Christopher Nolan Reflects on Interstellar’s Evolution into a Modern Classic: “It’s Incredibly Rewarding”

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Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar was released as one of his most divisive films, with mixed reactions from both critics and audiences. Now, 12 years later, Nolan reflects on how the film’s reputation has changed, with many now viewing it as an overlooked modern classic.

“The film was received in a slightly ambiguous way,” Nolan recalls in an interview. “It was a little bit sniffy. Some of the responses were a bit sniffy from critics and a little from audiences. It made very good money around the world, particularly. There was a sense of people not quite being… it sounds egotistical to say they weren’t ready… but they weren’t ready for it from me.”

Nolan expresses no resentment towards those who disliked Interstellar, stating that he prefers viewers to have strong reactions—whether positive or negative—rather than indifference.

“For years, people would recognize me and talk about Dark Knight. But over the last decade, it’s become Interstellar. It’s a wonderful thing. We re-released it two years ago and it made $5 million. It’s amazing the success it’s had,” Nolan shares. “It’s incredibly rewarding. One of the strange things about directing is you immerse yourself obsessively in a project. The worst response you can get is when people say, ‘Meh, it’s okay. It’s fine.’ You’d almost rather they felt something, either passionately dislike it or fall in love with it.”

Even shortly after Interstellar’s release, Nolan found comfort in meeting viewers who were deeply moved by the film. He acknowledges that it may have been ahead of its time.

“When you make a film on that scale… every screening we did as we were finishing the film, there would be someone in tears and deeply moved by it. That’s enough,” Nolan explains. “You can’t also ask the culture to immediately embrace something. It’s asking too much in a way. If you talk to individuals who’ve connected with the film in a profound way, then you know it’s there. You’ve done your job. The rest is about the zeitgeist and where you fit in with it.”

Interstellar is featured on our list of the best sci-fi movies of all time. For more, stay tuned for the most exciting new films you need to know about.

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