When we think of Christopher Nolan, we’re frequently struck by his awe-inspiring visuals, mind-bending ‘serious’ narratives, and his uncanny knack for keeping audiences spellbound. Praised for being a postmodernist and an auteur, his work often features business suits, muted colors, urban settings, highly serious narratives, and a keen attention to characters. But were you aware that behind the enigmatic facade of this highly regarded filmmaker lies a good sense of humor?
Emma Thomas, Oppenheimer’s co-producer and Nolan’s wife, recently revealed that her husband’s sense of humor always makes people laugh. During her latest candid chat with Variety, she recalled her husband’s “underrated quality”. She cleared up the most common misconceptions about her husband, such as people thinking he is “dead serious”, and accusing his films of being equally grim.
Emma Thomas Discusses Christopher Nolan’s Most ‘Underrated Quality’
Many people view Christopher Nolan as a pensive director who is consumed by the gravity of his work because of his intense and intricate films. But his understated, dry wit surprises many more because it is precisely this serious nature that sets him apart.
He recently took the helm of Oppenheimer, which got him praised for his immersive cinematic experience and visionary storytelling. It may be difficult for fans to believe, but Emma Thomas recently revealed that her husband’s greatest quality is his ability to bring humor to the table. That means beneath his solemn facade lies a man whose keen sense of humor adds an unexpected dimension to both on and off-screen.
His wife believes that the comedic quality of Nolan’s films is underappreciated. She told Variety.
“Someone earlier asked me, ‘What do you think is Chris’ most underrated quality?’ He’s funny! People think he’s dead serious, they accuse his films of also being so serious.”
She proceeded to say that she thought Oppenheimer was “funny”, supporting her husband’s sense of humorous humor. In her words:
“Even in Oppenheimer there are moments I find funny, even in the actor’s expressions. There is humor in his movies, and I don’t think he gets enough credit for it. The other one I don’t get is people have said his movies are not emotional.”
Thus, the next time you watch a film by Nolan, look for those unnoticed whimsical nuggets and see for yourself if they actually make you laugh!
Emma Thomas Claims Her Husband ‘Brings the Best out of People’
Oppenheimer producer Emma Thomas, wife of Christopher Nolan, said in her speech that she was happy to see her husband receiving recognition following his Golden Globe win for Best Director. The Hollywood Reporter claimed that the director has not received as many awards as one might assume after decades of creating critically acclaimed blockbusters.
Nolan’s wife stated that, despite being nominated for multiple Academy Awards, he has not yet taken home the trophy:
“I’m so pleased that Chris has been acknowledged, because I think what he does is unlike anything anyone else is doing, ‘Chris sort of brings the best out of people by being the very best himself’.”
Oppenheimer performed exceedingly well, earning $952 million worldwide, a remarkable amount for a three-hour, R-rated biopic that incurred production costs of approximately $100 million. Thomas commended Donna Langley, the head of Universal Pictures, for giving the movie the go-ahead. The former said:
“I don’t think it was a no-brainer by any stretch of the imagination.”
A cultural phenomenon known as ‘Barbenheimer’ was brought about by Oppenheimer’s simultaneous release with Warner Bros.’ Barbie, which enticed viewers to watch both movies as a double feature. Also, the $952 million film took the third spot as the highest-grossing movie of 2023, the top-grossing biographical film, and the second-highest-grossing R-rated movie. It was hailed by critics and won multiple awards.
Oppenheimer can be rented on Apple TV.
