Alden Ehrenreich mentioned in an interview that at the start of his career, there had been a noticeable decline in the mid-range original idea movie, referring to the type of films reminiscent of those from the 90s, characterized by substantial budgets and dramatic themes. He expressed a perception of that period being marked by a prolonged decrease in such movies.
Ehrenreich further stated that, in his view, the current situation seemed to indicate a quiet renaissance for original filmmaking due to changes in the distribution platforms and the demand for more content, along with significant shifts in cultural paradigms.
Alden Ehrenreich also admires Christopher Nolan, highlighting the director’s remarkable attention to detail. He describes the intense and focused atmosphere on set as a unique and incomparable experience.
Alden Ehrenreich on the New Era of Cinema
Alden Ehrenreich mentioned that the recent surge in audacious and imaginative movies can be attributed to the evolving sensibility of audiences and filmmakers from their generation. He believes that this contemporary approach seeks novelty and a departure from the familiar, resulting in the production of films that might not have been feasible or as successful in the past. For example, he cited Everything Everywhere All At Once, a movie that exemplifies this trend and might have faced greater challenges in getting made and achieving significant popularity just five years ago. Michelle Yeoh portrays one of the characters in the film, adding her talent and charisma to the diverse cast.
Ehrenreich expressed excitement about the current era of cinema, noting an explosion of originality and new ideas. He also highlighted the greenlighting of long-developed projects like Under the Banner of Heaven, which now have the opportunity to move forward. Drawing a parallel to the era of the film he loves the most, the 70s, he finds the current state of the industry reminiscent of that time. This makes it an exciting period for him as an audience member, filmmaker, and actor.
Alden Ehrenreich on Working with Christopher Nolan
Alden Ehrenreich expressed admiration for director Christopher Nolan and spoke about the unique atmosphere he experienced on set while working with him on the film Oppenheimer. Having scenes with Robert Downey Jr., Ehrenreich was inspired by Nolan’s high level of specificity, attention to detail, and control over every aspect of the filmmaking process. According to Ehrenreich, Nolan fearlessly demanded precise alignment with his vision, making the experience particularly enjoyable.
The filmmaking experience on Nolan’s set was described as streamlined and focused, with no unnecessary elements like stand-ins or extravagant trailers. Instead, the entire team worked closely together, fully immersed in realizing Nolan’s creative vision. Ehrenreich emphasized the significance of surrendering and fully trusting the director’s vision, believing it had a significant impact on the filmmaking process.
Source: GQ
