Following Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A wanna-be writer becomes an accidental apprentice to a burglar, and things go from bad to hammer-wielding-worse in this low-budget noir.

🍿 Following: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Writer’s Unusual Hobby

The film introduces Bill, an aspiring but struggling writer in London. Seeking inspiration, Bill develops a peculiar habit: he follows strangers, observing their lives from a distance. He sets rules to maintain randomness and avoid becoming a stalker, but soon breaks his own code.

Encounter with Cobb

Bill’s rule-breaking leads him to Cobb, a charismatic and well-dressed man who confronts Bill about being followed. Instead of being angry, Cobb reveals that he is a burglar and invites Bill to join him. Cobb’s burglaries aren’t about material gain; he enjoys the psychological impact of invading people’s lives.

Involvement and Deception

Bill is drawn into Cobb’s world of petty crime. During a burglary, Bill becomes infatuated with a blonde woman. He starts a relationship with her, unaware that she and Cobb are manipulating him. The woman claims to be blackmailed by a gangster named The Bald Guy, and Bill agrees to help her.

The Set-Up

Bill breaks into The Bald Guy’s safe, but is caught and ends up assaulting the man guarding it. He discovers that the compromising photos were fake. The Blonde reveals that Cobb and she have been using Bill to create a patsy. The police find The Blonde murdered with the hammer Bill used, implicating him in the murder.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• The Young Man (Jeremy Theobald): An aspiring writer with a penchant for following strangers who becomes entangled in a web of crime and manipulation.
• Cobb (Alex Haw): A charismatic and manipulative burglar who takes the Young Man under his wing, leading him down a dangerous path.
• The Blonde (Lucy Russell): A mysterious woman connected to both Cobb and a gangster, involved in a plot of blackmail and deceit.
• The Policeman (John Nolan): The officer whom the Young Man recounts his story to, adding a layer of framing to the nonlinear narrative.
• The Bald Guy (Dick Bradsell): A violent gangster who employs Cobb and is being blackmailed, setting the stage for the film’s central conflict.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Cobb: “You take it away, to show them what they had.” – Cobb’s rationale for burglary, explaining his belief that taking away possessions makes people appreciate what they have.
• Cobb: “I don’t steal money. I steal things that they won’t miss.” – Cobb explaining that the act of theft isn’t about the object or the money, but is instead about something far more elusive.
• The Young Man: “I’m a writer. Or, I will be, when I’ve got something to write about.” – The Young Man explaining his initial motivation for following people, seeking inspiration for his writing.
• Cobb: “Details, details… they’re what separates a decent story from a good one.” – Cobb emphasizing the importance of details in crafting a compelling narrative, foreshadowing the film’s intricate plot.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000
• Domestic Gross: $48,482
• Worldwide Gross: $126,052

💥 Following Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched Following because I’m a huge Nolan fan, and I have to say, it’s so cool seeing where his style started! The non-linear thing is already there, even though it’s not as polished as in Memento. The black and white adds such a classic crime feel. I was totally hooked from the start, trying to figure out how all the pieces fit together. That ending, though… I didn’t see it coming! This movie is proof you don’t need a huge budget to make something amazing.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of neo-noir films”
  • “Fans of Christopher Nolan”
  • “Those who enjoy crime thrillers with twists”
  • “Independent film enthusiasts”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief strong language”
  • “Suggestive themes”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “A brilliant debut that showcases Nolan’s knack for suspense and intricate storytelling. The non-linear narrative keeps you guessing, and the black and white cinematography adds to the film’s gritty atmosphere. A must-see for any fan of crime thrillers.
• Slash Film: “Nolan’s Following is a masterclass in low-budget filmmaking. Its creative use of time and memory foreshadows his later successes. Despite its limitations, the film’s tight script and compelling performances make it a captivating watch.
• Film Snob Reviews: “Following’s low budget becomes an asset. Nolan uses black and white cinematography to create a gritty noir atmosphere that perfectly complements the film’s themes of obsession and manipulation.

Audience Reactions

The unexpected twists kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s mind-bending plot twists and clever storytelling.

I loved how the film created a compelling story with such a small budget.: Many find the resourcefulness of the production impressive, creating a quality film on a shoestring budget.

Overall Consensus: A mind-bending noir thriller that showcases Christopher Nolan’s early talent for suspenseful storytelling and complex narratives, despite its low budget.

Awards

1. Black and White Award (Best Film)- 1998
2. Slamdance Film Festival (Black and White Award)- 1999

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “”Following” was shot on a shoestring budget of just $6,000, utilizing black and white film to save on costs and enhance the noir atmosphere.”
• “Christopher Nolan served as writer, director, cinematographer, and editor, showcasing his multifaceted talent and dedication to the project.”
• “The non-linear structure was partly a result of the production schedule, as scenes were filmed when actors and locations were available, leading to a fragmented narrative that was later embraced.”
• “Nolan’s experience making “Following” heavily influenced his approach to “Memento,” refining the non-linear storytelling techniques explored in his debut.”
• “The actors, mostly friends and acquaintances of Nolan, worked on a deferred payment basis, highlighting their commitment to the project despite the limited resources.”

🖥️ How to Watch Following?

As an early work by Christopher Nolan, ‘Following’ is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as it may occasionally be included in subscription packages. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also available from retailers like Amazon, providing options for collectors and those who prefer owning their films. It is not widely available on major streaming platforms in 2024.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Following, you might like these similar films:

• Memento (2000): Directed by Christopher Nolan, it shares a similar non-linear narrative structure and themes of deception and identity.
• Reservoir Dogs (1992): Features a crime story told out of sequence, with a focus on character interactions and building suspense through dialogue.
• Brick (2005): A neo-noir film set in a high school, with stylized dialogue and a twisty plot involving deception and hidden motives.
• House of Games (1987): A psychological thriller about a woman drawn into a con game, similar to ‘Following’ in its exploration of manipulation and deception.

🛒 Following Related Products

• Memento (Limited Edition Blu-ray): A limited edition Blu-ray of Memento, another Christopher Nolan masterpiece, packaged with exclusive behind-the-scenes content and artwork.
• Christopher Nolan Collection (Blu-ray): A Blu-ray collection featuring several of Christopher Nolan’s iconic films, showcasing his evolution as a filmmaker.
• Following Movie Poster (Black and White): A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster for Following, capturing the film’s noir aesthetic.
• The Cinema of Christopher Nolan: Imagining the Impossible by Tom Shone: A detailed exploration of Nolan’s film techniques and themes, providing insights into his directorial choices.

🎧 Soundtrack

Following features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Theme” – performed by David Julyan
• “Apartment” – performed by David Julyan

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How Nolan Shoots A Film At 3 Budget Levels

Curious about how Christopher Nolan’s filmmaking changed with his budget? This video dives into his techniques and strategies from ‘Following’ to ‘Inception’, shedding light on his creative process.

Following – Movie Review

Get an expert’s opinion on ‘Following’! Chris Stuckmann’s review delves into the film’s impact, exploring its themes and techniques. Whether you’re a Nolan fan or not, this review will give you a deeper understanding of the movie.

How Christopher Nolan MASTERED no-budget filmmaking

Fascinated by how Nolan made his first movie with only $6,000? This video breaks down his techniques, showcasing the ingenuity behind ‘Following’ and providing inspiration for aspiring filmmakers.

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