Christopher Nolan, the acclaimed director known for his complex narratives and meticulous filmmaking, is renowned for his dedication to detail and thoroughness. Actor Matthew McCoughaney, who starred in Nolan’s 2014 science fiction epic Interstellar, recently revealed a unique aspect of the director’s process: a commitment to fully understanding and responding to questions, even if it requires time and reflection.
In a conversation for Variety, McCoughaney described how Nolan would address his inquiries about the intricate rules governing the film’s universe – a world involving time travel and varying temporal frequencies. “He had written this world and these concepts, and the rules of this world,” McCoughaney explained. “Sometimes he’d give me an answer, and sometimes he’d be like, ‘I don’t know. Let me get back to you.’ And he’d always come back. A week later: ‘I thought about that question you asked.’”
This dedication to intellectual rigor extended beyond simply providing answers. Nolan would reportedly take the time to fully consider the implications of each question, ultimately delivering explanations that were comprehensive and logical. “He’d lay it out, and it would develop sense,” McCoughaney recalled.
Beyond his intellectual approach, Nolan also demonstrated a pragmatic sensibility on set, prioritizing efficiency and resourcefulness. McCoughaney recounted an instance where Nolan opted for a simple, cost-effective solution over more elaborate and expensive options. Whereas filming scenes depicting weightlessness, Nolan chose to use a gimbal held by crew members rather than large cranes. “I remember going like, ‘Why wouldn’t you use the huge cranes?’” McCoughaney said, quoting Nolan’s response: “’Due to the fact that it’s a waste of money. It’s only as good — or not as good — as this.’” Nolan, according to McCoughaney, believes in applying lessons learned from independent filmmaking to larger-scale productions, maintaining a focus on practical problem-solving.
Interstellar, released in 2014, starred Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Chastain and explored themes of space travel, time dilation, and humanity’s search for a new home. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $773.8 million worldwide, according to IMDb. Theoretical physicist Kip Thorne served as an executive producer and scientific consultant, ensuring a degree of scientific plausibility within the film’s ambitious scope, as detailed in his companion book, The Science of Interstellar.
The film’s production involved shooting on 35mm film in the Panavision anamorphic format and IMAX 70mm, a testament to Nolan’s preference for practical effects and a cinematic aesthetic. Filming took place in Alberta, Canada, as well as in Klaustur, Iceland, and Los Angeles.
