Meet The Mind of Nolan film series curators, Jenna Healy and Manny Santoya
A student-curated film series, funded by the Friends of SMU Libraries and in partnership with the G. William Jones Film and Video Collection at Hamon Arts Library, continues with a screening of The Dark Knight on April 10 at the Angelika Film Center. The series, known as The Mind of Nolan, will continue to run through April and feature commentary from SMU students, professors and other notable speakers. Hear from student curators in this interview conducted by Scott Martin, Moving Image Curator at SMU Libraries.
So, tell us a little about yourselves!
Jenna: My name is Jenna Healy, I am a sophomore and a Film BFA major, and I am from Houston, Texas.
Manny: My name is Manny Santoya, and I am a sophomore and a Film BA major and Econ major. I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas.
Explain to us a little about this series you’ve curated (title, subject, films you’ve shown so far, and guests you’ve had).
Jenna & Manny: Our series is The Mind of Nolan, where we explore the genius of Christopher Nolan by showcasing his films and hosting Q&A’s and discussions with audience members. We show some of Nolan’s best and most iconic films, as well as films that have inspired him. The first film we showed was Tenet (2020), with guest Mark Kerins, chair of SMU Film & Media Arts. Afterward, we discussed some technical aspects of the film, like Nolan’s controversial use of sound. The next film we showed was Interstellar (2014), with cosmologist Joel Meyers, who helped us understand the science behind the film. Next, we watched Blade Runner, a film that inspired Nolan’s visual style and use of practical effects.
Why did you pick Nolan as your focus? What interests you about his work? Do you have a particular favorite film of his?
Manny: I believe that Nolan is one of the best directors of the past 15 years as he has made some of the most original, iconic, and visually stunning films in history. His films push the boundaries of filmmaking and inspire me to think differently about the world around me. My favorite Nolan film aside from Interstellar has to be Tenet.
Jenna: We chose Nolan because I love him and his films so much. His genius inspires me and drives me to make movies just like his. Nolan’s use of groundbreaking action and incredible storytelling make him a generational talent, and he will be known as one of the greatest directors of all time. My favorite Nolan film – and favorite film of all time – is The Dark Knight.
What have you all learned about Nolan as a filmmaker as the series has gone on? Any new revelations, or have you all seen something in his work that you’ve never noticed before?
Jenna: I’ve noticed that Nolan constantly plays with time, making his films immersive and disorienting. He also explores themes of obsession, sacrifice, and duality, with characters struggling between personal desires and bigger responsibilities. His directing style favors restrained performances – like Robert Pattinson in Tenet – where emotion is subtle rather than overt.
Manny: I have learned that Nolan is extremely meticulous about what he is showing in his films in terms of realism and filmmaking. Most of his films share common themes such as love and the human experience, centered around love. Every time I watch Tenet, I am always noticing something new and it absolutely blows my mind; and I have watched Tenet the most of his films.
What’s has your experience been like in curating and organizing your own film series?
Manny: At first it was kind of scary having to host the Q&As, but as it went on, it became very fun and was a great experience meeting our guests and hosting. Since Nolan was our focus, this made me especially determined to do great organizing this series and making it the best I could.
Jenna: It has been a wonderful experience! I have gotten to know so many people and make many connections. I think it has been a great success overall, and I am proud of what we have accomplished. There have been ups and downs, but they have made us learn a lot. I have been able to watch some of my favorite films on the big screen, and share my love for Nolan with my peers, hopefully inspiring them to watch more.
Tell us what y’all have planned next for the series!
Jenna & Manny: Next for the series, we are showing one of Nolan’s best and most iconic films: The Dark Knight. Praised for its realistic portrayal of Batman and legendary performances by Christian Bale and Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight stands as one of the best superhero films of all time. Please join us at the Angelika Center on Mockingbird, Thursday, April 10 at 7 p.m. to witness one of Nolan’s best films on the big screen.
In anticipation of the event and its special guest, the student curators toured the home and Batman collection of Steven Stodghill, former chair of the American Film Institute Council and managing partner of Last Rodeo Studios:
The Jones Film and Video Collection also features content on Batman, including footage from the Batmobile’s journey through Dallas and an interview of Batman himself:
This post was prepared by Scott Martin, Moving Image Curator at SMU Libraries. Scott oversees the Jones Film Collection with fellow Moving Image Curator Jeremy Spracklen. Jenna Healy and Manny Santonya are sophomores at SMU, studying film.