The Missing Key to Understanding Christopher Nolan
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- čas přidán 30. 03. 2022
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About this video essay:
With Oppenheimer on the horizon, let’s take a closer at the filmography of Christopher Nolan through lens of philosopher Kierkegaard, subjectivism and how it ties into our concept of self.
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Following; Memento; Insomnia; Batman Begins; The Prestige; The Dark Knight; Inception; The Dark Knight Rises; Interstellar; Dunkirk; Tenet
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All of Nolan's protagonists spend the whole movie trying as hard as possible to create an airtight understanding of the world they can protect themselves in--until they are pushed to the hard limit of that understanding and have to come face to face with their own powerlessness, forcing them to make a *decision with out a known outcome.*
I think the reason his films are always moving is because he lets his characters go the absolute limit before they have to "bow before God", so to speak. It's one thing to say something like "the world is bigger than your understanding". It's another thing entirely to depict it, and make its implication really felt.
Nolan works for me because he's showing a spiritual mind inhabiting a rational-materialist perspective. It's sacred art for a secular age.
EDIT: Upon further thought, my comment is sort of just a restating of LSOO's video with a bit of my own spin. I kinda feel like a freeloader.
Summed up perfectly!
“It’s a sacred art for a secular age”.
C’mon man….
@@Americansikkunt oh hey Mr. Biden!
Fuck.. thats an amazing way to describe his movies.
@@Americansikkunt What.
I think Nolan’s themes are time/reality/identity, in all his movies we see ourselves, we see our struggles, our pain and we see his characters break free. I often leave the theater with a sense that I am leaving with more power and knowledge to solve my own issues. It could be that the film just allowed a short relief from life.
ABSOLUTELY THIS !
Omg, I totally feel the same way when I leave the theater! So true how you put it, thanks for sharing! It helped sort out my thoughts!
It's not 'knowledge', it's a realisation of reality. Belief (ideas) are what drive us.
I agree with the overall sentiment but to touch more on the first part.
I think its his understanding and use of time that marries the art of film to the story and storytelling itself.
If I were to make an analogy to another of my favorite filmmaker’s, it’s like how in Arrival, the protagonist’s mind experiences time differently as a result of “learning a new language” and to an extremely similar degree I’d say Nolan’s teaching us that actual language. Like if you know that there’s a solution to a massive problem you can keep moving toward it in your mind’s eye. Just add time. Everything’s connected and things can fall into place with a certain rhythm at specific intervals.
All movies work on the same underlying patterns Time being the most common. Philosophy is part of this, but it’s not the directly underlying force behind a director’s work. Its part of the storytelling structure “Once Upon A Time.” “…ever after” It’s just part of any work of art that tries to be relevant to the human experience of life. This vid is a common misconception that has been popularized by people’s interest in coincidental images that sometimes evokes familiar patterns (ex. 9 11, All seeing eye images, various symbols.)
I dont think there is another channel on youtube that is able to speak so eleqountly and directly to my soul and to what I'm feeling at the moment. Its as if every video you upload comes at the perfect time. Thank you for your work and for genuinely expanding on my sense of self and the world.
Amen brother!
I had to watch this twice before I actually liked it, even though I wanted to from the beginning. It's the context which begins at 17:19 that cements everything previous and makes the rest of the video worth watching again.
Agree
I've been having the same experience as you. "Each upload arrives at the perfect time." ha ha. Amazing.
Yes
One more interesting common thing in Nolan's films is that, along with the protagonist, there's a character, who constantly tries to question their motives, and their ideology of what they want to achieve.
The protagonist always tries to justify with objective reality, but when they're at a roadblock they can't seem to pass, this 'other' character helps in clearing the path, directly or indirectly, to make the "Leap of Faith".
Hi Rama, could you give an example of the 'other' character and the protagonist hitting a roadblock e.g. in Inception, Interstellar and Tenet?
@@matejferenc3402 I'm not Rama but I think I understand their point. Ariadne in Inception, knowing the truth about Mal and how Cobb wanted the dream to be reality, she shoots Mal and helps Cobb get over that roadblock.
In the dark knight trilogy, it's Alfred in each movie except the last, where it's that guy that sounds suspiciously like Alfred at the bottom of the pit. In Batman Begins, Bruce's mansion burns down, and he thought that was somehow symbolic of his parent's legacy, Alfred reminds him that it is him. In the Dark Knight, Rachel dies, and she was acting as his moral compass. Alfred is the one to tell him to "burn the forest down", and in a way reorienting his morality. In the Dark Knight Rises, Bruce thinks he's going to die in the pit, until his new Alfred and the blind guy tell him of a child that got out.
@@midafcodm Thanks for the reply and clarification! I think I get it now, and so then e.g. in Inception Cobb is able to, instead of searching for some objective reality, take the leap of faith into his subjective reality and choosing what is important for him ie. to be with his kids instead of knowing what's real and what a dream as in the final scene with the totem spinning and the movie cut, sort of showing us audience that it does not matter anymore if he is in reality or a dream as he chose his own subjective reality. Is that correct?
In the movie TENET it's Neal who helps the Protagonist.
@@Young_Dab And in The Dark Knight Trilogy, I suppose it was Alfred who challenged Bruce's conviction.
Seriously people don't appreciate these hidden philosophical conflicts in Nolan's movies. Brilliant video 👏👏❤️🤩
I disagree, I think most people see them. But I think some people are turned off and some people are intrigued
I never clicked on a notification that fast....thanks for making this. Nolan is one of the most brave if not best filmmaker of our time. In times when everyone tries to play safe with formulated films , nolan challenge himself every time and try to push his boundaries every time.
*Technically.
Noland movies are often super shallow when it comes to their actual stories, characters and themes.
@@saladinnausicaa2759 as i said he is not one of the best but most brave , there's a difference. And he sometimes fails due to achieve something new. Even great filmmakers like David fincher, tarantino, villeneuve doesn't take risk and make similar kind of movies....
@@tarunindoriya902 yeah they make better ones. On every single level conceivable
@@saladinnausicaa2759 I mean, no? Inception is hilariously complex. I always thought it was different
@@saladinnausicaa2759 for you.
What you said about Nolan's films being about epistemology rather than ontology perhaps dismantles my long held view about his filmography. It opened up a new window through which I need to look at Nolan's works. Thank you for this revelation !
Christopher Nolan is one of our most unique directors. Thank you, Tom.
What I've always loved about Nolan's films was that within the grand scheme of things, the over the top world building and complexities, there always is at the core, love. The love of a father for his daughter, a man for his wife, a father for his kids etc
Wow, this is one of very few videos on CZcams that gets Kierkegaard "leap of faith" or more accurately "leap into faith" right. It's something I would never have thought in Nolan's films but you make it seem so obvious here. Excellent work.
I hope Nolan sees this. Your grasp on his work, the way you articulate the tragic beauty of those themes that all great artists grapple with are as resonant and cathartic to me as my favourite films, paintings, even music
What you do here matters, LSO. It does to me, anyway.
And to me.
And me too
“So, do you want to take a leap of faith?
Or become an old man filled with regrets waiting to die alone.” This phrase hits deep…. It is indeed an encouragement to live passionately engaged with life
I knew you would bring up Oppenheimer, but that caught me off guard, hearing the cracks then voice of Oppenheimer, that sounds like he is both amazed and haunted by his creation
Oppenheimer is a great subject for Nolan because his most famous quote is itself a quotation from the Baghavad Gita, which can be read as expressing the same point as Nolan's movies (as posited in this video essay). That is to say, objective reality does not exist and cannot be known, only glimpsed, but that it is nonetheless required of us to participate in the subjective reality we experience, and play an active role in it where our principles and personal duties demand it.
Thank you for helping me understand why I consistently keep com8ng back to Nolan films for an escape when I’m tired of examining my own problems
These essays helped me look at film another way. Not to find just self-indulgent mindless entertainment but a story that has a message. One that challenges my beliefs and prejudices. Thank you for that.
I hope that Oppenheimer will be about long-term thinking, and how to care about futures beyond what you yourself could be a part of. Nolan has explored similar concepts before, but never from our own history. Never with the frame of reference that we can verify because we, the audience, do live beyond Oppenheimer's lifespan.
Am I the only one who watches films and tv shows for this exact reason, to understand the underlying themes and character motives, and the lessons they want us to capture?
Seeing the work of Nolan narrated by you, reliving the memories, emotions that I had during each movie, was a transformative experience. Colliding with the philosophical motive had me all in tears. Thank you.
Oh man. Every time, this channel simply blows me away with insights I never knew existed with movies I know and love for a long time. This is art.
Your videos are so well put together and offer such deep insight that I feel like I'm learning something important and life affirming in every one.
Thank you for this essay.
To me, at heart, Nolan movies are about unintended consequences. That our decisions are nothing but bets on the future, based upon what we know NOW. That despite our best efforts and intentions, there's always the chance of screwing up. Because of everything that we don't know YET.
His works are a love letter to everyone to embrace this fundamental nature of not-knowing, not-understanding, not-being-able-to-predict the outcome as humans. And approach each other with a more profound understanding that we are, by design, not able to wield the future. But meet each other in more sustainable ways in the present.
With kindness. To make tomorrow better than today. Because the only thing we can influence, is the present moment. And what we do with it. NOW. It matters. The most.
Kindness is only a 1 factor of the grand equation.
You make the movies to talk to each other quite literally, with their own dialogues. That's the touch of a master, my friend.
thinking back, the similaities between nolans different movies are surprisingly large in amount. the concept of taking a leap of faith is obviously present in each one. it was satisfying to come to that realization. great vid!
Love how Nolan is fan of Terrence Malick and how Kierkegaard is the center of both filmmakers.
Wtf how did this make me tear up…
Thank you for making this. No one’s unpacked the power of Nolan’s message for me like you have. There’s so much hope in this.
As in one sort of a dream i saw, a world of beings, serving a greater purpose together, knowing that they are on a road to finding even bigger mystery of creation, learning and walking a path, a school of lessons, a way to know who you really are, knowing along the way that we are not alone on this journey, we have friends who are same as us, almost our reflection, a mirror we can use to love ourselves and otherselves.
The editing and script on this video is beyond good. Thanks for making this. Nolan is the the greatest director in the past 20 years. No other director takes me on a journey like he does.
This was so elegant.
This video hits me deep. I’m currently in a state that you’ve presented in the beginning of the video. I’ve never looked at Nolan in a way to help me get out of my search for objective reality but rather get me into more and more of it. You’ve pointed out beautifully how Nolan wants to wake up calling me out of this depreessing state. Thank you 🙏
I don’t know how and why CZcams find me with your video, but this is the best vid I have seen on CZcams by all means. Your explanation and all these clips hit me deeply, recall my memory, make me all in tears. Thank you for making this video.
The way you select and edit the movie scenes into the talk are amazing, it has such a natural flow to it. It also serves as another reminder of how lucky we are to have a director making such brilliant and thought-provoking movies.
Time for another Nolan binge-watch!
Be sure to subscribe to my new podcast Cinema of Meaning where, next week, Thomas Flight and I do a full breakdown of Nolan's latest movie Tenet! Of course, if you're on Nebula, you can already listen to that episode right now: nebula.tv/cinemaofmeaning Thanks!
I'm sure Acorn TV is fabulous, but nobody out Nolans Nolan.
When I discovered that you and Flight were creating a podcast together, the top of my head exploded. Two of the best cinematic content creators conversing, how lucky are we?
Next do Zack Snyder's philosophy.
This reminds me of the 12 Monkeys television show where love even if erased from the time line that happened, the wrongs done that are undone are still wrongs done. Also a good series to derive philosophical tidbits from in my opinion.
reclaim the *Scapegoat* or remain lost in fake is.Real and Love is not pretending!
The analogy on subjectivity and Oppenheimer's work is just perfect. He didn't create the bomb for the best interest of the world, he created the bomb out of fear, and consequently he ended up materializing what he feared most.
I was always wondering if anyone else would “discover” the nuclear bomb if Oppenheimer didn’t do it.
@@die8quadratmeter it was not just oppenheimer lol
I don't think it was purely out of fear. He is a scientist so I imagined a good part of it was interest. Listen to Feynman on this... He says that everyone was aiming to create it because they thought Germans must be defeated, but nobody questioned whether they should continue after the German's fell... And the Japanese were going to fall within a matter of time as well. Though I don't know what others think on the matter.
@@ssssssstssssssss It was a cacophony of misplaced fear. The German Nazis were never intending to take over the world, that is an a historical lie.
I really think Oppenheimer will bring Nolan's philosophy full circle
Your videos are so great. You are able to articulate concepts and philosophies underlying films so beautifully. I have read so many books you cited or noted that are so great. The Wild Edge of Sorrow is such a beautiful book that not a lot of people recommend or discuss.
Man, I love your essays. The are not only intellectually stimultating but also emotionally engaging. Nolan is indeed a man searching for answers, knowing that in order to know more, you have to trust your guts first and then seek such answers even if reality itself will always be full of uncertainty. What's not to love about it!
Very well done, and helpful! Helps me appreciate Nolan even more than I already have, and tie themes together across movies. I would love to what he could do with a James Bond movie.
This is fantastic, man. Well done. And you introduced me to a Nolan movie I somehow missed! Never knew Pacino and Nolan worked together! Can’t wait to watch it. Thank you, and excellent job once again.
Finally, ive been waiting for you to cover nolan!
Thank you for all the great videos, work and words. I love your way of presenting it. Keep going 🖤
I find your videos so meditative and inspiring. While watching them, I start to write poetry and reflect deeply on existence and its multitude of aspects. Thank you for your, and I do not use this word often, genius. You add value and gain insight into the art of others with your perceptive and intellectually stimulating discussions which is so absent in so much media. You dig deep beneath the surface of all you analyze and connect ideas with elegance. I am astonished by your fluency of language and thought and the way your videos are crafted.
Man... this was so well made... literally one of my favorite videos on CZcams. thanks for making it 🙏
This has to be one of the best case studies Ive seen on YT in a loong loong loong time. Amzing work!!!
Bro your videos are just amazing. Thanks for all the time and effort you put in.
This was mind blowing! Thank you so much for making this. Sharing this, discovering this and editing all these amazing films together and digging into the depths of Nolans mind. Wow this is breath taking.
It’s not just your analysis that goes deeper. Your choice of the visuals to accompany the words… breathtaking. I’m in awe of the amount of time and effort you put into this and other videos. Kudos!
Your channel is full of masterpieces just like the artists you discuss. I love what you do. I find I re- watch a lot of your content on a daily basis 👍
As usual, excellent video. I am loving your Podcast and the camaraderie between You and Thomas is excellent. I hope you guys cover Nolan or his specific films on the podcast in the future. 😁👍
Instantly clicked to watch, you are truly a wonder LSOO, love your videos man, this is the highest quality work found in CZcams
One of my favorite youtubers, talking about one of my favorite directors, highlighting my favorite philosopher... huh maybe that’s not a coincidence. Thank you for making connections between Nolan and Kierkegaard that I never realized!
This video essay is wonderfully put together and beautifully articulated. Nolan's films are an experience that go beyond pure entertainment (not that there's anything wrong with just entertaining audiences). It's an exploration of truth and reality, and the nature of things we rarely dwell upon. Videos like this are similar, so thank you
Dude, that was amazing... Looking forward to have so time and enjoy the rest of your videos. Thank you!
The only videos i watch that i find truly enjoyable, present throughout and not waiting for the end to watch another video just to wait until the end haha. Thankyou for making these! 🙌🏼✌🏼
Masterfully crafted video sir, also I deeply appreciated that you talked about Kierkegaard and existentialism and didn't stay stuck on the surface level.
Your work keeps getting better and better. Keep pushing yourself Tom.
Love these videos! They provide such an excellent view of the philosophical aspects of movies. Also love the new podcast!
Didn't know I needed this, but I most definitely did.
Thanks. Of dankjewel...
Kierkegaard was an early philosophical passion, reading his diaries at 15, over 30 years ago. Not only did you shine a light on Nolan's work, but now I can watch his creations again to look back at Søren from a very interesting angle...
This video essays keep getting better and better.
The editing was on point. I was tearing up at the end!
Oh my lord what an absolute treat. I look forward to each of these the second the previous one ends. I started reading ulrich bech bc of this channel and it makes me so excited to finish school so I can spend my time reading and watching the influences behind these beautiful ass essays
Wow, I loved how you made the point that by holding onto faith or belief one endows life, pursuits, relationships, and accomplishments, with meaning. Endowd with purpose.
Great essay, possible the best exploration of Nolan’s ideas that I have seen. Thank you
Exceptionally written. A very strong analysis that feels far more potent than the average conversation with someone else who has seen these films. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. They are rich.
Just brilliant, another profoundly moving and insightful analysis. I’m so glad you are putting your brilliance out into the world. Thank you thank you. 🙏🏻💛
Thank you for this beautifully crafted video! Nolan certainly captures philosophy and the distortion of reality with mastery
Something expanded in me. I feel a sense of relief. Thank you.
This is gonna be some deep shit.
I just want to thank you for creating this channel and making these videos, Is helping me a lot
You’ve outdone yourself in this one my guy! I had a feeling that I’m actually watching documentary made by Nolan!
And when I saw the original Oppenheimer clip at the end.. I had goosebumps! Transcending Experience and Extraordinary Narrative.
incredible dissection, presentation and video essay overall. This was incredible and you have earned a sub!
Thank you. This channel is the greatest on CZcams. It has helped me get through many hard times. Love your voice as well as the content.
You know, I'm newbie science fiction writer working on my first novel in my anthology, and from my team (co-writer, artist...) i heard a lot that my stories and vision is so much similar to nolan and his brother, and that frustrated me SOOO MUCH. Because I feel I'm not original enough or what is the point of writing when someone is already on that path.
But your videos about Nolan's movies showed me the reason of that similarity, THEME and PHILOSOPHY.
Now, I'm not mad at my self. Now I know a path can be taken in different ways.
THANK YOU
I never cried while watching a youtube video essay, but YOU ARE THE MOST TALENTED AND WORTHY CHANNEL ON CZcams. thank you!
Wow, I always loved the nolan movies, but you just connected them in a way, that shines a light on much more than just his works. It means so much to me. And kudos, by the way, your editing the structure of your videos is very powerful, as well.
Can’t believe this was made 2 weeks ago - as the grand master pieces, feels it has centuries. Thank you for making it accessible for the normal viewer, I feel this was life explained to a 20 year old. One more subscriber, hoping for more video essays
I love this video. I think it perfectly sums up what draws many people to Nolan films. He makes movies for conflicted people that feel powerless in an overwhelming powerful world.
I feel so seen
I once read an article about Leo's character in inception and the ending of the movie. He lets go of his obsession throughout the movie with the spinning top and instead enjoys just being with his children. The point is, he doesn't care anymore about what the ACTUAL reality is. He is just happy and accepts the moment he is in. If it feels real and he enjoys that moment, then who cares if it's objectively real?
I adore Nolan’s work. The depth, subtly and care with you’ve spoken of his work was a beautiful thing. Thank you for upload.
This was not just a detailed explanation to Nolan Movies. A open understanding of ourselves, our thoughts. Deep evaluation of the meaning of existence and life. The connection of everything in this world. Question of reality and faith. You did a wonderful job. Bringing meaning to things as shown in this video is justified with your work. Keep going ❤️
Thank you for another amazing essay related to movies (and one of my favourite director)!
I love you man. Needed this video tonight
It made me cry, this one really hits home. Thank you
brilliant! thanks for helping me understand and appreciate his works even more
this is why i like his movies best. the reason why i watch nolan’s movies because he knows how to make the audience use both their emotional and rational thinking simultaneously at the same time. questioning the audience’s subjective reality, makes the ones who watch the movie intrigued, wondering, “what do i know about this [movie]?” “how does the reality goes on like that in this [movie]?” “what do i gain from this [movie]?” and then we got the objective reality [answer] from the outcomes after all events that overlapped from one to another. thus, the answers [objective reality] instead of mocking our questions-the inability to see the bigger picture than the eyes of the beholder-guiding us and makes us see the reality more clearly, enrich us with the understandings of the objectivity that meets the reality of us. it’s not like despise the one and stand with the other, but stands on both reality. by this being said, christopher nolan has an effect to his audience-one way or another-whether they know it or not.
and it still amazes me to this day that he graduated from english literature which speaks volume about his works: when art meets the mechanism, it creates something wonderful and poetic.
“Are you watching closely?”
Yes, that’s why I’m here at 5 views.
Possibly favorite video yet. The bar is so high
Great post my friend. I always enjoy all the material you are posting here. Stay safe, free, happy and healthy.
Your philosophical approach to Christopher Nolans movies was thought provoking, and captivating. Well done!
Impressive analysis! I’ve learned a lot here. Thank you for this
This is quite brilliant. Thank you. On point and important.
watched memento when i was in highschool . i remembered being confused and amazed all at the same time. until now i cant forget that great movie
Call it God, The Universe, Syncronicity... I'm not sure exactly but your videos have a pattern of appearing in my life when I need them the very most. Not the first time I've been reduced to tears by your work. Thank you.
Well done! Best break down on Nolan I seen and I am a 10 year dedicated fan.
Jesus, seldom i have difficulties to close a video when i don't have time for it, but just the amazing scenic nature of nolans films, and your editing skills that cut to the perfect frame made it impossible
I love Nolan and watched all his movies at least once. This was an amazing summary of the hidden meaning of all his movies and helped me a lot in my view about my own writings. Thank you very much
Never has a voice fitted a person's appearance better. And, another masterful analysis and presentation.
That certainly improved Tenet as a film for me.
what an enlighting video .. every time a watch a nolan movie, i learn something new about the movie and his methods of story telling, this video sums up everything.
Almost perfect. I wouldn't say "what they want to believe in", but rather "what they believe in". there's a huge difference. Also, not "choose to believe", but "believe".
Well edited, some nice information.
Beautiful essay, really enjoyed it!