Cinema, as Nolan sees it

Filmmaker Christopher Nolan, on a three-day trip to India, said in Mumbai that “it’s more important to present (myself) as a practical filmmaker”.

“I choose stories that grab me immediately,” Nolan, who has helmed films such as Dunkirk and Interstellar, said at an event that also featured archivist Shivendra Singh Dungarpur and visual artist Tacita Dean.

Nolan said films, to him, are about dreams, magic, escapism, and experience. In the country to assert the importance of celluloid in the digital age, he said not many people are understanding the importance of celluloid. “There have been accusations to dispel myths about expensive art mediums. We are here to stay as a wonderful medium and enjoy. It’s about preserving this art for the future. There is a spirit of optimism in this entire thing.”

He revealed he has previously promoted film preservation and restoration in the US, UK and Mexico, but said he got a great response from the Indian film industry. “We are facing insurmountable obstacles as filmmakers. I am trying to position filmmakers of view and overpower that tension and process by preserving celluloid and tell stories that they have dreamt of.”

How familiar is he with Indian cinema? “Not enough, but I enjoyed what I have seen,” he said. “I want to come back here and watch more movies.... I loved watching Satyajit Ray’s Pather Panchali.”

Every other person is a fanboy of Nolan and his work. If some love his Dark Knight series, others swear by his Memento and The Prestige.

And, among these ardent fans is our very own Shah Rukh Khan.

The superstar took to Twitter and Instagram to share his fanboy moment with his favourite, Christopher Nolan.

“My Fanboy moment. Inspiring to hear Mr.Nolan & Ms.Tacita Dean talk of the virtues of celluloid as an artist’s medium. Thanks @shividungarpur for having me over”, he posted.