I re-watched Interstellar at a late-night show in Delhi with Nolan bhakts. Here is how it went
Christopher Nolan's critically acclaimed epic, Interstellar, has solidified its place in the annals of science fiction cinema. Audiences were captivated by its grandeur, intellectual ambitions, and breathtaking visuals. However, beneath its celestial facade, there exists a tapestry of flaws that many turn a (deliberate?) blind eye to.
With the highly anticipated Oppenheimer nearing its release, admirers of the renowned Hollywood filmmaker were presented with a chance to relive the highlights of his filmography through special re-releases across India. It was during one such screening in the country's capital that I found myself unable to resist attending, last evening (July 17).
A blast from the past
Though not the full IMAX experience originally intended by Nolan, PVR INOX's stunning new superplex at Jasola boasted a smaller yet cozy screen. It was nearly packed to its capacity with voices recounting cherished memories of their beloved filmmaker and his cinematic achievements.
For many, including myself, this moment had been a decade in the making. A distant and wistful opportunity that had finally come to fruition. Christopher Nolan's space opera had enchanted the minds of many teenagers upon its release, and now, ten years later, those same individuals were filled with eager anticipation for this once-in-a-lifetime chance to rekindle the emotions they had felt all those years ago.
This docking scene from Interstellar🤤🤤
— its movie time (@itsokandii) July 18, 2023
soundtrack and cinematography at its best😌. pic.twitter.com/wnfPTjQYXF
Yet as astounded the theatre full of fans may have been watching Matthew McConaughey attempt the iconic docking sequence with the Endurance or listen to Hans Zimmer’s ‘Mountains’ build to its crescendo as the approaching gargantuan (pun intended) waves rise to a crest on Miller’s planet, something clearly felt a little out of place. Many things in fact, that the average awestruck pre-pubescent may not have fully noticed or even chosen to accept all those many years ago.
Overlooked and underwhelmed
As I floated weightlessly through the sea of stars, I couldn't help but notice the questionable characterization of our intrepid astronauts. While Interstellar boasts an ensemble cast of accomplished actors, their characters suffer from underdevelopment.
Cooper, the film's central figure, embodies the archetypal "reluctant hero." However, his motivations and emotional journey are overshadowed by the spectacle of the cosmic setting. Similarly, the supporting characters fail to transcend their surface-level traits, diminishing their impact and making it difficult for the audience to forge genuine connections. The film's emotional core, essential for a truly immersive experience, is disappointingly neglected.
Despite being portrayed by an exceptional ensemble cast, the characters often feel more like chess pieces moved around the galactic board to serve the grand design of the narrative rather than fully realised individuals. Their motivations occasionally seem as elusive as a distant black hole, leaving us yearning for a stronger emotional anchor.
Interstellar's narrative trajectory, although ambitiously complex, often leaves the viewer disoriented. The intertwining of time travel, quantum physics, and wormholes, while intriguing in concept, becomes a labyrinthine web that even the most astute viewers struggle to navigate.
Nolan's tendency to prioritise intellectual stimulation over coherent storytelling is apparent, resulting in moments of confusion and a lack of emotional resonance. In his relentless pursuit of intellectual grandeur, the filmmaker forgets that storytelling should engage, rather than alienate, its audience.
Even amidst these celestial flaws, Interstellar still manages to dazzle with its visual splendour. Hoyte van Hoytema’s cinematography captures the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos in breathtaking detail. Every frame is a work of art, a cosmic ballet that reminds us why we gaze at the stars in the first place. It's a testament to Nolan's visionary prowess, even if it occasionally overshadows the narrative's blemishes.
However, while science fiction often requires a suspension of disbelief, Interstellar pushes the boundaries of plausibility to a breaking point. The film's scientific principles, although based on real theories, are stretched to the point of implausibility, taxing the audience's ability to remain fully immersed. This incessant bending of scientific laws can be pardoned in the name of artistic licence, but it simultaneously undermines the film's credibility, making it difficult to fully invest in its narrative universe.
Rather than organically integrating scientific explanations into the narrative, the film resorts to lengthy monologues and expository scenes that feel forced and unnatural. Characters routinely engage in pseudo-scientific jargon that sacrifices authenticity for the sake of intellectual pretension. This overreliance on exposition distances the audience and detracts from the film's potential emotional resonance.
Despite its visual decadence and intellectual aspirations, Interstellar remains a flawed film. Though a testament to Nolan's audacity as a filmmaker, pushing the boundaries of storytelling, even if it does not quite achieve the stellar heights it aspires to.
So why is it that a film marred with such distinct inconsistencies was met with literal bows and salaams as the credits rolled? Why has such an impaired narrative been increasingly pedestalised to the point of veneration? What is it that has been contributing to the apotheosis of such a fundamentally flawed filmmaker?
The Auteur Worship Syndrome
Diehard Nolan fans (or Nolan bhakts as they’ve been aptly dubbed in India) suffer from what can only be described as the "Auteur Worship Syndrome," where they believe that Nolan is infallible and incapable of creating anything less than a masterpiece. The very same blind adoration for the director rules out any objective analysis of his work in its entirety.
While their origins are still disputed after all these years, one can only presume that a portion of them stem from the toxic masculine ethos of early 2000’s comic book culture following Nolan dipping his feet into the superhero genre, forever changing it for both the better and the worse.
ALSO READ: Who was Oppenheimer?
Of the many contentions, the collective frustration towards the Nolan cult peaks in the way they dismiss or rationalise the inconsistencies in his films. Instead of engaging in meaningful discussions about the flaws in his storytelling, they’re often more than not brushed off as intentional complexities or "Nolan-esque" elements. By disregarding these issues, they perpetuate the idea that Nolan's films are beyond reproach, which hinders any potential growth or improvement.
Besides, I'm willing to wager very same afficionados who hail the intellectual brilliance of the director too profound for 'simpletons' to ever fully 'understand' or 'appreciate' are the target demographic for the average 'Interstellar Ending Explained' or 'The hidden meaning of Christopher Nolan's films' videos that plague all of our collective algorithms.
The infallible saviour of cinema
The Nolan bhakts often hail him as the saviour of modern cinema, as if he alone possesses the keys to unlock its potential. They have successfully created an echo chamber where any dissenting voice is met with hostility or outright rejection.
This blind worship neglects the contributions of countless other talented filmmakers who have made more than significant strides in advancing the medium. Reducing the entire cinematic landscape to Nolan's genius oversimplifies the art form and undermines the diversity and creativity found in filmmaking as a whole.
While Christopher Nolan has undeniably made some remarkable films, the blind devotion of his diehard fans has become a hindrance to meaningful discussions and critical analysis. Treating him as an infallible deity prevents the healthy examination of his work, perpetuates the dismissal of flaws, and stifles growth within the film community.
As ‘cinephile dudebro’ as it may come off as, the truest appreciation of cinema requires striking a healthy balance - acknowledging both merits and flaws - something that wittingly or otherwise seems lost on Nolan fans.
ALSO READ: All the Oppenheimer updates you need to know, from midnight shows in Mumbai to prolonged nudity
In the grand scheme of things, no matter how provocative Interstellar may be, it's really important to acknowledge its imperfections. Like a distant supernova, its brilliance is tempered by its inevitable collapse. But isn't that what makes cinema so captivating? The flaws, the cracks in the celluloid firmament, allow us to engage in spirited debates and discussions, reminding us that even our most revered storytellers are human after all.
Here’s hoping that ‘Barbenheimer’ weekend spawns a younger, more informed generation of Nolan fans.
ALSO READ: Barbenheimer, Oppenbarbie memes take over the Internet as Barbie-Oppenheimer release draws close
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer hits Indian theatres on Friday, July 21.