Are you ready for an intense psychological thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat? Look no further than Christopher Nolan's "Following". This critically acclaimed indie film follows an aspiring writer who becomes entangled in the dangerous world of a professional thief.
Introduction: A Glimpse into the Movie
Released in 1998, "Following" was Nolan's directorial debut and served as a showcase for his signature style of nonlinear storytelling. The film's budget was a mere $6,000, and it was shot in black and white over the course of a year. Despite its humble beginnings, "Following" has since gained a cult following and is considered a classic example of neo-noir filmmaking.
The Main Characters
The story centers around three main characters:
The Writer: A young man with aspirations of becoming a writer. He becomes obsessed with following strangers in order to gain inspiration for his work.
The Thief: A suave, sophisticated criminal who takes the Writer under his wing and teaches him the tricks of the trade.
The Blonde: A mysterious woman who the Writer becomes infatuated with. Her true motivations are never fully revealed.
Following Movie Full Story Detailed Explanation
The film opens with the Writer explaining his habit of following strangers around London. He claims that he doesn't intend to harm anyone and that he's merely looking for inspiration for his writing. One day, he follows a man who catches him in the act and confronts him. The man, who is revealed to be the Thief, takes the Writer out for a drink and tells him about his criminal exploits.
The Thief takes the Writer under his wing and teaches him how to break into people's homes and steal their belongings. The two of them successfully pull off a number of heists together, but things start to go awry when the Writer becomes infatuated with the Blonde.
The Blonde is a woman the Writer has been following for some time. He becomes obsessed with her and starts to stalk her. One day, he breaks into her apartment and steals a hairpin, which he keeps as a memento. The Thief warns the Writer to stay away from her, but he can't resist her allure.
The climax of the film sees the Thief betraying the Writer and framing him for a robbery. The Writer is arrested and sent to prison, where he continues to write. The Blonde visits him and reveals that she was working with the Thief all along. The film ends with the Writer being released from prison and spotting the Blonde on the street.
The Plot Explained
The plot of "Following" is deliberately complex and non-linear. The film jumps back and forth in time, with scenes being presented out of order. This can make the story difficult to follow on first viewing.
The film is essentially a character study of the Writer and his descent into a life of crime. It explores themes of obsession, identity, and the consequences of our actions.
The character of the Thief represents the allure of a life of crime. He's charming, charismatic, and seemingly in control of everything. The Writer is drawn to him and is seduced by the excitement of his criminal exploits.
The Blonde is a more enigmatic character. Her true motivations are never fully explained, but it's implied that she may be working with the Thief. The Writer becomes infatuated with her, and his obsession with her ultimately leads to his downfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Christopher Nolan to make "Following"?
Nolan has said that he was inspired to make the film after being mugged in London. He became interested in the psychology
Why is "Following" considered a classic example of neo-noir filmmaking?
The film's use of black and white cinematography, complex plot, and exploration of dark themes are all hallmarks of the neo-noir genre. Additionally, the film's non-linear storytelling and focus on character psychology are also common elements of neo-noir films.
Is "Following" a difficult movie to understand?
The film's non-linear storytelling can make it challenging to follow on first viewing. However, repeated viewings can help to clarify the plot and allow the viewer to appreciate the film's complexities.
What is the significance of the hairpin the Writer steals from the Blonde?
The hairpin serves as a physical manifestation of the Writer's obsession with the Blonde. It also plays a key role in the film's climax, as the hairpin is found at the scene of a crime and leads to the Writer's arrest.
What is the meaning of the film's ending?
The film's ambiguous ending leaves many questions unanswered. It's unclear what the Writer's future holds or what the Blonde's true motivations are. However, the ending suggests that the Writer's obsession with the Blonde has not been fully resolved and may lead to further trouble in the future.
What other films has Christopher Nolan directed?
Nolan has directed several other acclaimed films, including "Memento", "The Dark Knight", "Inception", and "Dunkirk".
Conclusion: A Must-See Thriller
"Following" is a complex and thought-provoking film that showcases Christopher Nolan's unique storytelling style. The film's exploration of dark themes and complex characters make it a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers. Despite its low budget and indie roots, "Following" has become a cult classic and a key example of neo-noir filmmaking.
If you haven't seen "Following" yet, be sure to add it to your watchlist. Just be prepared to pay close attention - this is a film that demands your full attention.
IMDb RATING:
Following
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