Last week, director Christopher Nolan’s first film Following was released on Blu-ray & DVD, as part of the prestigious Criterion Collection.  Made in 1998 before the director first reached a wider audience with Memento in 2000, this is the story of a young writer (Jeremy Theobald) who gets story ideas by following people through the streets of London, only to be taken down a dark path of criminal activity.

Shot in black and white with many scenes and background characters literally stolen off the streets, Following shows the true artistic vision that Christopher Nolan has always had.  A fascinating psychological thriller that is made even more powerful by the running time of just 70 minutes, Following is an excellent little film that shows the promise of one of the best modern directors before he became a household name.

The Blu-ray includes commentary with Christopher Nolan and a new interview with him, as well as a chronological edit and side by side comparisons with the shooting script.  Also included is Nolan’s original three minute short film titled Doodlebug and an essay by critic Scott Foundas.

Following is 70 minutes and rated 14A.

-John C.