User reviews

This was back when Mr. Nolan was almost teenager, back in 1986. And its one of Nolans first short films. It was actually a bit hard for me to really understand what was going on, but something about a man having nightmares of another man(Nolan himself). It was fun to see this when you think about where Nolan is to this day. And it show that anyone can get to the top just like Nolan.

For an initial film experience made by future Batman director Christopher Nolan along with Roko Belic, "Tarantella" is a curious and creative horror short where the force of images and its combination of elements intrigue audiences. In it, a young man (Jonathan Nolan, the director's brother) has a series of nightmares revolving strange scenarios, spiders and a Mephisto-like character (Chris himself). How much of the nightmare was just part of his sleep or if it was actually real is the main attraction in its series of events rather than an actual plot.

Nevermind its indie-style common for first-timers behind camera, that's quite a charm in this project where a group of friends gather up to challenge themselves in making a movie, one must admire the great sense of originality put together, it is all very authentic. I was fascinated for a long time, and slightly terrified - there's a great use of sounds and unusual angles while filming the obscure room where the man sleeps and the surroundings. And gotta love that late 1980's aesthetics.

And it makes me wonder why Nolan hasn't returned to the horror genre since he's very skillfull in creating original scenarios, as evidenced by the adventures/sci-fi as "Inception", "Interstellar" and "Tenet", and also for being a master in technique. He could really pull off some ground-breaking horror movie. "Tarantella" proves that with great effect. 8/10.

At not even 20 years old, Nolan had already demonstrated some of his skills, especially the ability to immerse the viewer in the mind of the protagonist. I'm not a fan of horror films, but I found this short film different from the others.

Not a bad debut for someone who is now the best contemporary director.

Sir Christopher Nolan didn't study to be a director, yet his films are unique. In fact he is living proof that everyone can achieve their dreams.

Tarantella was his first project, it certainly won't be remembered for this, but it still deserves to be more seen and known.

This short, along with Larceny, Doodlebug and Following Is proof that Chris Nolan manages to create something good even in a homemade way and without a budget.