Christopher Nolan

Filmmaker and Philosopher

Robbie B H Goh author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Published:2nd Dec '21

Should be back in stock very soon

Christopher Nolan cover

This book offers a deep dive into Christopher Nolan's films, exploring their philosophical underpinnings and themes of reality versus appearance.

Christopher Nolan is a fascinating exploration of the acclaimed filmmaker's body of work, delving into the philosophical themes that permeate his films. The author, Robbie Goh, provides a comprehensive analysis of Nolan's cinematic universe, highlighting how his storytelling often questions the nature of reality and the reliability of human perception. Through an examination of both his blockbuster hits and arthouse projects, Goh reveals the complex interplay between appearance and reality that defines Nolan's narratives.

At the heart of Christopher Nolan is the director's engagement with modern philosophy, drawing from influential thinkers such as Friedrich Nietzsche, Sigmund Freud, and Jacques Derrida. Goh argues that Nolan's films embody postmodern sensibilities, characterized by non-linear storytelling, causal ambiguity, and themes of social disorder. Yet, amidst this complexity, there are also narratives that celebrate heroism, moral responsibility, and the dignity of human choice. This duality makes Nolan a 'reluctant postmodernist,' as he navigates the cynicism of contemporary life while simultaneously offering glimpses of hope through his characters' struggles.

Overall, Christopher Nolan serves as a thought-provoking examination of how the filmmaker's works reflect societal discontent and the tension between reality and illusion. Goh's insightful analysis invites readers to reconsider the deeper meanings behind Nolan's films, making it an essential read for fans and scholars alike.

A magisterial sweep over a multifold canvas. At once auteur, social critic, genie, and moralist, Goh’s Nolan is a layered and evolving medium for our times. From the restless noir of the earliest works, to the historical gravitas of the most recent, Goh’s survey penetrates intricacies and opens new perceptions. A must-read study on a crucial oeuvre for critics, students, filmmakers and fans alike. * Lauren M.E. Goodlad, Professor of English, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA *
With deft handling of Christopher Nolan’s diverse oeuvre, Robbie Goh puts forward a strong argument for the philosophical depths of films such as Inception, Dunkirk, and The Dark Knight. Taking readers through Nolan’s audio-visual medium, Goh interrogates the place of the individual in a decaying social structure, questions the production of truth, and finds reasons for hope. * S. Brent Plate, author of "Religion and Film: Cinema and the Re-Creation of the World" *

ISBN: 9781350139978

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 256g

200 pages