Following 1999
Directed by
Christopher Nolan
Made by
Zeitgeist Films
Plot Summary
A desperate and unemployed young writer, known simply as “The Young Man,” seeks inspiration for his debut novel by shadowing strangers through the bustling streets of London. Initially, he establishes strict rules about whom to follow and for how long, but his resolve quickly evaporates as he becomes captivated by a sophisticated and handsome man dressed in a dark suit. This man, who notices he is being pursued, confronts the Young Man and introduces himself as Cobb. Revealing his identity as a serial burglar, Cobb invites the Young Man, who goes by “Bill,” to join him on a series of burglaries.
For Cobb, the material gains from these crimes seem trivial. He derives excitement from going through the personal belongings of his victims and indulging in their wine. He articulates his philosophy on burglary succinctly: > “You take it away, and show them what they had.” This distinction captures his true passion: it’s not about wealth—it’s about forcing victims to confront their own lives.
Eager to embrace Cobb’s exhilarating lifestyle, the Young Man attempts his own break-ins with guidance from Cobb. Inspired, he changes his appearance, cutting his hair short and donning a dark suit. Adopting the name “Daniel Lloyd,” after a credit card that Cobb gives him, he becomes infatuated with a blonde woman residing in one of the flats they burglarized together. This Blonde happens to be involved with a small-time gangster known only as the “Bald Guy,” from whom she recently separated after he committed murder in her home.
As their relationship develops, the Young Man learns from the Blonde that the Bald Guy is blackmailing her with incriminating photographs. In a reckless move, he decides to break into the Bald Guy’s safe, only to be caught by an unidentified man. In a panic, he strikes the man with a claw hammer, making off with the Bald Guy’s money and photographs. However, upon returning to his flat, he discovers that the pictures are harmless modeling shots.
When he confronts the Blonde, she reveals a shocking truth: she and Cobb have been conspiring to manipulate him into adopting Cobb’s methods for burglaries. She indicates that Cobb had previously stumbled upon a murdered woman during one of his heists and is attempting to divert suspicion by creating the illusion of multiple burglars with a similar approach.
As a sense of betrayal sinks in, the Young Man makes the decision to turn himself in to the police. Meanwhile, the Blonde communicates her findings to Cobb, who then reveals his true allegiance—to the Bald Guy. It turns out that the story about the murdered woman was part of an elaborate ruse to mislead both the Young Man and the Blonde. The truth is that the Blonde has been blackmailing the Bald Guy with evidence of his crime, and he wants her silenced in a way that cannot be traced back to him.
In a chilling twist, Cobb murders the Blonde with the very same claw hammer the Young Man had used during his burglary of the Bald Guy’s safe, leaving it behind at the scene. When the police investigate the Young Man’s claims, they discover the Blonde’s lifeless body alongside the hammer with his fingerprints. Consequently, he finds himself entangled in a web of deceit, implicated in her murder, while Cobb skillfully evaporates into the crowd, leaving chaos in his wake.
Timeline
The Young Man's Quest for Inspiration
A desperate and unemployed young writer, known only as 'The Young Man', roams the bustling streets of London seeking inspiration for his debut novel. He establishes strict rules about whom to follow and for how long, hoping to spark his creativity through the stories of strangers.
Encounter with Cobb
The Young Man becomes captivated by a sophisticated stranger named Cobb, who notices him shadowing his movements. Cobb engages the Young Man directly and reveals his true identity as a serial burglar, thereby igniting a dangerous curiosity within the Young Man.
Joining Cobb on Burglaries
Intrigued by Cobb's lifestyle, the Young Man, now taking the name 'Bill', decides to join him on a series of burglaries. With Cobb's guidance, he experiences the thrill of going through personal belongings, recognizing that for Cobb, the excitement lies not in the wealth but in the confrontation with the lives of others.
Transformation into Daniel Lloyd
As he embraces the burglary lifestyle, the Young Man undergoes a physical transformation. He cuts his hair short, dons a dark suit, and adopts the alias 'Daniel Lloyd', a name inspired by a credit card given to him by Cobb.
Infatuation with the Blonde
During their heists, Daniel becomes infatuated with a blonde woman residing in one of the renovated flats. Their relationship blossoms, but she is entangled with a small-time gangster known as the 'Bald Guy', creating complications for Daniel.
The Bald Guy's Threat
Daniel learns from the Blonde that the Bald Guy is blackmailing her using incriminating photographs from a recent incident. Feeling protective and reckless, Daniel decides to take matters into his own hands by planning a break-in at the Bald Guy's apartment.
Caught in the Act
In a desperate moment during the break-in, Daniel finds himself caught by an unidentified man. In a panic, he strikes the man with a claw hammer, stealing money and photographs from the Bald Guy's safe as he makes a frantic escape.
The Shock of Revelations
Once back at his flat, Daniel discovers the photographs he stole are innocent modeling shots, leaving him feeling foolish and betrayed. Confronting the Blonde, he learns that she and Cobb have been manipulating him all along as part of a larger scheme.
Turning Himself In
Overwhelmed with feelings of betrayal and guilt, Daniel decides to turn himself into the police, believing it to be the only way to escape the chaotic web he finds himself entangled in. His decision marks a stark contrast to the adventurous path he initially sought.
Cobb's True Allegiance Revealed
Cobb reveals his true motivations, aligning himself with the Bald Guy and explaining that the story of the murdered woman was a ruse designed to mislead both Daniel and the Blonde. This shocking twist shows the calculated nature of Cobb's actions and the danger that Daniel truly faces.
A Deadly Encounter
In a chilling turn of events, Cobb murders the Blonde using the same claw hammer that Daniel had used earlier, leaving it behind at the scene. This act of violence further entangles Daniel in a deadly game, as he becomes the prime suspect in her murder.
Police Investigation
When the police investigate the murder of the Blonde, they find her lifeless body alongside the hammer, which bears Daniel's fingerprints. This evidence closes in on him, marking the culmination of his entanglement in Cobb's twisted criminal world.
Cobb's Escape
As the police piece together the evidence against Daniel, Cobb skillfully evaporates into the crowd, leaving chaos in his wake. This act underscores his cunning nature and further isolates Daniel, who is now left to face the consequences of what has transpired.
Entrapment in Deceit
Now implicated in the murder of the Blonde, Daniel realizes he is ensnared in a web of deceit orchestrated by Cobb and the Bald Guy. With his future uncertain and trust shattered, he confronts the reality of his choices and their dire repercussions.
Characters
The Young Man (Bill/Daniel Lloyd)
The Young Man is a desperate writer seeking inspiration, whose life takes a dark turn as he immerses himself in the criminal underbelly of London. Initially driven and hopeful, he becomes increasingly entrapped in Cobb's world, showcasing traits of naivety and vulnerability. His journey reflects the consequences of poor choices and the seductive nature of danger.
Cobb
Cobb is a sophisticated and charismatic burglar, embodying a mixture of charm and malevolence. His philosophical approach to burglary reveals a deeper understanding of human nature, but it masks his manipulative intentions. As the orchestrator of the deception, he stands as a calculated antagonist, willing to exploit the vulnerable to maintain his control.
The Blonde
The Blonde is a complex character caught in a web of manipulation and survival. Initially appearing as a love interest, her true motivations unfold to reveal her involvement in the deceit. Her duality emphasizes the theme of betrayal and the extent to which individuals will go to escape peril, ultimately leading to her tragic demise.
Setting
Time period
The film unfolds in a contemporary setting, reflecting the challenges of modern society. The themes of desperation and moral ambiguity resonate with current issues, emphasizing the blurred lines between right and wrong in urban life. The actions of the characters align with contemporary social dynamics, illustrating how easily one can be drawn into a world of crime and deception.
Location
London
London serves as the bustling backdrop for the film, characterized by its vibrant streets and diverse population. Known for its historical significance and modern allure, the city plays a crucial role in the story as the Young Man navigates its urban landscape in search of inspiration. The contrast between its charm and the darker undertones of the plot highlights the complexities of life within the metropolis.
Themes
🕵️♂️
Deception
Deception is a central theme in 'Following,' as characters manipulate one another for personal gain. The Young Man finds himself caught in a web of lies spun by Cobb and the Blonde, showcasing the dangers of misplaced trust. This theme serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of subterfuge and betrayal in human relationships.
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Betrayal
Betrayal weaves throughout the narrative, culminating in shocking revelations that reshape the Young Man's understanding of those around him. The Blonde and Cobb's conspiratorial actions lead to devastating outcomes, highlighting the emotional toll of deceit. This theme underscores the fragility of trust and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their desires.
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Identity
The exploration of identity plays a key role as the Young Man transforms himself into 'Daniel Lloyd' in an attempt to fit into Cobb's criminal world. This shift raises questions about authenticity and the lengths people will go to escape their own realities. The plasticity of identity is a haunting reminder of the impact of external influences on personal choices.
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