Top Hollywood director Christopher Nolan doesn’t use a smartphone. Director of ‘Oppenheimer’ Christopher Nolan is widely recognized for his preference for practical effects over computer-generated ones in his films. However, his aversion to modern technology goes beyond his work on screen.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Nolan disclosed that he is quite tech-averse in his personal and professional life, earning him the label of a “complete Luddite” from his own kids.
Despite living in a digitally connected world, Nolan consciously avoids being overly involved with technology to maintain his focus. He stated that distractions are the main concern, especially when he is in the process of generating material and writing scripts.
To safeguard his creative flow, he chooses not to use a smartphone and instead relies on a flip phone, as he mentioned in a previous interview.
Nolan admitted to being easily distractible, and he values the in-between moments where he can do his best thinking without being constantly bombarded by online activities. As a result, he has deliberately kept his computer, used for writing scripts, disconnected from the internet.
His traditional approach extends to how he shares his scripts with actors. Rather than sending them digitally, Nolan prefers to personally hand-deliver the scripts.
While this has led to a reputation for working in secrecy, Nolan clarified that it is about privacy and the freedom to explore ideas and be adventurous without external influences.
He enjoys sitting with actors after they’ve read his scripts to get their immediate, face-to-face feedback and see how they connect with the material.
Since his breakout hit “Memento” in 2000, Nolan has written most of his films, with the exception of “Insomnia” in 2002. His latest project, the highly anticipated “Oppenheimer,” is set to hit theaters on July 21.
As a filmmaker who embraces the art of practical filmmaking and values personal interaction over digital communication, Christopher Nolan stands out in the modern movie industry.