Christopher Nolan, the 52-year-old filmmaker, revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter (THR) that he prefers face-to-face communication rather than using smartphones or other devices. He also shared that he often writes scripts on a computer that is not connected to the internet, which he finds to be incredibly freeing!
Nolan’s latest work, “Oppenheimer,” was produced in a similar manner. He enjoys the tactile sensation of handing scripts to actors rather than sending them via email. The film is set to release this July and has already received praise from critics and industry insiders as a defining work of the era.
This approach to work has led some to label him a “Luddite” (after the 19th-century movement of workers who destroyed machinery as a protest against industrialization).
In sharing with THR, the filmmaker expressed that this label doesn’t quite fit him, as he recognizes that technology can bring about wonderful values. His choice not to use smartphones is simply a personal working style.
Christopher Nolan elaborated that the reason behind this habit relates to his need for focus while working. Using a smartphone while writing can distract him, leading to a lack of concentration and a tendency to procrastinate. He mentioned that he does use a flip phone since 2020, which is small enough to carry and cannot connect to the internet.
“I feel more centered, so I genuinely don’t want to access the internet whenever I’m bored,” he shared. The moments when new ideas come to him often coincide with times when he is disconnected, allowing him to grow and distance himself from many people. Instead of using smartphones or email to connect with others, he prefers traditional methods like making phone calls.
“Everyone has their own way of communicating, and so do I.”
The Artistic Journey of Christopher Edward Nolan
Christopher Edward Nolan CBE is a renowned filmmaker, screenwriter, and businessman from London, England. Known for his thought-provoking and visually stunning works, Nolan is considered one of the most influential filmmakers in contemporary Hollywood.
Over his 31-year career, Nolan has made significant strides, transitioning from low-budget indie films to large-scale productions that have grossed hundreds of millions worldwide. His works redefine the superhero genre, blur the lines between commercial and artistic films, and eschew CGI in his filmmaking process, setting him apart in today’s Hollywood landscape.
Many regard Christopher Nolan as a leading figure in the “mind-bending” genre of cinema. With over 20 years in the industry, he boasts a portfolio of 10 critically acclaimed films that have never failed to capture audiences, making him a unique entity amidst a landscape that often lacks the same level of creativity.
His films have grossed over $5 billion globally, and he has received numerous prestigious awards, including five Academy Award nominations, five BAFTA Awards, and six Golden Globe nominations. In 2015, he was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, and in 2019, he was appointed as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to the film industry.
Source: People
