Review of Following (1999) by Sam C — 24 Jun 2013

Christopher Nolan's (The Dark Knight, The Prestige) debut feature film is an invigorating portrait of an alienated man who literally follows strangers around in vein attempts to help instigate creativity for his writings (he WOULD LIKE to become a writer). His only rule is that once he finds out where that person is going, he will never trail them again. Things take a slight change when he ends up following a burglar, which is where the film transition into a full fledged neo-noir.

Nolan used the same conventions the Italians used in the Italian neorealism movement way back in the mid-forties. If that means nothing to you, then dismantle the film Following and you'll see what I mean. The entire cast is populated with unknown faces, which helps give you the slice of life effect. No professional lighting was used, and everything was shot on location, whether it was at the local Dunkin' Donuts or at his friend's and families' houses.

The twist at the ending is self-sufficient enough, although it may not be completely satisfying for everyone. However, the film is only seventy minutes long and for a neo-noir that is quite alright.