The Nolan Affect: How Does the Sublime Shape Our Understanding of Christoper Nolan’s Cinematic Universe?

Abstract

This study discusses three films by Christopher Nolan: Inception, Interstellar, and Oppenheimer, and how their construction is dependent on the sublime. Specifically, how the films include a buildup to the sublime, the sublime moment itself, and an unresolved ending. A detailed analysis of the films provides examples of how the sublime effect is constructed by a rapid editing style, as exemplified by post-cinematic theories, and by an immersive, all encompassing soundtrack. While narrative complexity is often touted as a key characteristic of Nolan, I argue that the sublime is far more crucial to his films’ construction, and that this may help explain their popularity and why people are so adamant about seeing them on the big screen. Oppenheimer provides a natural conclusion to his body of work, building upon elements from both Inception and Interstellar, such as his use of sound, focalisation, and expansive music. This may be further developed in his next project, the Odyssey.