10 Screenwriting Tips from Christopher Nolan - Interview on writing The Dark Knight and Tenet

Summary

In this insightful transcript, the filmmaker shares their personal journey and creative philosophy. They discuss the importance of staying true to one's vision, the value of hands-on experience in filmmaking, and their love for complex, layered storytelling. The filmmaker highlights their passion for the spy genre and the challenges of blending it with science fiction in films like *Tenet*. Emphasizing the need to create films that are both personally fulfilling and engaging for audiences, they also reflect on the role of dreams and imagination in shaping their narratives. Ultimately, the filmmaker advocates for innovation and pushing creative boundaries.

Takeaways

• 😀 Filmmaking should be driven by personal passion and the desire to create something you would want to watch yourself.
• 😀 Sincerity in filmmaking comes from making films that challenge your own creative abilities and don't cater to others' expectations.
• 😀 The spy genre offers a unique combination of international travel, glamour, and escapism, which inspires filmmakers to create extraordinary cinematic experiences.
• 😀 Filmmakers should focus on their own strengths and what excites them, even if it means deviating from conventional expectations.
• 😀 Filmmaking is an iterative process where the more you create, the more you learn and refine your craft, regardless of formal education.
• 😀 A key piece of advice for aspiring filmmakers is to hold onto your script, as the strength of your concept is crucial to your success.
• 😀 Non-linear storytelling, complex narrative structures, and layered storytelling can give films a sense of depth and rewatchability.
• 😀 Creating films that sustain multiple viewings and offer new perspectives upon second or third viewings adds richness to the audience's experience.
• 😀 The 'Shepherd Tone' is a musical concept used to create the illusion of an ongoing rise in intensity, which the filmmaker applied to narrative structure in films like 'The Prestige' and 'Inception.'
• 😀 A hands-on approach to filmmaking, where you try out different roles (like sound recording or lighting), helps filmmakers become more confident and well-rounded, even as the scale of production grows.
• 😀 Dreams are a significant source of inspiration, particularly the idea that the mind creates its own dreams while experiencing them. This concept ties into the exploration of the human mind in films like 'Inception.'

Q & A

What is the importance of sticking to your guns when filmmaking, according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that sticking to your guns allows you to create something unique and personal, which could be what sets your work apart from others. By following your passion and doing what excites you, even if it doesn't fit others' expectations, you can produce a film that feels authentic and distinctive.

How does the speaker view the relationship between dreams and filmmaking?

The speaker is fascinated by the idea that everything in a dream is created by your own mind, even though you experience it as if it is real. This concept inspired their exploration of the human mind's infinite potential in films like *Inception*, aiming to represent how the mind can create and manipulate realities.

Why does the speaker recommend a self-taught approach to filmmaking?

The speaker advocates for learning by doing, suggesting that hands-on experience is the best teacher. They mention how starting with small, personal projects and gradually scaling up helped them gain a deep understanding of the filmmaking process, including all aspects of production.

What is the significance of non-linear storytelling in the speaker's work?

Non-linear storytelling is used by the speaker to challenge both themselves and the audience. It allows for layered narratives where the meaning deepens with multiple viewings, offering new perspectives each time the story is revisited.

What does the speaker mean by 'playing to your strengths' in filmmaking?

The speaker believes that filmmakers should focus on what excites them and play to their unique strengths. By doing so, they can create films that are distinct, even if these choices deviate from conventional filmmaking expectations.

How does the speaker view the challenge of making a film accessible on multiple viewings?

The speaker recognizes that films are often watched more than once, so they aim to create films with layers that reveal more upon subsequent viewings. This can be done through ambiguous storytelling or visually dense scenes, which invite deeper analysis.

What role does genre play in the speaker's filmmaking, particularly with regard to spy films?

Genre plays an essential role as it allows the filmmaker to explore familiar cinematic tropes in new ways. The speaker, having grown up watching spy films, appreciates how these films offer escapism through international travel and glamorous settings. They aim to take these conventions and reframe them with fresh, innovative concepts.

Why is the idea of structure, like the shepherd tone, important to the filmmaker's approach?

The speaker uses the shepherd tone, a musical illusion, to apply a continual rise in narrative intensity without resolution, which keeps the audience engaged. This technique was adapted for storytelling to maintain a constant sense of escalation, providing a fresh way to build tension and excitement throughout the film.

What advice does the speaker offer to young filmmakers starting out?

The speaker advises aspiring filmmakers to experiment with every aspect of filmmaking—sound, lighting, directing, etc.—even acting (though not necessarily), so that they can develop a comprehensive understanding of the craft. This broad skill set allows them to lead confidently and collaborate effectively with a crew.

How does the speaker’s early experiences with making films shape their perspective on filmmaking today?

Starting as a child with minimal resources, the speaker learned how to be resourceful and self-reliant. This background, where they had to perform various roles on set, helped them understand the full scope of filmmaking, giving them the ability to manage and collaborate effectively as their projects grew in scale.