DB7

I watched this again last night for the first time since it's release and would heartily recommend it. Sadly I don't think it's been aired terrestrially and has only come to some people's attention because the director went on to make Memento.

It's a low budget (6k) b&w noirish thriller told in multi layered flashbacks about an unemployed writer who follows people around London. One day a burgler he's been following confronts him in a cafe, and the two eventually start cat-burglering together. Then things get complicated...

U.V.RAY

Following. Directed by Christopher Nolan

Next Wave Films. 1999. Black & White. Starring Jeremy Theobald, Alex Haw and Lucy Russell.


When young writer Bill begins following strangers around London in order to research a novel he is drawn into a dark and threatening underworld after he inadvertantly starts tailing a seemingly upper class stranger called Cobb.

This low budget debut from British director Christopher Nolan is a classy and well made thriller that will enthrall and mystify you until the very end.


DVD extras include - commentary from Christopher Nolan, Directors shooting script, cast and crew biogs and theatrical trailer.

This one is up there with the best British thrillers made in the last 20 years. This is purely down to the excellent writing and ingenious, convoluted plot lines.

Highly recommended to anyone who may not have seen it.

theuofc

Hi, U.V.RAY,

Thanks for calling attention to Nolan's edgy, low-budget film, pre-Batman. I've read that a lot of the footage was only shot on the weekends because everyone had other jobs.

Nolan's early years as a kid with a camera making home movies reminds me of Spielberg's beginning also.
Nolan's creative use of time and sequencing in Following is wonderful. I was a tad surprised that after Memento, Following, and Insomnia, he was attracted to Batman, yet his own list of fav films supports his choice. What did you think of Batman Returns (2005)?

Best,

Barbara

U.V.RAY

I haven't seen Batman Returns, but I thought Batman Begins was pretty good (I'm pretty sure this is the one you mean, actually) and I'm now looking forward to Batman Survives.


I think Mr. Nolan is one of the best British directors in many years.

theuofc

Hi, U.V. RAY,

I agree. I always look forward to a Nolan film experience. He's takes chances in his creative use of time and assumes the audience is intelligent and up to that challenge. I like that.

Best,

Barbara