During a visit to the Criterion Closet in New York, Christopher Nolan lauded Satyajit Ray's 'The Apu Trilogy', calling the filmmaker 'one of the greatest Indian filmmakers'. Nolan, known for his acclaimed works like 'Inception' and 'Oppenheimer', was seen in a video admiring Ray's seminal trilogy.
Nolan's Praise for 'The Apu Trilogy'
In the video circulating online, Nolan expressed his admiration for the first film of the trilogy, 'Pather Panchali' (1955). 'It just blew my mind,' he said. He also revealed he had not yet watched the subsequent parts, 'Aparajito' (1956) and 'Apur Sansar' (1959), expressing excitement to complete the story. The trilogy follows the life of Apu from childhood in rural Bengal to adulthood.
Awards and Recognition
The Apu Trilogy garnered numerous accolades. 'Pather Panchali' won the Best Human Document award at the Cannes Film Festival. 'Aparajito' received the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. All three films were honored with President's Gold Medals at India's National Film Awards, cementing Ray's legacy as a master storyteller.
Nolan's Latest Project: 'The Odyssey'
Nolan's most recent film, 'The Odyssey', features an ensemble cast including Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Zendaya as Athena, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, and Charlize Theron as Calypso. The film has crossed USD 300 million at the global box office, demonstrating Nolan's continued commercial and critical success.
Nolan's visit to the Criterion Closet, a famous storage room at the Criterion Collection, highlights his appreciation for classic and world cinema. His praise for Ray underscores the enduring influence of Indian cinema on global filmmakers.
