Christopher Nolan, the mastermind behind the cerebral sci-fi hit “Inception,” initially toyed with the concept of the film as a horror narrative. As he shared with The Telegraph in 2010, the idea began as “an experiment in subconscious terror,” with Nolan stating:
“I was thinking along the lines of a horror movie at first, but it eventually became this project. I was looking for a device whereby the dreams would become important to the story, and the thought that someone could invade your dream space and steal an idea is immensely compelling to me. The concept that dreams feel real while we’re in them underlies the whole film.”
The notion of a horror film taking us through the dark alleys of dream invasion certainly piques interest—akin to “A Nightmare on Elm Street” but with that quintessential Nolan twist. Noteworthy is Nolan’s commentary at a British Film Institute event, where he mentioned his intrigue in horror, yet also his hesitancy due to the need for an outstanding idea: “I think a really good horror film requires a really exceptional idea. And those are few and far between,” he said. According to his statements from a week prior, we shouldn’t hold our breath for a Nolan horror film just yet.
For now, Nolan enthusiasts can only fantasize about what could be if Nolan decides to dive into the horror genre or perhaps, as a playful thought, pivot to creating an “Air Bud” style family-friendly sports movie.
FAQ
- What was the original concept for “Inception” before it became a sci-fi thriller?
- Has Christopher Nolan made any horror movies?
- What are some key elements that Christopher Nolan believes are essential for a horror movie?
Christopher Nolan originally conceived “Inception” as a horror movie centered around the idea of subconscious terror and dream space invasion.
No, Christopher Nolan has not made a horror movie. He has expressed interest in the genre but has yet to find an exceptional idea that compels him to make one.
Nolan believes that a really good horror film requires an exceptionally good idea, which are rare and critical for him to consider pursuing a project in the genre.
Conclusion
While Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” ultimately evolved into the groundbreaking sci-fi film we now know, the revelation that it began as an idea for a horror flick adds an intriguing layer to its creation story. Nolan’s considerations show his commitment to storytelling quality, seeking out only exceptional ideas for his projects, whether it be in his well-known genre of choice or potentially in horror. For now, fans of Nolan’s work can only speculate on what a horror movie directed by him might look like and continue to “dream” of all the possibilities. Who knows? Inspiration for such a film may strike the esteemed director any day now, adding yet another genre to his illustrious filmography.