Interstellar proves Christopher Nolan’s biggest critics wrong

As a dedicated film enthusiast and parent myself, I find myself deeply moved by Christopher Nolan’s heartfelt exploration of family bonds in Interstellar. The character of Murph, initially conceived as a son in Jonathan Nolan’s script, was transformed into a daughter by Christopher, reflecting his own personal experience as a father.

This week marks the 10th anniversary of Interstellar’s release, and instead of praising it as an outstanding film, I will explain why this science fiction masterpiece silences its harshest critics who question Christopher Nolan’s talent.

Christopher Nolan is among the most prosperous film directors ever, earning over $6 billion worldwide from his 12 films.

I’ve truly hit the jackpot as a gamer in the movie world! My latest creation, Oppenheimer, has struck gold both commercially and critically, raking in close to a billion dollars and scooping up an impressive seven Academy Awards. That’s Oscar glory right there!

However, throughout his career, Nolan is often recognized for creating films that appear impersonal, devoid of emotional depth, and sometimes aloof.

Interstellar proves Christopher Nolan’s biggest critics wrong

Time after time, I’ve noticed constructive feedback popping up in various forms – be it in reviews, interviews, or intense discussions among fellow enthusiasts on Reddit. Sometimes the opinions align with mine, while other times they challenge my perspective, sparking thought-provoking debates about the subject at hand.

In a predominantly favorable review from 2014, The New York Times noted that in several of his films, the human connections often seem to be given less focus or attention.

Some of his work does hold true to this, but at certain points, it seems like the style is tailored to fit the subject matter. For instance, Nolan’s early films – Following, Memento, and Insomnia – are all neo-noirs, a genre that isn’t known for emotional expressiveness.

The style of a movie can be just as crucial as its content, and often the main characters are depicted as tough, tormented, compulsive, and morally complex, which might not fit with comforting or affectionate storylines.

Batman doesn’t exactly go around giving hugs, considering he’s a man who devotes his nights to combating crime while wearing a large bat costume.

However, putting Lego Batman to one side, I’d contend that Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy offers the most relatable portrayal of the character on screen. The bond between Bruce Wayne and Alfred is deeply moving, and crucial to the series ending with a heart-wrenching finale.

Alfred spots Bruce at the end of Dark Knight Rises

At certain instances, constructive criticism holds merit, as exemplified in the movie Inception, where Marion Cotillard portrays a character who serves as the “fridged” spouse by frequently reappearing to provide the main character with a sense of empathy and humanness.

2014’s “Interstellar” was the film where I found myself completely captivated, not because it lacked emotion or depth, but rather because it overflowed with both, all nestled within an unforgettable, larger-than-life cinematic journey.

The plot concerns mankind facing extinction, so sending scientists into space in search of habitable planets. This means that Nolan can play with both time and cutting edge practical effects, which are two of his great passions.

The tale of an apocalypse requires precision, and the script, a collaborative effort by him and his brother Jonathan, achieves this by emphasizing the relationship between protagonist Joseph Cooper and his daughter Murphy Cooper.

Drawing from personal life, much like Christopher Nolan shared, I found myself deeply inspired by our bond, since my own child, similar to the character Murph, is around the same age. In an earlier draft penned by my brother, this role belonged to a son. However, as I was crafting it, I chose to reimagine it as a daughter, as Flora, who was roughly her age at that time, played a significant part in my creative process.

Over the years as my children matured, I found myself yearning to preserve the past. It’s hard not to feel wistful about how quickly time passes. Many parents share this sentiment, and they all understand its bittersweet nature. The creation of ‘Interstellar’ was deeply rooted in these personal experiences.

Christopher Nolan shares the reason behind making Murph, a female character in Interstellar, instead of the originally male character as written by his brother Jonathan Nolan:
— Christopher Nolan Art & Updates (@NolanAnalyst) February 27, 2024

At the outset of the story, the Nolans casually establish their connection as both friends and family members. Cooper treats Murph with respect, engaging her in science conversations when she suspects a ghost in her bookshelf, and giving her the autonomy to change topics while they’re driving his truck.

In the role I find myself, Murph whips up a meal for me and conceals herself within that old truck whenever I set off on a fact-finding journey. It grates my nerves a bit, but it also swells my heart with pride. To put it straight, I’d gladly sit through an entire film chronicling this father-daughter duo as they delve into the mysteries of the supernatural.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t happen as planned, and they part with tears when he departs for space. The moment becomes excruciating for Murph when she understands that Coop is unaware of his return date, causing her to refrain from offering a formal goodbye.

Let me tell you, nothing prepares you for the twist that unfolds about an hour into the game. You see, due to a mission gone wrong, Coop suddenly finds himself losing 23 years, 4 months, and 8 days. This unfortunate turn of events results in him receiving two decades worth of video messages from his son, a bittersweet reminder of the time he’s missed.

At the outset, Coop presents a series of events, and through an emotionally charged portrayal by Matthew McConaughey, we witness the raw feelings of a father observing his son grow up, discover love, have a child, and tragically lose that child.

In due course, the matured Murph makes an appearance, labels him as a rascal, and proposes that since they’re now of equal age, it might be appropriate for him to come back.

Tears are now streaming down Coop’s cheeks as he realizes the error of his ways, and if they aren’t cascading down yours, I’d suggest you are the one who’s cold and unemotional.

Without a doubt, the movie stumbles slightly towards the end when Cooper encounters old Murph in 2156. Instead of a heartfelt reunion, they exchange an unexpectedly brief “hello” and Coop departs for another journey.

However, it was the profound bond that drew him back, transcending both time and distance, all thanks to a collection of books. Although the events leading up to this moment are crucial, it’s Christopher Nolan’s masterful storytelling that highlights the deep connection between father and daughter, demonstrating how love with such intensity can change the fate of the world.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Interstellar will be screened in selected US cities from December 6 for a week. You can find the specifics here. For more information on director Christopher Nolan, delve into our Oppenheimer coverage, discover what’s known about his upcoming movie, and learn why he aspires to create a horror film someday.

2024-11-08 12:48

Interstellar proves Christopher Nolan’s biggest critics wrong

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