Christopher Nolan Reveals Which Scene in His Work Is His Favorite
Christopher Nolan has built a career on creating movies that feel both huge in scale and incredibly precise in detail. While audiences often remember the visual spectacle, Nolan recently revealed which scene from his films is his personal favorite.
Speaking at the Tribeca Film Festival, he highlighted the airplane hijacking that opens 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises. The director shared that the sequence took about two days to shoot in Scotland after months of preparation.
It was amazing to see the team come together after all that rehearsal, Nolan said. He noted that the stunt relied almost entirely on practical effects with very little digital work, which made the scene particularly special for him.
Nolan praised the crew’s dedication, explaining that months of planning went into parachute jumps, aerial choreography, and timing every detail perfectly. The physical energy of the stunt work is something I really appreciate, he added, emphasizing how much he values the craft behind the camera.
The scene also reflects Nolan’s unique approach to filmmaking. He rarely writes full story outlines, preferring to map out his films with complex diagrams inspired by mathematics and science. This method allows him to create stories that feel both structured and spontaneous, giving his films their signature energy.
He also prefers to edit quickly, aiming to capture moments that feel alive on screen. This urgency helps sequences like the opening of The Dark Knight Rises hit with maximum impact. There’s something about capturing that lightning in a bottle that you just can’t replicate in post, Nolan explained.
Currently, Nolan is focused on his next major project, The Odyssey, which is set to be released in theaters and IMAX on July 17. The $250 million film is an adaptation of Homer’s classic poem and is the first feature ever shot entirely on IMAX 70mm cameras. We wanted the journey to feel as real and immersive as possible, Nolan said.
The cast is packed with big names, including Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, and Tom Holland as Telemachus. Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, and Jon Bernthal also star, bringing together some of Nolan’s regular collaborators along with fresh faces.
Filming took place in Greece, Italy, and Morocco to capture the mythic landscapes, and early trailers have already broken viewing records. The story follows Odysseus as he struggles to return home, facing survival challenges and mythological creatures like the Cyclops along the way.
Beyond The Odyssey, Nolan has remained active in film discussions and retrospectives, often talking about his favorite moments from past work and his approach to storytelling. His dedication to practical effects and real stunts continues to set him apart in the world of blockbuster filmmaking.
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