‘Interstellar’ at 10: John Lithgow Reveals Why It’s Nolan’s Masterpiece – And the World Agrees

 

Few films have left as lasting an impact as Christopher Nolan’s 'Interstellar'. Released in 2014, the sci-fi epic continues to resonate with audiences, even a decade later. Recently, veteran actor 'John Lithgow'—who played Donald, the wise and weary father-in-law to Matthew McConaughey’s Cooper—shared his thoughts on the film, calling it 'Nolan’s masterpiece'.  

But what makes 'Interstellar' so special? Why does Lithgow hold it in such high regard? And how has the film managed to stay relevant years after its release? Let’s dive in.  

Lithgow’s Praise for Nolan’s Vision

In a recent interview with 'Variety', Lithgow looked back at his illustrious career, which includes Oscar-nominated performances in 'The World According to Garp' (1982) and 'Terms of Endearment' (1983). Yet, among his many roles, his time on 'Interstellar' stands out.  

“I consider [Interstellar] Chris Nolan’s masterpiece, but he’s come up with a few masterpieces,” Lithgow said with a laugh. “But a great time, and I got to work with Timothée [Chalamet] and watch him turn into a superstar. A much, much, much bigger deal than I am!” 

Lithgow particularly recalled a poignant scene where his character, Donald, attends a makeshift baseball game with Cooper (McConaughey) and young Tom (Chalamet). The moment subtly captures a world on the brink of collapse, where humanity clings to fading traditions.  

“We go see the New York Yankees play in what looks like a community recreation center ballfield,” Lithgow remembered. “Because, you know, there’s only 10% of the world’s population left. And yet we’re trying to keep alive the way things used to be.” 

Why ‘Interstellar’ Still Matters

When 'Interstellar' first hit theaters, it was met with both 'critical acclaim and box office success', grossing over '$750 million worldwide'. It earned 'five Oscar nominations', winning for 'Best Visual Effects', thanks to its groundbreaking depiction of black holes, wormholes, and space travel.  

But beyond its technical brilliance, the film’s 'emotional core'—exploring love, sacrifice, and survival—struck a chord. Nolan’s storytelling, combined with 'Hans Zimmer’s haunting score', created an experience that felt both epic and deeply personal.  

The 2024 IMAX Re-Release Proved Its Timelessness  

Last year, 'Interstellar' returned to 'IMAX theaters', and the response was overwhelming. Fans—both old and new—flocked to see it on the big screen, where Nolan’s vision was meant to be experienced.  

“It’s really thrilling when people respond to your work at any point,” Nolan told the 'Associated Press'. “But 10 years later, to have new audiences coming and experiencing it in the way we’d originally intended? It’s really rewarding to see that it continues to have a life.” 

The re-release also reinforced Nolan’s belief in 'the power of theatrical cinema', especially in an era dominated by streaming.  

“It just shows our industry once again that audiences truly understand the difference between a communal, big-screen experience,” he said. “That theatrical experience that we all know and love is so powerful and so exciting.”  

Behind the Scenes: The Making of ‘Interstellar’ 

A Family Affair for Nolan

- The film was 'co-written by Christopher Nolan and his brother, Jonathan Nolan'.  

- Jonathan originally wrote the script for 'Steven Spielberg', but when Spielberg moved on, Christopher took over.  

- Nolan’s wife, 'Emma Thomas', produced the film, making it a true family collaboration.  

Real Science Meets Sci-Fi

Nolan is known for his dedication to realism, and 'Interstellar' was no exception. He worked closely with 'theoretical physicist Kip Thorne' to ensure the science behind black holes and relativity was as accurate as possible.  

The result? 'The first-ever accurate visualization of a black hole', which later helped real scientists when the 'first image of a black hole' was captured in 2019.  

What’s Next for Christopher Nolan?  

Fresh off his 'Oscar win for 'Oppenheimer' (2023), Nolan is already working on his next project—'a grand adaptation of Homer’s 'The Odyssey'.  

What We Know So Far:  

- 'Matt Damon' (who starred in 'Interstellar') will play 'Odysseus'.  

- The cast includes 'Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, and Elliot Page'.  

- The film will use 'new IMAX film technology', continuing Nolan’s push for innovation in cinema.  

The official synopsis teases:  

“Christopher Nolan’s next film 'The Odyssey' is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand-new IMAX film technology. The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX screens for the first time.” 

**Release Date:** **July 17, 2026**  

Final Thoughts: Why ‘Interstellar’ Endures 

John Lithgow’s praise for 'Interstellar' isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a recognition of a film that 'transcends its genre'. It’s a 'sci-fi adventure', a 'family drama', and a 'philosophical exploration' of time, love, and human survival.  

A decade later, its themes feel 'more relevant than ever'. As climate change and technological advancements reshape our world, 'Interstellar' serves as both a 'warning and a hopeful vision' of humanity’s future.  

For those who haven’t seen it yet—'what are you waiting for?' And for those who have, maybe it’s time for a rewatch. After all, as Lithgow and Nolan have shown us, some stories only grow richer with time.  

What do you think? Is 'Interstellar' Nolan’s best film? Let us know in the comments!