Nolan's Crime Debut: Unwatchable Today

Christopher Nolan's Forgotten Short Film: "Larceny" and the Mystery Behind It

For fans of Christopher Nolan, the director's journey from an aspiring filmmaker to one of the most celebrated names in Hollywood is well-documented. However, there’s a lesser-known chapter in his career that has sparked intrigue among film enthusiasts — a short film titled "Larceny." While it may not be widely known, its significance lies in its status as one of the earliest works by the filmmaker and its mysterious disappearance from public view.

Nolan’s first feature-length film, "Following," released in 1998, is often considered his debut. However, before that, he had already made several short films. One of these, "Larceny," was created in 1996 and marked his first foray into short filmmaking. Unlike "Following," which was shot on location in London using guerrilla tactics, "Larceny" was filmed in black and white 16mm film at Nolan’s own apartment over the course of a single weekend. Despite its modest production, the film showcased early signs of the themes and storytelling techniques that would later define Nolan’s work.

The Lost Masterpiece

"Larceny" was initially shown at the Cambridge Film Festival in 1996, but after that, it vanished from public view. To this day, no official copies of the film have been released, making it one of the most elusive pieces of Nolan’s filmography. Fans have long searched for a copy, with some even claiming to have found fragments or digital versions online. However, these are often unverified and not officially recognized.

The film is said to revolve around a burglary in an apartment, where the homeowner confronts the intruder during the break-in. According to Jeremy Theobald, who played the lead role, the story involves a conversation between the burglar and the homeowner about the burglar’s new girlfriend, culminating in a twist when a third man emerges from a cupboard. The film also features collaborations with future Nolan collaborators, such as David Julyan, who composed the score for "Memento" and other notable films.

Why Is "Larceny" So Secretive?

Despite its early promise, "Larceny" remains hidden from the public. Nolan himself has never spoken publicly about the film, and no official statement has been made regarding its absence. Some speculate that the director may have felt the film was too similar to "Following," which came just two years later. In fact, Theobald suggested that Nolan might have thought the short film could be mistaken for a test run for "Following."

Another theory is that Nolan, known for his meticulous control over his creative output, simply doesn’t want the film to be seen. Nigel Karikari, who worked as an assistant director on "Larceny," told the New York Times that Nolan is a highly controlled artist, and his decision to keep the film private is just another extension of that philosophy.

The Search for "Larceny"

Despite its secrecy, "Larceny" has become a point of fascination for Nolan fans. Many believe that the film could offer valuable insight into the director’s early creative process. Some even speculate that elements of "Larceny" might resurface in future projects, either as direct inspiration or through reimagined concepts.

For now, however, the film remains a mystery. Its existence is confirmed, but its content is largely unknown. This has led to a growing curiosity among fans, with many hoping that one day, "Larceny" will be made available for public viewing.

Conclusion

While "Larceny" may never be fully accessible to the general public, its legacy continues to intrigue those who follow Nolan’s career. As one of the few surviving pieces of his early work, it serves as a reminder of the director’s journey from a young filmmaker experimenting with storytelling to a master of cinematic innovation. For now, the film remains a lost gem, waiting for the right moment to be rediscovered.