Detailed Summary
Introduction to the Young Man and His Obsession
The film follows a young, unemployed writer known only as “The Young Man” (Jeremy Theobald), who develops an obsessive interest in following strangers around London. He rationalizes this behavior as research for his writing, but his curiosity soon leads him into deeper trouble.
Encounter with Cobb
One day, The Young Man follows a well-dressed man named Cobb (Alex Haw), who confronts him about his behavior. Cobb reveals that he is a burglar who breaks into homes not just to steal but to explore the personal lives of the inhabitants. Fascinated, The Young Man agrees to accompany Cobb on his next break-in.
The Double Life
The Young Man becomes increasingly involved in Cobb’s world, adopting a new persona and even altering his appearance. As he delves deeper, he starts to lose his own sense of identity. Cobb teaches him the art of burglary and manipulation, showing him how to leave subtle clues that disturb the victims.
The Femme Fatale
The story takes a darker turn when The Young Man meets a mysterious blonde woman (Lucy Russell) through one of their burglaries. He becomes infatuated with her and starts an affair. However, she has a connection to Cobb, and her intentions remain ambiguous.
The Unraveling
As The Young Man gets more entangled in this dangerous game, he discovers that Cobb is not who he seems. Cobb’s true motives and the woman’s involvement lead to a series of betrayals and revelations. The Young Man finds himself framed for a murder he didn’t commit, orchestrated by Cobb and the woman.
The Twist
The film’s narrative structure is non-linear, revealing critical plot points through a series of flashbacks and jump cuts. In the final scenes, it is revealed that Cobb had planned everything from the beginning, manipulating The Young Man to take the fall for his crimes.
Movie Ending
The film ends with The Young Man being arrested for the murder and burglaries, while Cobb and the blonde woman escape unscathed. The Young Man realizes too late that he was a pawn in their scheme, his life ruined by his own curiosity and desire for excitement.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Following” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
“Following” is a psychological thriller and neo-noir film, characterized by its intricate plot, dark themes, and minimalist style.
Cast
- Jeremy Theobald as The Young Man (Bill)
- Alex Haw as Cobb
- Lucy Russell as The Blonde
- John Nolan as The Policeman
- Dick Bradsell as The Bald Guy
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score, composed by David Julyan, is minimalistic and atmospheric, enhancing the tension and psychological depth of the narrative.
Filming Locations
- London, England: The entire film was shot in various locations around London, contributing to the film’s gritty, realistic feel. The urban landscape plays a crucial role in setting the tone and mood.
Awards and Nominations
- Rotterdam International Film Festival: Won the Tiger Award.
- Slamdance Film Festival: Won the Black & White Award for Best Cinematography.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The film was shot on a very low budget, using natural lighting and actual locations to save money.
- Christopher Nolan, the director, used friends and family as cast and crew.
- Filming took place over a year, only on weekends, due to the cast and crew’s day jobs.
Inspirations and References
- Film Noir and Hitchcock: Inspired by classic film noir and Alfred Hitchcock’s thrillers, particularly in its exploration of identity and moral ambiguity.
- Personal Experiences: Nolan drew from his own experiences of living in London and his fascination with the city’s anonymity.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no known alternate endings or significant deleted scenes. The tight budget and concise script meant that most of what was filmed made it into the final cut.
Book Adaptations and Differences
“Following” is an original screenplay by Christopher Nolan and is not based on a book.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The Confrontation: Cobb’s initial confrontation with The Young Man about his following habit.
- The Break-Ins: The scenes where Cobb and The Young Man break into various apartments, revealing their psychological impact on the victims.
- The Revelation: The final scenes where The Young Man realizes he has been set up.
Iconic Quotes
- “You take it away… to show them what they had.” – Cobb
- “Everyone has a box.” – Cobb
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The non-linear narrative structure is a precursor to Nolan’s later work, particularly “Memento.”
- The film’s low budget led to creative solutions, like shooting in friends’ apartments and using handheld cameras for an intimate feel.
Trivia
- “Following” was Christopher Nolan’s first feature film.
- The budget was only around $6,000.
- The film was shot in black and white to cut costs and create a more stark, noir atmosphere.
Why Watch?
“Following” is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and noir films. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Christopher Nolan’s early work and showcases his talent for complex storytelling and character development.
Director’s Other Movies
- Memento (2000)
- Insomnia (2002)
- Batman Begins (2005)
- The Dark Knight (2008)
- Inception (2010)
- Interstellar (2014)
- Dunkirk (2017)
- Tenet (2020)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Memento (2000)
- Pi (1998)
- Requiem for a Dream (2000)
- Se7en (1995)
- The Machinist (2004)
- American Psycho (2000)
“No Country for Old Men” is another gripping crime thriller that fans of “Following” might enjoy, with its intense atmosphere and exploration of morality and fate.
