Renowned filmmaker Christopher Nolan has recently expressed his interest in venturing into the horror genre, as long as there is a captivating concept to work with. During a conversation at London's British Film Institute (BFI), Nolan engaged with a captivated audience and addressed the possibility of making a horror film. He stated that his upcoming project, 'Oppenheimer,' contains elements of horror that he believes are appropriate for the subject matter. Nolan finds horror films intriguing due to their reliance on cinematic devices that evoke visceral responses from viewers.
However, Nolan emphasized that crafting a truly exceptional horror film requires a remarkable idea, which he admits is a rarity. He acknowledges the fascinating nature of the genre from a cinematic standpoint and appreciates that horror movies often embrace bleakness and abstraction, qualities that are often eschewed by mainstream Hollywood studios. This willingness to explore unconventional themes and elements is what makes horror a genre where artistic freedom is allowed.
Nolan expanded on the topic of genre, using 'Oppenheimer' as an example. He explained that the middle section of the film focuses heavily on the heist genre, while the third act delves into courtroom drama. Nolan selected these genres because they inherently elicit intense and interesting reactions from audiences through dialogue-driven storytelling. Genre, he believes, provides the opportunity for filmmakers to explore different areas that wouldn't be permissible in other film types.
Moderator Francine Stock guided the conversation, delving into various aspects of Nolan's illustrious career. The director discussed his writing and editing processes, shedding light on his collaboration with cinematographer Hoyte Van Hoytema and composer Hans Zimmer. The role of actors was also addressed, with a special mention for the late Heath Ledger's unforgettable portrayal of The Joker in 'The Dark Knight.' Stock commented on how Nolan's Batman films anticipated the rise of disruptive political leaders worldwide. Nolan clarified that his intent was always to honestly present themes that impacted him and his team, such as tackling the fear of terrorism in 'Batman Begins' and examining the breakdown of rules and anarchy in 'The Dark Knight.'
The evening at the BFI, hosted by CEO Ben Roberts, included a visit by Nolan and his producing partner Emma Roberts to the prestigious BFI National Archive. This archive, one of the largest in the world, received praise from Roberts for its invaluable support. Demonstrating Nolan's preference for traditional film over digital, all the clips shown during the conversation were on 35mm, including a scene from a newly restored version of his breakthrough film, 'Memento.'
Christopher Nolan's exploration of the horror genre has sparked excitement among fans and industry professionals alike. As a master storyteller known for his visual prowess and innovative narratives, Nolan's foray into horror promises to be a unique and captivating experience, should the right idea come along. For now, fans eagerly await the release of 'Oppenheimer' to witness how Nolan incorporates elements of horror into his upcoming project.
