Following [Low Budget Masterpieces]

Christopher Nolan launched his career with this exceptional low budget thriller. Shot in gorgeous black and white around London, this shows what you can do with a group of dedicated people and a fabulous script.

The story revolves around a young man who follows people he sees on the streets and is drawn into a world of crime. The story is told in a non-linear style, a technique that Nolan uses in his next movie, Memento and The Prestige.

Following was made on an extremely low budget - £3000 for the initial shooting, and they later received a finishing fund to complete post production. The principal actors had full-time jobs and were only able to shoot on Saturdays. Because the budget permitted only one or two takes, six months of rehearsal were done before shooting began. Following was shown at the Hong Kong Film Festival, and the screening helped Nolan find investors for his next film, the cult classic Memento.

The Following DVD contains an excellent commentary track from Nolan, in which he discusses the whole production process of making a low budget movie.