Inside 'Interstellar': 5 secrets behind Nolan's space masterpiece
What's the story
Christopher Nolan's Interstellar is not just a visual marvel, but a film steeped in scientific accuracy and meticulous production details. The film, which explores the realms of space and time, is backed by extensive research and collaboration with scientists. Here are five fascinating production details that highlight the film's dedication to authenticity and innovation.
#1
Collaboration with physicist Kip Thorne
Interstellar's scientific foundation owes a lot to physicist Kip Thorne, who is also a Nobel laureate. He was instrumental in ensuring that the film's portrayal of black holes and wormholes was scientifically accurate. Thorne even wrote a companion book, The Science of Interstellar, to explain the concepts explored in the movie. His collaboration ensured that audiences got a taste of real science while enjoying an engaging narrative.
#2
Realistic visual effects
The visual effects team worked hard to make the space travel sequences as realistic as possible. They even used supercomputers to simulate how light would behave around a black hole. The result was stunning imagery that was both visually stunning and scientifically accurate. The black hole, Gargantua, was so well designed that it even made it to the scientific community's discussions.
#3
Use of practical effects over CGI
In an age where CGI dominates, Interstellar chose to use practical effects wherever possible. For instance, the team built massive rotating sets to depict the interiors of spacecraft. This approach added depth to the actors's performances and made the scenes more immersive for viewers. The filmmakers's commitment to practical effects also highlighted their dedication to authenticity.
#4
Sound design inspired by space acoustics
The sound design of Interstellar took cues from how sound waves travel (or don't) in space. Since space is a vacuum, sounds can't travel as they do on Earth. The sound team played with these principles to create an auditory experience that felt true to the environment depicted in the film, while still being engaging for audiences.
#5
Filming locations across multiple continents
Interstellar was filmed in several locations around the globe, including Iceland and Alberta in Canada. These locations were chosen for their unique geological features. They matched the imagined extraterrestrial environments in the movie. The diverse settings added to the film's visual richness and authenticity. This made the otherworldly scenes feel more believable.