Christopher Nolan, renowned for his unique storytelling, described the WWII film The Thin Red Line as “absolutely poetic,” highlighting its influence on his own cinematic approach. During a recent interview with Konbini, Nolan spoke about how this classic war movie has inspired his filmmaking style, demonstrating the deep impact of poetic cinema on his works.
Terrence Malick’s War Drama Captures the Inner Battles of World War II
Originally released in the late 1990s, The Thin Red Line, directed by Terrence Malick, explores the psychological struggles faced by soldiers during the battle at Guadalcanal. The film earned seven Academy Award nominations while portraying a more introspective and emotional side of war, setting itself apart from other WWII movies of that era. Featuring prominent actors such as Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, and George Clooney, Malick’s film has been a major influence on Nolan.
Christopher Nolan expressed enthusiasm for the film, stating,
Thin Red Line. Fantastic war movie.
—Christopher Nolan, Filmmaker
He further described the experience of watching the movie on the big screen:
Absolutely poetic. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen that one on the big screen, it’s very beautiful. It’s remarkable.
—Christopher Nolan, Filmmaker
In particular, Nolan highlighted the film’s score, composed by Hans Zimmer, a frequent collaborator of his own. He emphasized one memorable piece, saying,
There’s a cue in there called ‘Journey to the Line,’ That he [Zimmer] refers to as ‘the forbidden cue’ because whenever he’s working on a film, and somebody temps with it, it’s impossible to replace because it’s so powerful in and of itself, and so beautifully modulated with its time and how it builds.
—Christopher Nolan, Filmmaker
He continued to praise the composition:
It’s a pretty magical piece of film score…very influential. You hear it ripped off all the time. But it works at its best in that movie. It’s really incredible. Really beautiful.
—Christopher Nolan, Filmmaker
Despite its critical acclaim and multiple Oscar nominations, The Thin Red Line did not win any Academy Awards and is often overshadowed by Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan, released the same year. While Spielberg’s movie portrays the intense physical reality of war, Malick’s work remains noted for its profound exploration of the mental anguish experienced by soldiers.
Nolan’s Broad Appreciation for War Films Reflects in His Own Productions
Christopher Nolan’s filmography is diverse, spanning superhero epics, science fiction, and war dramas, demonstrating his wide-ranging artistic interests. His 2017 film, Dunkirk, about the evacuation of Allied troops from the French coast during World War II, was acclaimed for its realism and innovative use of IMAX technology. Nolan assembled an ensemble cast including Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance, Barry Keoghan, and Harry Styles to bring this historic event to life.
In crafting Dunkirk, Nolan drew inspiration from various war films, not solely The Thin Red Line. He curated a special film season at London’s BFI Southbank that featured significant works such as Lewis Milestone’s All Quiet on the Western Front, a landmark anti-war movie based on Erich Maria Remarque’s novel, and Gillo Pontecorvo’s Battle of Algiers, known for its cinéma-vérité style focusing on human tragedy over grand battle scenes.
This blend of influences showcases Nolan’s dedication to exploring war’s complex dimensions, combining physical conflict with emotional depth. These references have enriched Nolan’s approach, allowing him to infuse a poetic and philosophical quality into films like Dunkirk and Interstellar.
The Enduring Legacy of WWII Films on Nolan’s Cinematic Vision
The poetic qualities Nolan admires in The Thin Red Line resonate throughout his works, highlighting his respect for films that balance artistic beauty with powerful storytelling. This influence has shaped how he approaches complex themes in his movies, emphasizing psychological nuance alongside striking visuals. Given Nolan’s ongoing status as a leading filmmaker, the legacy of these WWII films will likely continue to inform his future projects, maintaining their significance in contemporary cinema.
