ensuring his reactions were genuine and unfiltered. The result was a performance of such vulnerability that Nolan decided to use the second take, considering the first too intense. Nolan stated:
The wonderful truth is that it was in my brother’s script, and one of the things that made me want to do the film. As a parent, it seemed like such a powerful story moment. It was always the north star of the film, this beautiful sequence —and some of the actual words in the script, the specifics of what was said in the messages, never changed.
We filmed McConaughey’s reaction first, in close-up. You never do that in a scene. You start with a wide shot and then warm up. But he hadn’t seen the video messages — we’d filmed them all in advance, so that everything would be there in the moment—and he wanted to give us his first reaction. We shot it twice close-up, and I think I used the second one, because the first one was too raw. Then we shot the monitors, and the wider shots, and put it together.
Another notable deviation was Nolan’s treatment of Hans Zimmer’s musical score. The music, described whimsically by Zimmer as an “organ doodle,” hadn’t found its place in the movie until this scene. Nolan and his editor, Lee Smith, discovered that playing it as a diegetic sound, stopping abruptly with the end of the video messages, created an immersive experience. This choice broke the fourth wall in a subtle way, a technique Nolan typically avoids, but which he found fitting for this particular moment. He revealed:
The last piece of the puzzle was a beautiful piece of music by Hans Zimmer that hadn’t really found a place in the film. I think he literally referred to it as “organ doodle.” My editor, Lee Smith, and I tried playing it just while we were in the room playing a cut, and we both felt that it was devastating. The other thing we did, which I don’t think I’ve done in any of my other films, is to treat the music as a diegetic sound: When the messages stop, the music stops. It almost breaks the fourth wall, and it’s not the sort of thing that I like to do, but it felt perfect and apt for that moment.
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Christopher Nolan is widely considered to be one of the best filmmakers working today, though not all of his films have been box office hits.
Beyond the Stars: The Intimate Emotional Journey in Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar
Beyond its technical achievements,Interstellaris a film that thrives on its emotional depth,contrasting its grandiose visualand scientific elements. The story’s emotional foundation is built upon the bond between Cooper and his children, a reflection of the broader parent-child relationship. As Cooper journeys through the vastness of space, he remains anchored by his connection to his family. This juxtaposition of the infinite universe with the intimate human experience adds a layer of complexity to the film.
Despite the film’s reliance on extensive CGI andZimmer’s powerful score, it is these quieter, more human moments that leave a lasting impression. They bring a sense of reality and relatability to the otherwise fantastical narrative. Nolan’s willingness to adapt his directorial approach for the sake of these emotional beats is a testament to his commitment to storytelling. It’s these moments of vulnerability and heartfelt connection that imbueInterstellarwith its true power, ensuring its place not just as a visually stunning piece of cinema, but as a moving exploration of the human spirit.
Interstellarstands as a prime example of Nolan’s directorial prowess, blending his penchant for grand storytelling with an unexpected tenderness. Nolan’s choice to adjust his filmmaking techniques allowed him to depict the parent-child bond inInterstellarin a way that transcended the genre of science fiction, presenting a touching study on love, bereavement, and the unyielding progression of time.
And if you’re a fan of Christopher Nolan, check out this video essay on the overarching philosophy of his films:
