Interstellar Preview/Thoughts

This isn't something I've ever done, but it's something I'd like to start doing a lot more. I want to talk about more than just the movies I see on this blog. In the future, I'll be reviewing trailers, video games, and just talking about movie news that I find interesting. The first of this new content is my thoughts on Christopher Nolan's latest project Interstellar.

Nolan is my favorite director, I'm just going to get that out right away. I've loved every film he's done, and I think he is not only one the great directing minds of this generation, but also of all-time. So, it goes without saying that I'm looking forward to this movie. It's my most anticipated movie of 2014, and each of the trailers that have been released so far have been awesome, especially the one that launched yesterday.

The thing that stands out right when the trailers begin is the look of the film. You can tell Nolan and his crew have taken the time to establish a distinct tone for the movie. For the sequences on Earth, there's a grainy feel to it. You really believe that this is a planet grasping at its last hopes of survival. In outer space, what we've seen of the effects are nothing short of gorgeous. Nolan's previous works have always been technically brilliant, so I can't say this is anything surprising. From the looks of it, there will be a myriad of breathtaking set pieces for our eyes to feed on, and I can't wait.

The cast list for Interstellar is as impressive as you'd expect from a Nolan project. He always surrounds himself with top-notch talent, and it's no different here. Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, Casey Affleck, and Topher Grace are some of the notable names in this movie, but, there are other great actors that are attached to the film that I didn't even mention.

If there's one thing Nolan has proved we can count on in his films, it's intellectual and emotional complexity. This is no Michael Bay romp. His movies actually expect you to pay attention. The director has said multiple times that he wants to treat the audience as if they have a brain and use it. Memento, The Prestige, and Inception - all of which are some of my favorite movies - are three examples from his filmography of unique, non-chronological narratives and films with moral and ethical dilemmas. His Batman trilogy is another example of the latter.

In addition to the more intellectual aspects of his films, Nolan also adds elements of pure entertainment. He knows that most people go to see films in order to be entertained. As I mentioned before, he makes sure the technical aspects of his movies are superb, including the action sequences and set pieces he films. Whether it's a truck getting flipped over in The Dark Knight, a hand-to-hand combat sequence in zero gravity in Inception, or the stunning opening sequence of The Dark Knight Rises, Nolan knows how to thrill the audience, and do it with style.

Now back to Interstellar. One thing that has got me very excited is Nolan's inspirations for the project. He has cited Close Encounters of the Third Kind, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Blade Runner as sources of inspiration. These are some of the greatest sci-fi films of all-time. The thought of Nolan taking hold of similar material to those movies literally makes my heart skip a beat.

So, the message to take away from this is that Interstellar needs to be on your radar. Whether you're a huge fan of Christopher Nolan's works like me or not, it is sure to be one of the most talked about films of 2014, and hopefully one of the best (I can't imagine it not being great). There's a great cast, and one of the best in the business behind the camera. I am preparing for thought-provoking themes bolstered by profound emotions and plenty of entertainment value. Is it November 7, yet?

I will be reviewing each film in Christopher Nolan's filmography up until the release of Interstellar. Just something to look out for from me. Expect my review of his movie Following sometime very soon. Thank you so much for reading! Make sure to come back for more stuff about movies!