If there’s one thing avid enthusiasts of Christopher Nolan know about him besides his affinity for physics and his knack for creating masterpieces, it’s his tech-averse disposition. He himself has admitted to it, although not due to a particular disdain for it. The Oscar-winning director doesn’t resort to online activity when he could use the in-between time to engage in his art.
Still, this characteristic of Nolan’s has become somewhat of an internet joke. And given he can’t escape the jests of the netizens even on (what seems to be) a vacation, it doesn’t seem like he’ll be shaking this reputation off anytime soon! Recently, pictures of the acclaimed filmmaker in Venice with his wife and professional partner Emma Thomas went viral on X, formerly Twitter.
The reason? Well, using a physical map to traverse the city can reap such reactions, apparently!
Christopher Nolan’s Use Of Paper Map On Vacation Has Amused Netizens
In an age where using Google Maps has become second nature to most individuals, online users are getting a kick out of Tenet alum Christopher Nolan using an old-school paper map while walking around in Venice with Emma Thomas. Despite the quips that followed, fans found the photographs shared by @NolanAnalyst on X rather endearing.
You can check out the post below:
Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas in Venice pic.twitter.com/QVaGD0WS0u
— Christopher Nolan Art & Updates (@NolanAnalyst) March 23, 2024
As most netizens gushed about Nolan’s usage of the physical map, demonstrating yet again his non-reliance on the digital format, others quickly put on their thinking caps.
Some wondered whether the couple were potentially scouting locations for a project. One user even iterated that it’s tricky to tell whether the two are on a good old vacation (which they deserve after the Oppenheimer season) or if they’re gearing up for future endeavors.
A few others, pretty cheek in tongue, pointed out the director taking photos of his wife on—gasps—a smartphone. In response, some suggested that it could just be Emma Thomas’.
In a 2020 interview, Nolan disclosed to People that he uses flip phones. He also affirmed not using emails as a means of communication.
“…I don’t have a smartphone. I have a little flip phone that I take with me from time to time. I’m easily distractible, so I don’t really want to have access to the internet every time when I’m bored.”
He continued,
“And email, I … have never been particularly interested in communicating with people … that way. I prefer just calling people from a landline.”
You can see where the renowned filmmaker gets his reputation from. No wonder he prefers using a physical map over a digital one! Fans of his work can’t blame him, though. If staying unplugged has helped Nolan combat distractions and put his mind into his work to create a film like Interstellar or Inception or Oppenheimer, then perhaps there’s a learning lesson for us all there.
But that’s a discussion for another day.
Online Users React To The Recent Images Of Christopher Nolan
The pictures have generated a lot of intrigue, even though fans are still perplexed whether Nolan’s stay in Venice is work-related. The location led some to entertain the thought, a few deeming it perfect for an action-thriller premise. Others, however, are only focusing on what’s at hand, and that is the director’s use of a paper map.
To say they’re amused would be an understatement. None of them are shocked, though, thinking it on-brand for the filmmaker to do so. Take a look at some of these tweets:
The fact that he is using a physical map to navigate through the city, wow, just Chris Nolan things 😅
— Nitesh MGS (@Nobody_10__) March 23, 2024
chris nolan using an actual map instead of google maps to navigate venice is so on brand pic.twitter.com/wNRTI1dxvg
— ellis (@pookieblinder) March 23, 2024
Hard to tell if they are enjoying a vacation, or planning a film lol
— Jon (@Patriotic_Jon) March 23, 2024
Dude was reading a real map LOL The guy is really old school. Awesome pics, as always
— Movie Buff 🎬 (@thismoviebuff) March 23, 2024
The location seems “action-thriller movieish” and I can’t wait
— sunil paul (@Imsunilpaul) March 23, 2024
Christopher Nolan summed up perfectly by him using a paper map and not his phone https://t.co/5I7CcCJfva
— Veer Shah (@VeerShah2003) March 23, 2024
As Oppenheimer‘s time in contemporary pop-culture affairs crescendoed into a majestic Oscar sweep, it’s no surprise fans are speculating about the next project that will see Christopher Nolan at its helm. While he delved into the possibility of making a horror film (via Variety), which he confirmed showing interest in, many believe his next endeavor will be a big-screen adaptation of The Prisoner, based on the 1967 British television series.
These continue to be rumors, so it’s too early to discern what’s next for the director. All that is known is that fans will welcome it with their arms wide open.
Oppenheimer (2023) is available for streaming on Peacock.
