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Christopher Nolan’s biopic thrillerOppenheimerdominated the box office last year, and the film has been praised for its compelling storyline and incredible portrayal of the father of the atomic bomb. Fans should know that this is not Nolan’s first rodeo when it comes to adapting the life of a real person on the big screen.
He has written a script long ago on the life of aviator Howard Hughes, but the project did not get off the ground because he was beaten to it by fellow veteran filmmaker Martin Scorsese. The latter directed 2004’sThe Aviatorstarring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Christopher Nolan Wrote A Howard Hughes Biopic BeforeOppenheimer
Christopher Nolanrevealed he wroteOppenheimerpretty quickly because he already had experience writing biographical films. He shared withTotal Filmmagazine viaYahoo Entertainment:
When I wrote my Howard Hughes script, it was the first time I’d taken on a real-life figure, and I tried working from a book, and tried to find a structural approach that would give the experience of this guy’s life. I was very happy with that script. Obviously, I did not get to test the theories, because I didn’t get to make the film.
Nolan’s plan to bring the story to the big screen was busted whenMartin Scorsesestarted working onThe Aviator. He used a script penned by John Logan, and the studio didn’t want any more movies about Howard Hughes, so it was unfortunately shelved. Nolan further added:
I think having written the Howard Hughes script was very important to having the confidence to take this on, particularly structurally, and just knowing that if I could find the approach, then I would be able to just dive into the guy’s life.
In his interview withThe New York Times, he admitted he “cracked the script to my satisfaction” which gave him a lot of insight forOppenheimer. It taught him how to “distill a person’s life and how to view a person’s life in a thematic way.” The process, according to the director, was a “culmination of 20 years of thinking.”
Martin Scorsese Has a Very Professional Reason for Abandoning WB: “I can’t work here anymore”
His experience with the unmade Howard Hughes film helped sharpen his scriptwriting skills which later on became handy in helming his Oscar-winning movie that starredCillian Murphy.
Christopher Nolan Refuses To Watch Martin Scorsese’sThe Aviator
Nolan could not hide the fact that he was hurt when his biopic script was placed on the back burner. To this day, he refuses to watch Scorsese’sThe Aviator, something he confessed toLeonardo DiCapriowhen they worked onInception.
He toldVariety, “It was very emotional to not get to make something I’d poured all that into.”The Aviatorwent on to earn Scorsese an Oscar nomination for Best Director and five more wins in various categories, such as Best Supporting Actress forCate Blanchettand Best Cinematography.
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It remains to be seen whether Nolan will ever try to pick up this abandoned project again or it will stay shelved forever.
Oppenheimeris available to watch on Prime Video.
Ariane Cruz
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3533
Ariane Cruz is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows with over 3,000 articles published. Her love for pop culture and the creative arts fuels her passion to deliver engaging and informative stories. Her daily consumption of films, shows, and books keeps her energized for the day, along with her mission to serve as the bridge between fans and their favorite franchises.
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Christopher NolanLeonardo DiCaprioMartin ScorseseOppenheimerThe Aviator
