• There is such economy in the screenplay- the word “ghosts” is mentioned like 4 times in the first 8 minutes—I think Nolan is the far superior filmmaker (and writer) but I do see similarities with m night Shyamalan (they create labyrinths) and I think critics have a hard time with that sort of level of calculation (I think detractors would say it borders on manipulation)—Spielberg does it as well— Matthew McConaughey’s cooper character says “I’m not always going to be there to help you”- I think some would say this is good form setting up the plot—others hate the transparency—I do find myself getting annoyed upon repeat viewings—there’s too much foreshadowing
  • I do adore the “we’re explorers, not caretakers” as a mantra for Nolan himself as an inventive auteur—look at what he did with Batman—clearly not a caretaker
  • As a lover of the film, I’m disappointed there’s not a ton of interesting shots in the first 41 minutes—really the first time my head is turned is the shot of McConaughey driving away from home at 41 minute sin
  • I do love the interviewing of older couples sections thrown it- it’s taken from warren beatty’s reds and when harry met sally
  • There’s a very well earned emotional connection between father and daughter- murphy and cooper
  • Stunning exteriors on Matt Damon’s world
  • It is a major accomplishment for McConaughey
  • The parallel editing sequence during Damon’s betrayal solidifies the film as a top 10 of the year quality and is certainly a main auteur trademark for Nolan- it’s aided by a wonderful organ score that drives the sequence by Hans Zimmer
  • A flaw for me remains the scene where old murph (played by Ellen Burstyn) and McConaughey finally meet. It’s such an emotionally pivotal scene- this is the moment that the film has largely been leading up to for 2 ½ hours at that point and is the main driving motivation for the two main characters – and it’s literally 75 seconds from the start of the meeting to her character saying “you go”
  • In the archives and certainly in the top 10 of 2014
  • Highly Recommend