Christopher Nolan has established himself as one of the most acclaimed filmmakers of the 21st century. Although he began his career with Following in 1998, it was Memento from 2000 that catapulted him to fame. This film, which Nolan penned alongside his brother Jonathan, garnered him an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Memento showcases Nolan’s early use of time as a narrative element, a theme he continues to explore in his later works.
The success of Memento paved the way for Nolan’s rising influence in cinema. His first film to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Picture was Inception. Following this, several of his other films, including Dunkirk and Oppenheimer, also received Oscar nods. Notably, Oppenheimer won the Best Picture award, earning Nolan a Best Director accolade as well. As he progresses with his new project, The Odyssey, celebrated actor John Lithgow has pointed out which Nolan film he believes stands out as a true masterpiece.
Lithgow Believes Interstellar Is Nolan’s Definitive Masterpiece
Lithgow’s Role as Donald in the Film
John Lithgow has identified Interstellar as what he considers Nolan’s crowning achievement. Released in 2014, this sci-fi drama stars Matthew McConaughey as Cooper, a former NASA pilot who leads a space mission to discover a new home for humanity as Earth faces catastrophic conditions. Lithgow featured in Interstellar as Donald, Cooper’s father-in-law. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, Mackenzie Foy, Jessica Chastain, Ellen Burstyn, David Oyelowo, and Timothée Chalamet in his early career.
In a conversation with Variety, Lithgow praised Interstellar as Nolan’s finest work, reminiscing about a memorable scene he filmed with Chalamet and watching him rise to stardom. He expressed his admiration for the film, calling it a masterpiece, although he acknowledged that Nolan has produced several exceptional films. Below is Lithgow’s full statement:
We go see the New York Yankees play in what looks like a community recreation center ballfield. Because you know, there’s only 10% of the world’s population left. And yet we’re trying to keep alive the way things used to be. You know of course, I was the old man. I was the grandad of Timothée Chalamet, I might add. I consider it Chris Nolan’s masterpiece, but he’s come up with a few masterpieces. But a great time. And I got to work with Timothée and watch him turn into a superstar. A much much much bigger deal than I am.
The Significance of This Recognition for Interstellar
The Enduring Influence of Interstellar
While Interstellar was well-received upon its release, it is often considered one of Nolan’s less celebrated films on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite this, the film’s 10th-anniversary screenings last year performed well at the box office for a re-release. Lithgow’s high praise underscores the lasting cultural impact of Interstellar, highlighting its significance amidst Nolan’s portfolio of work.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
