Guy Pearce has joined the choir of actors who can’t help but sing Christopher Nolan’s praises.
Pearce, who collaborated with Nolan on 2000 film “Memento,” told Variety during the “Awards Circuit” podcast that Nolan is akin to another auteur, Stanley Kubrick.
“Chris is extraordinary. He has this Kubrick-like precision and a way of making even the most complex ideas accessible,” Pearce said. “To be on set with him, in that intimate setting, was unforgettable.”
Almost 25 years ago, Pearce read the “Memento” script and immediately recognized its “genius.”
“I remember reading the script and thinking, ‘This is genius.’ Then I watched Chris Nolan’s first film, ‘Following,’ and panicked. I thought, ‘There’s no way I’m getting this part. Someone else will snap it up,’” Pearce said.
Pearce continued, “It’s incredible to see how far he’s come — winning Oscars, making massive films like ‘Oppenheimer.’ But for me, it’s still that first experience of seeing his genius up close that stands out.”
Prior to “Memento,” Australian actor Pearce had made his American-film debut with Curtis Hanson’s “L.A. Confidential” in 1997.
“It was my first American film, and what a way to start,” Pearce, who now stars in “The Brutalist,” said. “Curtis created a masterpiece. It’s one of those rare projects where everything just clicks — the writing, the cast, the direction.”
He continued, “I’ve been lucky to collaborate with incredible filmmakers: Curtis Hanson, Christopher Nolan, Ridley Scott, and now Brady Corbet. For me, it’s about being part of a director’s vision. That’s what excites me most: Getting on board with what they’re trying to achieve.”
Meanwhile, Nolan has announced his 13th film is in the works at Universal. The feature marks a few Nolan reunions, with “Oppenheimer” actor Matt Damon, “Tenet” star Robert Pattinson, and “The Dark Knight Rises” alum Anne Hathaway.
Tom Holland, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron are also among the cast. Could Pearce also be joining? Or how about Nolan staple Cillian Murphy? The full casting list has not yet been unveiled.
The elusive film will be written and directed by Nolan, who also produces under his Syncopy production banner with partner Emma Thomas. The yet-untitled feature will be his second at Universal after winning Best Picture for “Oppenheimer.”
