Review of Following (1999) by Seth M — 20 Jun 2009

"Following" is an enjoyable Film Noir that shows Christopher Nolan, before he refined his directorial technique.

This film is twist after twist, with maybe one twist too many, as the film can be tough to follow (a pun that I am sure Nolan must've been aware of). If this film was about a half hour longer, to give the audience some time to catch up in between twists and to make the characters more relatable, the film would've got another 1/2 star.

However, the inventive script also makes this movie so entertaining. The audience is drawn in precisely because it doesn't know what will happen next. It is this unique tale combined with strong camera work that makes this film so watchable.

Yet, Nolan has not yet learned to hide the bolts of his machinery. The writing is a bit too up front, characters tell their entire life philosophy the moment they step on screen. Also, people who complained about the Joker's convoluted plans in "The Dark Knight" will find much to be at odds with in "Following" as everything has to fall into place just so for the desired ends to be achieved.

If you enjoyed any of Nolan's other work, seek this one out. Though, I would suggest almost all of his other films above this one. Not because this is a bad movie, but because the others all near perfection.