Bloodless is as good a description as any for Nolan’s films. And all bear repeated watching tho-you can’t possibly ingest all the subject matter AND great cinematic flair in one sitting. Hell I’m still trying to figure out Inception after 3 watches over the years. And not for nothing-Nolan’s version (per him) was inspired by a more recent, modern book adaptation of The Odyssey (I’ve forgotten the author’s name, sorry) which he then took his typical liberties with. As a wise man once said, (I paraphrase) if it doesn’t evolve, it dies.
Didn't even watch the Dark Knight a second time? Lol.
Agreed, though, once is enough. You make a really interesting point. I was effected by this movie, but it was in the strange, distant, intellectual way that I like to be effected. Fair is fair, though, I cried at the sad dog part.
I had a fairly similar reaction. I walked out saying it was a the greatest movie I only need to see one time. I’m so glad to have seen it, especially in a theater. And that’s enough.
I've haven't seen it yet, but I recently rewatched Interstellar and was surprised by how clunky I found the dialogue. Then I read a couple of pieces about The Odyssey in which the authors mentioned how bad Nolan is at dialogue. I'm curious what you thought about it in this movie.
Nolan was robbed of the best picture award, with Dunkirk losing out to that horrific The Shape Of Water. I will always cut him slack because of that fact alone, and he never fails to entertain me. I do understand the criticism's here, and Wilson's piece was an eye opener.
Still, I liked the movie overall, and I hope the interest in this film is a sign of things to come.
You are right on as usual. I have been trying hard to decide what I thought about the move and you summed it up. Now... down to business. Let's get that American Tragedy finished. It's been long enough just to get this book done. Really hoping you will pick another classic to read for us, and can't wait to see what it is. (I fear you are growing too tired and busy, but understand)
Thanks for mentioning how masculine Christopher Nolan’s movies are because I always feel that and don’t quite articulate it. I don’t need the male inner conflict turning to external violence narratives, but I do like the meditations on identity and memory.
I thought Interstellar was the sweet spot for looking at time and memory. I don’t quite want to watch it again but it’s going to stay with me. The ones I would watch again are Memento and Following before it. Hmm. I guess I enjoy watching men figure themselves out more than I enjoy speculation about space travel, terrestrial espionage via flying objects and climate change.
I haven’t seen The Odyssey yet, but I can not agree more with you on your take on Oppenheimer. Visually rich and technically well-done, but bloodless. I felt the same about Inception. And I also agree that we could use more Nolans making movies.
I felt depleted after watching it. Granted I had not studied Homer since my senior undergrad year which was 50 years ago. The story has been retold many different times in modern settings. I guess I got it. Guess being the operative word. It was a cinematic feat. No doubt about that. And I am glad I saw it. But, the ancient Greeks were an odd lot. Their legends, myths and religion were so barbaric and fantastical. Sometimes I find it strange to think a culture which gave use Socrates, Aristotle and Plato gave us crazy gods as well.
Greek mythology is no more odd, barbaric, or fantastical than other mythologies/religions (with some exceptions).
Judaism: God often wipes out huge numbers of people, including the entire world & all its life once. The Israelites commit genocide on not 1, but 7, peoples. A father throws his daughter out to be mercilessly gangraped by hundreds of crazed people. It doesn't get more barbaric than that.
& for the odd, crazy, & fantastical, we have burning bushes, parting seas, pillars of fire, water from stones (not blood though; there are limits 😀), snake staffs, etc., etc., etc.
To that Christianity adds virgin birth, resurrection, transmogrify, The Devil, etc., etc. Plus, a very spiritual, loving, peaceful, great leader (& man/god, like the pharaohs before him & royal leaders after him), who Christians say believing in is the most important thing to be able to call oneself a Christian. &, yet, many, if not most, "Christians" adamantly refuse to follow him, instead doing the polar opposite of what he believed. This is literally the opposite of believing in Jesus. This is closer to following an antichrist. If Jesus were alive today, Christianity would crucify him in a heartbeat, some of them just for being Jewish.
Most other mythologies/religions have just as odd, crazy, barbaric, & fantastical stories. So what's the problem with the Greeks? They're pretty similar to everyone else.
If I implied that the Greeks are more strange than the myths of religions today, I never meant to. Good grief, the crazy beliefs perpetuated today are maniacal. Greek/Roman religion just had many more gods. It is all nuts. Wow. You inferred incorrectly.
Mythology has its place. Especially Indigenous mythologies which, unlike later mythologies, teach about living in harmony with nature as opposed to trying to dominate it.
We even have modern day mythologies such as "The Lord of the Rings", "Harry Potter", & "Star Wars".
I have no problem with mythology/religion as long as it has positive effects instead of negative ones, &, as long as people don't take them literally, or too seriously.
The problems stem from believing blindly & righteously, & condemning anyone who believes differently.
If you're at all interested in mythology I highly recommend "Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth", with Bill Moyers. Both the PBS series & the book it spawned are fascinating & informative. They even cover "Star Wars".
Insomnia is outstanding; the only Nolan film i've enjoyed besides Memento. Not sure how much credit Nolan should get for its greatness though. Unique story, excellent writing, Robin Williams' best-ever performance, Al Pacino, Hillary Swank....
I typically agree with your insightful writing and accurate presentation of the world we inhabit. This post is no different with one exception: watching any Nolan film only once is bad form. I find Memento, The Prestige and Inception only get better with repeated viewings.
Bloodless is as good a description as any for Nolan’s films. And all bear repeated watching tho-you can’t possibly ingest all the subject matter AND great cinematic flair in one sitting. Hell I’m still trying to figure out Inception after 3 watches over the years. And not for nothing-Nolan’s version (per him) was inspired by a more recent, modern book adaptation of The Odyssey (I’ve forgotten the author’s name, sorry) which he then took his typical liberties with. As a wise man once said, (I paraphrase) if it doesn’t evolve, it dies.
Didn't even watch the Dark Knight a second time? Lol.
Agreed, though, once is enough. You make a really interesting point. I was effected by this movie, but it was in the strange, distant, intellectual way that I like to be effected. Fair is fair, though, I cried at the sad dog part.
I had a fairly similar reaction. I walked out saying it was a the greatest movie I only need to see one time. I’m so glad to have seen it, especially in a theater. And that’s enough.
I didn’t know what this was right away, and that image preview made me very uncomfortable.
Right on. Write on.
I've haven't seen it yet, but I recently rewatched Interstellar and was surprised by how clunky I found the dialogue. Then I read a couple of pieces about The Odyssey in which the authors mentioned how bad Nolan is at dialogue. I'm curious what you thought about it in this movie.
Nolan was robbed of the best picture award, with Dunkirk losing out to that horrific The Shape Of Water. I will always cut him slack because of that fact alone, and he never fails to entertain me. I do understand the criticism's here, and Wilson's piece was an eye opener.
Still, I liked the movie overall, and I hope the interest in this film is a sign of things to come.
You are right on as usual. I have been trying hard to decide what I thought about the move and you summed it up. Now... down to business. Let's get that American Tragedy finished. It's been long enough just to get this book done. Really hoping you will pick another classic to read for us, and can't wait to see what it is. (I fear you are growing too tired and busy, but understand)
Thanks for mentioning how masculine Christopher Nolan’s movies are because I always feel that and don’t quite articulate it. I don’t need the male inner conflict turning to external violence narratives, but I do like the meditations on identity and memory.
I thought Interstellar was the sweet spot for looking at time and memory. I don’t quite want to watch it again but it’s going to stay with me. The ones I would watch again are Memento and Following before it. Hmm. I guess I enjoy watching men figure themselves out more than I enjoy speculation about space travel, terrestrial espionage via flying objects and climate change.
I haven’t seen The Odyssey yet, but I can not agree more with you on your take on Oppenheimer. Visually rich and technically well-done, but bloodless. I felt the same about Inception. And I also agree that we could use more Nolans making movies.
Shout out Elliot Page 💕
I felt depleted after watching it. Granted I had not studied Homer since my senior undergrad year which was 50 years ago. The story has been retold many different times in modern settings. I guess I got it. Guess being the operative word. It was a cinematic feat. No doubt about that. And I am glad I saw it. But, the ancient Greeks were an odd lot. Their legends, myths and religion were so barbaric and fantastical. Sometimes I find it strange to think a culture which gave use Socrates, Aristotle and Plato gave us crazy gods as well.
Great review, Michael. Thank you.
Greek mythology is no more odd, barbaric, or fantastical than other mythologies/religions (with some exceptions).
Judaism: God often wipes out huge numbers of people, including the entire world & all its life once. The Israelites commit genocide on not 1, but 7, peoples. A father throws his daughter out to be mercilessly gangraped by hundreds of crazed people. It doesn't get more barbaric than that.
& for the odd, crazy, & fantastical, we have burning bushes, parting seas, pillars of fire, water from stones (not blood though; there are limits 😀), snake staffs, etc., etc., etc.
To that Christianity adds virgin birth, resurrection, transmogrify, The Devil, etc., etc. Plus, a very spiritual, loving, peaceful, great leader (& man/god, like the pharaohs before him & royal leaders after him), who Christians say believing in is the most important thing to be able to call oneself a Christian. &, yet, many, if not most, "Christians" adamantly refuse to follow him, instead doing the polar opposite of what he believed. This is literally the opposite of believing in Jesus. This is closer to following an antichrist. If Jesus were alive today, Christianity would crucify him in a heartbeat, some of them just for being Jewish.
Most other mythologies/religions have just as odd, crazy, barbaric, & fantastical stories. So what's the problem with the Greeks? They're pretty similar to everyone else.
If I implied that the Greeks are more strange than the myths of religions today, I never meant to. Good grief, the crazy beliefs perpetuated today are maniacal. Greek/Roman religion just had many more gods. It is all nuts. Wow. You inferred incorrectly.
Mythology has its place. Especially Indigenous mythologies which, unlike later mythologies, teach about living in harmony with nature as opposed to trying to dominate it.
We even have modern day mythologies such as "The Lord of the Rings", "Harry Potter", & "Star Wars".
I have no problem with mythology/religion as long as it has positive effects instead of negative ones, &, as long as people don't take them literally, or too seriously.
The problems stem from believing blindly & righteously, & condemning anyone who believes differently.
If you're at all interested in mythology I highly recommend "Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth", with Bill Moyers. Both the PBS series & the book it spawned are fascinating & informative. They even cover "Star Wars".
Insomnia is outstanding; the only Nolan film i've enjoyed besides Memento. Not sure how much credit Nolan should get for its greatness though. Unique story, excellent writing, Robin Williams' best-ever performance, Al Pacino, Hillary Swank....
You perfectly articulated how I feel about his films.
Your movie review is thoughtfully provocative, and your own example of "people making the kind of art only they can make."
But my favorite part is Heather Ledger. I know it's a typo, but really such a good one.
I typically agree with your insightful writing and accurate presentation of the world we inhabit. This post is no different with one exception: watching any Nolan film only once is bad form. I find Memento, The Prestige and Inception only get better with repeated viewings.