Christopher Nolan and Timothée Chalamet Reflect on ‘Interstellar’s’ Enduring Legacy
Timothée Chalamet recently shared a special moment with his “Interstellar” director, Christopher Nolan, at an IMAX 70mm screening of the film at the AMC Universal Citywalk in Los Angeles. A video from the Nolan Archives captured a captivating conversation where Chalamet interviewed Nolan, declaring “Interstellar” his personal favourite among all his cinematic works.
“Although my role in ‘Interstellar’ wasn’t extensive – I was around number 12 on the call sheet – this film arrived at a pivotal moment in my life and career, when things were still very much unfolding,” Chalamet shared with the audience. “It has remained my most cherished project, the film I’ve watched more times than any other in the history of cinema.”
Chalamet previously revealed he wept for an hour after his first viewing of “Interstellar,” discovering his role as Tom, Matthew McConaughey’s Cooper’s son, had been significantly reduced. He explained to Nolan that his initial expectations were based on a different script.
From Spielberg to Nolan: The Evolution of ‘Interstellar’
“The original script was written by [Nolan’s brother] Jonathan for Steven Spielberg,” Chalamet reminded the audience. “When I landed the part, I researched the project and found the initial story focused heavily on a father-son relationship. I thought, ‘I’ve made it!’ But, of course, the story evolved, and young Tom’s role became smaller. But that’s perfectly alright.”
Nolan interjected with a laugh, “Never believe everything you read online!” He then explained the film’s origins, stemming from a pitch by physicist Kip Thorne to Spielberg about creating a science fiction film grounded in real science.
“After collaborating on ‘The Dark Knight,’ my brother took on the project with Steven. He’s Mr. Spielberg to you,” Nolan chuckled. “He worked on it for years, exploring various iterations. When Steven moved on to another film, the project became available. I had been developing a time travel concept, and when Jonathan’s script became available, I proposed combining our ideas. He was supportive, recognizing that my vision aligned with the emotional core he initially envisioned.”
Initial Reception and Lasting Impact
Released in November 2014, “Interstellar” grossed $681 million worldwide and received five Oscar nominations, winning for Best Visual Effects. However, critical reception was more divided compared to Nolan’s previous successes like “The Dark Knight” and “Inception.”
“The film was met with a somewhat ambiguous response,” Nolan admitted to Chalamet, acknowledging the initial “sniffiness” from some critics and audiences. “It performed well globally, but there was a sense that people weren’t quite ready for it, perhaps. It’s egotistical to say, but they weren’t prepared for what I was trying to do.”
Nolan recounted a producer anonymously describing him as “a cold guy who makes cold films,” a label that stuck for several projects. He emphasized that the emotional core of his brother’s first act – the focus on family and humanity – was what drew him to the project. “That’s the film I wanted to make, a film that wears its heart on its sleeve.”
Chalamet expressed his disappointment that Nolan didn’t immediately feel that love for the film, adding, “This movie makes me weep more than anything.”
Nolan explained that during screenings, he consistently witnessed audience members moved to tears. “That’s enough,” he said. “You can’t force a culture to immediately embrace something. If the film resonates deeply with individuals, you’ve done your job.”
Over the years, “Interstellar” has continued to grow in popularity. Nolan noted that while people once recognized him for “The Dark Knight,” in recent years, “Interstellar” is the film people mention most. A re-release in 2022 generated $5 million in revenue, demonstrating the film’s enduring appeal. “The worst response you can get is ‘Meh, it’s okay.’ You’d rather evoke a strong reaction, whether positive or negative.”
A Collaborative Spirit
The scene where Cooper watches messages from his children is widely considered a highlight of “Interstellar.” Chalamet was involved in filming those poignant scenes. Nolan recalled a moment where Chalamet’s performance felt too dark, and he offered feedback. However, Chalamet remained committed to his vision, and Nolan ultimately trusted his instincts. “He knew what he wanted to do and had a clear idea. He wasn’t being stubborn; he had planned his choices and wasn’t willing to abandon them on a whim.”
You can watch the full conversation between Chalamet and Nolan here.
