Advaith Achanta’s review published on Letterboxd:
ROAD TO OPPENHEIMER: REVIEWING ALL CHRISTOPHER NOLAN FILMS
#1 Following (1998)
It's nothing short of remarkable that Nolan made this on a shoestring budget of 6000 USD. The ambition on display, with heavy noir influences and non-linear storytelling is appreciable, but what's more interesting is that it actually works. Every piece fits in well, and it definitely captures your attention throughout.
The story itself, is quite unusual, but frankly, Nolan is not the one to tell usual stories. You can clearly see that Nolan's signature techniques, usage of sound, and most prominently the non-linear storytelling, all exist right from his very first film. There are issues with the pacing and the acting is just about serviceable, but given the constraints of shooting, it works well enough.
I still remember being taken aback, the first time I watched Following, by the confident direction and ambitious writing. It's quite well put together, does so much in its limited 70 minute runtime, and I don't see this film working in color. Black and white was the only way to go. It's no wonder he is now the director he is.
