Christopher Nolan’s Unconventional Approach: No Emails or Smartphones

Director Christopher Nolan, renowned for his acclaimed sci-fi films, deliberately avoids modern technology such as email and smartphones. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter about his latest film, Oppenheimer, the British filmmaker emphasized that his choice stems from a desire to minimize distractions associated with advanced devices.

Nolan explains, “I think technology and its capabilities are amazing. My personal choice revolves around the level of involvement. It’s about reducing distractions. If I’m generating my own material and writing my scripts, being on a smartphone all day wouldn’t be very useful for me.”

Due to his aversion to email, Nolan employs a unique method to distribute scripts to his cast members: hand delivery. “People might wonder why I work in secrecy, but it’s not about secrecy; it’s about privacy,” clarifies Nolan. He emphasizes that his preference for physical scripts is not an attempt to be covert but rather allows him to experiment, make mistakes, and maintain the utmost creativity.

Even the ensemble cast of Oppenheimer, which features Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, and Robert Downey Jr., received their copies of the script through personal visits from Nolan himself. Murphy, who has collaborated with Nolan on previous projects, recalls receiving a surprise call from the director before having the script physically handed to him during a visit. Damon had a similar experience, with Nolan providing the script personally and then returning to discuss the film in detail. Downey went to Nolan’s home to read the script, while Blunt explained that the director prefers this approach to maintain control over early stages and avoid leaks through agencies.

Nolan’s unconventional methods demonstrate his commitment to privacy, enabling him to foster an environment of creativity and collaboration. Despite the availability of digital communication, he remains steadfast in his reliance on personal interactions and physical scripts as integral elements of his creative process.