Chapter 495: A Family, Nolan’s Style

During the in-depth conversation with Director Nolan, Martin was completely reassured.

At least this guy wouldn't turn the film into some kind of cult movie associated with dark, sick, strange, violent, bloody, mysterious, religious, or alternative themes.

Well, that was his film to begin with. It was just me overthinking.

Martin smiled at Nolan, embarrassed, and said, "Director Nolan, I believe in you. The new Batman will certainly shine with a unique brilliance under your hands."

Nolan was unexpectedly moved.

It wasn't until they returned to his residence that Nolan kept reflecting on what Martin had said just before he left:

"You don't have to worry about the box office. With the constant bombardment of popcorn superhero blockbusters, audiences will eventually experience a certain level of aesthetic fatigue. So, our film—a dark, realistic superhero movie with serious cinematic features and creative tendencies—has come into being at just the right time. As long as you manage the storyline, and the pacing between restraint and explosion, balancing philosophy and commercial appeal, the box office will definitely surprise everyone."

"I know Warner has put a lot of pressure on you, but leave all of that to me. Just focus on making the film well."

Emma Thomas looked at her husband's complex expression, puzzled. Wasn't today the script reading session? What had happened?

"What's wrong, Chris?" she asked.

Nolan snapped out of it, hugged his wife, and said, "Darling, I had a chat with Martin today. He's really a great guy. He has a mind that's far beyond his years, and he's kind-hearted and righteous—no arrogance at all, not like those rich folks. He's really a good person!"

Emma Thomas laughed, "Sounds like Mr. Myers left quite an impression on you today. It's the first time I've heard you praise someone so much!"

"Definitely made an impression!" Nolan laughed as well.

At that moment, a young man who looked about fifty to sixty percent like Nolan walked out from a nearby room, dressed in pajamas, hair messy, eyes still sleepy.

Don't misunderstand—this was Christopher Nolan's younger brother, Jonathan Nolan, a talented screenwriter.

Christopher Nolan's breakout film, Memento, was actually based on a short story Jonathan had written, and he adapted it into the screenplay.

"Who's so great?" Jonathan Nolan asked, having just come out of the bedroom, overhearing his brother and sister-in-law talking about someone.

"Just woke up?" Christopher Nolan looked at his younger brother and couldn't help but scold, "You stayed up all night again, don't you care about your health?"

"Ugh, I don't want to either, but Martin's script was so good I couldn't stop reading it. I ended up finishing the entire trilogy of Batman. How did he think of this stuff? He's really a genius. The part where the Joker blows up the boat in the second movie was so well written. Honestly, after reading it, I absolutely fell in love with the Joker. I think he's even more compelling than Batman!"

No wonder he admired the second film's script so much. In the original timeline, The Dark Knight's script had actually been written by him!

He even won the 35th Saturn Award for Best Writing for The Dark Knight.

This guy was truly talented. It could be said that Christopher Nolan's future success owed a great deal to him.

Writer of Memento, The Prestige, The Dark Knight, co-writer of The Dark Knight Rises, and screenwriter of Interstellar, these films were what made Christopher Nolan famous.

In addition to that, Jonathan also produced two popular TV shows, Person of Interest and Westworld.

He even directed the third season of Westworld himself.

But at this point, he wasn't yet the big shot of Hollywood's screenwriting scene. He was more like a fanboy, praising Martin's script.

After chatting for a while, Jonathan finally stopped, patted his stomach, and said, "Is there any food? I'm hungry!"

"Wait a little longer, dinner will be ready soon," Emma Thomas smiled.

Fifteen minutes later.

The Nolan brothers and Emma Thomas sat at the dining table, and after a prayer, they started to enjoy their meal.

"Emma's cooking is still as delicious as ever," Jonathan Nolan, who was just there for the food, didn't forget to flatter, then asked, "Who were you two talking about just now?"

"Your idol, Martin. Your brother met him today and said he's a really great guy!"

"Really?" Jonathan Nolan looked at his brother.

Christopher Nolan nodded, "Exceptionally talented. What's more, he's not arrogant at all."

Jonathan Nolan suddenly said, "Chris, take me to the set tomorrow. I really love The Matrix. By the way, I even bought The Matrix novel (adapted after the movie's success). Maybe Martin could sign it for me..."

Christopher Nolan thought for a moment and said, "Bringing you along is fine, but don't cause trouble."

"Don't worry, Chris, I'm not the type to make a scene!" Jonathan Nolan said confidently.

Emma Thomas, also a producer, was very interested in the new Warner Batman movie and asked, "Where are you going to shoot? Are you doing it all in the studio?"

Christopher Nolan replied, "We might go to New York. In Martin's vision, Gotham City is actually a reflection of real-life New York."

"Great idea!" Jonathan Nolan chimed in. "It will make the audience feel more immersed."

"Filming in New York isn't going to be easy to arrange!" Emma Thomas recalled an independent film she once worked on, where they originally planned to film in New York but ended up shooting in New Jersey instead.

"Don't worry, this is a Warner film, and Martin has great connections with the city hall and police department in New York," Christopher Nolan said confidently.

Jonathan Nolan suddenly got excited, "Is it because of that bank robbery incident? Do you think the Joker's bank robbery scene in the second film was inspired by that event?"

Christopher Nolan paused, then nodded, "Could be."

They continued discussing the topic of box office.

Emma Thomas said, "Martin's right. The big screen is indeed full of one popcorn blockbuster after another. With the new Batman being so different, it can really offer the audience a fresh and thrilling experience. Honestly, Chris, I suddenly feel that your future films can take this kind of route."

Jonathan Nolan agreed, "Emma's right. Chris, you should make more commercial films with artistic qualities. Distinguish yourself from the growing number of popcorn films, and it might yield unexpected results. I think this style suits you. Not every director can pull it off!"

Christopher Nolan thought for a while, then nodded, "Definitely worth a try, but let's wait until the first Batman film comes out. Let this one pave the way for me."