An unemployed aspiring "writer" Bill (Jeremy Theobald) has a peculiar hobby, shadowing strangers at random in the streets of London. When Cobb (Alex Haw), a man Bill has been following, catches him in the act, Bill is draw... more »n into Cobb's world of breaking into flats and prying into the personal lives of their victims. In Bob, Bill finds a strange companion - part mentor, part confessor and part evil twin. With an ingenious structure that involves flash forwards and doubling back, the film tests our knowledge and understanding just as the protagonist is being duped into an elaborate triple-cross. "Following" heralded Christopher Nolan as a promising new talent whose promise was amply confirmed with "Memento."« less
Jeanne W. from MADISON, AL Reviewed on 7/29/2010...
This is a fine movie for those who allow for...and even like...subtlties in their movies. It will keep you wondering!!
1 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Patrick J. (bossajake) from TOLEDO, OH Reviewed on 4/8/2010...
nice little film noir shot in black and white, can't believe it only cost $6,000 to make! the flash-forwards and double-backs are a little confusing at first but it has some clever twists and turns and the acting is superb across the board. an interesting oddball that's worth a look.
3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Daniel A. (Daniel) from EUGENE, OR Reviewed on 2/8/2010...
Nolan's best film is also his least expensive. The fluid time frame works much better than in his next movie. Probably more clever than his later film
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
Original and Compelling
kamus | United States | 05/14/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Christopher Nolan puts Hollywood to shame with this no-budget film. Proving that good scripts, good directors and good actors are the key ingredients that constitute good movies, not swollen budgets, big "stars" or special effects Nolan has created a very compelling film indeed. Although it's a no budget affair, it sure doesn't feel like it. The B&W treatment feels like a natural complement to the gritty story and turns a potential limitation into an asset- it actually has a real artistic visual style. The performances are first rate as well, but what really floats this movie is the terrific script that will draw you in and keep you in suspense right up until the last frame. Then you'll want to see it again immediately. How many movies do you have that reaction to? The non-chronological narrative is dealt with masterfully and gives an already intriguing story a further dimension. An added bonus is Nolan's astute commentary and the alternate angle view of the shooting script, both wonderful resources for the aspiring filmmaker but fascinating for the rest of us too.
I saw this film accidentally because I grabbed the box too hastily from the video store, but boy am I glad I did! Highly recommended."
Smart and Clever (4 1/2 stars)
Michael Crane | Orland Park, IL USA | 12/15/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Christopher Nolan is a very talented director who proves how talented he is with his first "no-budget" movie, "Following." This a dark film noir that will keep you thinking and guessing until the shocking last scene.Bill is a struggling writer who has been on his own for quite sometime. During that time he has become very bored and needs to find ways to kill time. He starts to follow people... anybody who seemed interesting to him. At first it was supposed to be a way for him to gather material for characters in his stories, but soon he becomes obsessed and cannot stop following people. Once a thief, Cobb, catches Bill in the act, he decides to allow him to enter his world of robbing houses, showing Bill how to really violate the lives of strangers. Soon everything starts to spin out of control and things for Bill will never be the same as he starts to learn that somebody just might be trying to use him as a decoy.... but a decoy for what? This dark film noir will keep you watching and thinking, even when it's all said and done. Then, you're going to want to watch it again.Very much like "Memento," Nolan screws around with time, forcing us to remember exactly what has happened and the order they occurred in. However, the movie is not backwards, it is very much out of order in parts, so pay attention to every little detail that you come across. Is this film confusing? Yes, it is, or at least the first time you see it. This is a movie that will require you to watch it at least two times. Although I thought this was a good movie, I was a little disappointed with the length of the movie. It is only 70 minutes long, which isn't very long at all. It's also not widescreen, but I'm sure that' s because it wasn't filmed that way. It is black and white, very much like "Clerks," but it actually makes the film seem more darker and eerier. The movie does have great acting, from people you've never even heard of most likely, and it does have a great story line. It tends to be confusing at times, even frustrating. So see it with an open mind. I loved the music in it and you will be glad to know that it is the same person Nolan used for "Memento." There are a few extras on the DVD; one of the best features is the ability for you to see the movie in chronological order. There are also trailers for "Following" and "Memento." ("Memento" is probably one of the best theatrical trailers I have ever seen. "Following" is also a fine trailer.)"Following" is a fine first from Nolan, who has proven that he is a brilliant writer and director who loves to make us do a lot of work when watching his films. If you liked "Memento," chances are you will enjoy this film as well. A brilliant movie, and one that shows you that you do not need a big budget to make a great movie. See this one as soon as you can."
If you liked memento, you'll like this one
Jessica Aviles | Pacific Grove, CA USA | 10/24/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have to say that Memento is the best movie I've ever seen. I decided to watch this because it's by the same director and I was wondering what else he could come up with. And I wasn't dissapointed. The movie is in black and white and jumps around the timeline in an interesting way, which keeps you focused and trying to figure out what's going on. I thought the general idea of the movie, about a guy who follows and watches random people, trying to figure out who they are and what they do, is quite original but at the same time common to everybody -- who hasn't wondered about the random person on the street (I sure have).
The way the movie is presented is involving and at times humorous. The way the camera is positioned you really get a feel for being right there, next to the characters and involved in the storyline.
The movie is just as good on the second or third viewing (like Memento), and that's definitely evidence to the fact it's good.
I would definitely recommend this movie to people who liked Memento; you won't be dissapointed with it."
Quirky Film Noir
Bryan A. Pfleeger | Metairie, Louisiana United States | 09/13/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Christopher Nolan's first film is an absolute gem of no budget filmaking that should make Hollywood producer's stand up and take notice.
The film shot in London on Saturdays because the cast and crew had other day jobs on a budget of $6000.00 is a stylish film noir with a unique time structure that was used to suberb effect in Nolan's second feature Memento.
The film follws the story of a young man(Jeremy Theobald)who takes to following random people on the street in order to overcome his boring and lonely lifestyle. One day he follows a stranger carrying a leather bag who turns out to be a thief. Being invited to join in on some break ins a story of double and triple crosses follows.
The story is just quirky enough to keep the viewer's attention for its short 70 minute run time and nary a frame of film is wasted. There are good supporting performances by Alex Haw as the thief, Cobb and by Lucy Russell as the obligatory blonde femme fatale.
The DVD is presented in a full frame addition only with Dolby 2.0 sound. The disc contains a commentary that tells new filmakers how to deal with the problem of a non existent budget, a screenplay viewer and the ability to view the film chronologically.
All in all a good way to spend 70 minutes of your time. Highly recommended."