Following may not be the most widely recognized film in Christopher Nolan’s illustrious career, yet filmmaker Ryan Coogler has spotlighted it as an essential viewing experience. Following was Nolan’s directorial debut, crafted two years before he made waves in the industry with his groundbreaking film Memento.

This black-and-white independent film unfolds the tale of a young man who obsessively tracks strangers throughout London, only to find himself ensnared in a perilous criminal underworld. While the narrative is relatively straightforward and modest compared to Nolan’s later epic blockbusters following his success with The Dark Knight trilogy, it presents a compelling exploration of themes that would later define his filmmaking.

Despite its low profile, Following garnered significant acclaim from Coogler, who recommended it as one of his top picks during his feature on Criterion Closet. Given the massive impact of Nolan’s body of work, it is intriguing that Coogler highlights this early project, making it a must-see for dedicated Nolan enthusiasts.

Discover Christopher Nolan’s Signature Elements in Following

How Following Serves as a Prelude to Nolan’s Distinct Filmmaking Style

Following was created on a remarkably tight budget and took over a year to finish, as Christopher Nolan and his dedicated crew juggled day jobs during the week to finance weekend shoots. Nonetheless, despite its humble beginnings, this film serves as an early showcase of many trademarks that would become synonymous with Nolan’s cinematic style.

One of the most prominent themes in Nolan’s films is the manipulation of time, which often employs non-linear storytelling techniques. This signature approach is also evident in Following, where the narrative reveals crucial details by skillfully oscillating back and forth through time, keeping viewers engaged and guessing.

The climax of Following particularly resonates as a quintessential Nolan conclusion. The director is known for concluding his films with rapid-fire montages that interweave moments featuring various characters. For instance, Oppenheimer concludes with a dialogue between Oppenheimer and Einstein, intertwined with Oppenheimer’s visions of the future ramifications of his actions. Similarly, The Dark Knight wraps up with Commissioner Gordon’s poignant monologue interspersed with scenes portraying various characters grappling with the complex legacy of Batman.

In a similar vein, the ending of Following adeptly intertwines the police interrogation, which serves as the narrative framing device, with the reveal of the building twist throughout the film. As a testament to Following‘s status as a lesser-known entry in Nolan’s filmography, it’s noteworthy that the filmmaker even reused the name of the film’s protagonist, Cobb, when naming Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in Inception.

While this film may not showcase the expansive scale that Nolan has come to be synonymous with, it remains a remarkable opportunity to witness the nascent development of his unique filmmaking voice.

Ryan Coogler Recognizes Christopher Nolan as a Key Mentor

Exploring the Shared Journeys of Coogler and Nolan as Filmmakers

In addition to praising Following, Ryan Coogler took the opportunity during his Criterion Closet appearance to acknowledge Christopher Nolan as one of his influential mentors in the film industry. Coogler described Nolan and his wife, Emma Thomas, as “lovers of cinema,” highlighting their passion for the art form.

Coogler elaborated that his relationship with Nolan, cultivated over several years, has become one where he can seek guidance from the more seasoned filmmaker. He also cites other notable directors, including Spike Lee and Quentin Tarantino, as significant influences on his own work.

There is a clear parallel between Nolan and Coogler as filmmakers. Although they have each carved unique paths in their creative journeys, they have also traversed similar trajectories. Just as Nolan’s Following and Memento paved the way for his future, Coogler’s early indie project, Fruitvale Station, earned him recognition in Hollywood.

Coogler’s accomplishments in Creed eventually led him to explore the superhero genre with Black Panther. However, much like Nolan’s Inception succeeding the triumph of The Dark Knight, Coogler has demonstrated his capability to produce mainstream successes while maintaining a focus on original, deeply personal storytelling with films like Sinners.

Coogler’s journey, which mirrors Nolan’s evolution into a modern cinematic master, heightens the anticipation surrounding his future projects. Indeed, it’s fascinating to contemplate that the filmmaker behind Following would one day embark on grand ventures akin to Nolan’s upcoming The Odyssey.