Christopher Nolan Refuses to Discuss This Tenet Fan Theory

Needless to say, Christopher Nolan He has built a strong resume with some of the most beloved hit films of the 21st century. However, principle It remains the most controversial film on his list. Fans of the film find it to be a well-crafted film full of suspense, excitement, and style; critics find it unnecessarily complex and confusing. However, principle He has been slowly but surely building a cult following.

Considering the film’s use of “reverse entropy,” which allows characters to literally move backwards in time (which is clearly different from time travel), it can be quite difficult to follow. But that hasn’t stopped diehards from offering up very detailed explanations of the events. principleSymmetrical timeline or theories about the deeper implications of the conspiracy. One of the most interesting theories regarding Robert Pattinson's character, Neil, has already found its way to Nolan's attention..

Who is Neil's true identity in Tenet?

The simplest explanation for the theory is that Neil is actually a grown-up version of Max.the young son of Kat (Elizabeth Debicki), as the two characters share the same accent and haircut. But as with Christopher Nolan, nothing is that simple; it’s the details that fascinate. A popular Reddit post from 2020 points out one of the most common criticisms of the film (other than the soundtrack)—its clumsy dialogue. In particular, the post’s author picks apart Kai’s reaction to learning that the Sator device can destroy reality: “Including my son,” insisting that the line is actually Evidence indicating the importance of the Nile in principleclimax.

First, the author cites how Neil is able to speak Estonian (a language that is notoriously difficult to master), just like Sator, Max's biological father. Additionally, “Neil” serves as a mirror image of the last four letters of “Maximilian.” While it can be argued that these clues can be attributed to coincidence, it is difficult to ignore Neil's importance to the principleThe story reaches its climax, as he retreats one last time after defeating Sator's men. After learning the outcome of the mission, he returns to battle only to take a bullet intended for the hero, allowing the plan to succeed at the cost of his life.

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This would give Kay's line a deeper meaning, as it speaks to his essential role in helping the protagonist's plan succeed. The author of the post explains the mechanics of time travel in the film: “Given the constant reference to the grandfather paradox, if we believe the theory that Neil is actually the adult Max, it is essential that the world does not end, so that Max does not die, so that he can eventually go back and prevent the world from ending. Instead of going back and killing his grandfather, which causes a paradox that ends reality, Neil comes back and is the one who dies, thus preventing the paradox that ends reality. The whole theme of the film is almost an inverted grandfather paradox if you think about it that way.”

Additionally, if this theory is correct, it adds weight to another line of dialogue late in the film, shortly before the climax. Neil tells the protagonist, “When this is over, and we’re still standing, and you’re still interested, then you can hear my life story.” In this case, Neil means literally, that In fact, the hero will be able to experience Max's coming of age and his transformation into his most loyal follower..

Nolan will neither confirm nor deny whether Max is Neil.

Anyone hoping to hear Christopher Nolan’s take on this theory should prepare to be disappointed. Earlier this year, during his campaign for the Oscar for Best Picture, Oppenheimerappeared on Late ShowAs Stephen Colbert asked him, “Some people say they don’t understand everything in principleDo you understand everything in principle“You're not supposed to understand everything in principleNot everything is clear. It's a bit like asking if I know what happens to the spinning top at the end. beginning“.”

Colbert then asked if he knew the answer to one of the most hotly debated questions in the world of blockbuster cinema in the 2000s. Nolan’s official line was: “I have to have my own idea of ​​what it is for it to be a valid, productive mystery. But the point is that it’s a mystery.” More importantly, he said:I don't allow myself to comment on fan theories anymore.“This is in keeping with Nolan’s view of his work from the beginning of his career, where he prefers not to draw attention to his intentions, instead letting his films speak for themselves and trusting the audience to come to their own conclusions. Indeed, it is clear that Nolan does not criticize his intentions. souvenir It is the only voiceover he ever recorded.

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Frankly, the mystery that principle It’s largely what makes this film so memorable. In a sea of ​​easily understood (and almost simplistic) blockbusters, this is a fascinating beast precisely because it’s so difficult to fully pin down. Even four years after its release, people are still arguing about it, and that likely wouldn’t be the case if Nolan had managed to tie everything together neatly and answer every question the film raised.

Doctrine works best the less you try to understand it.

Nolan may be right when he says that viewers aren't supposed to fully understand. principleIn this author's experience, the first viewing was filled with confusion and a struggle to keep up with the flow of the film while simultaneously trying to piece together the chronology. Upon rewatching, knowing that the plot is actually a high-concept thriller (like the James Bond film that Nolan never got around to making) full of atmosphere, first and foremost, it is more engaging.

Confusion may be the state the viewer is supposed to be in.just like the protagonist in the first half, until he learns how to go wherever the flow of time takes him. One of the film's most famous lines, “Don't try to understand it. Feel it,” may actually be Nolan's guide to how to watch it. principle Available to rent on Prime Video.