Thanks to advancements in archiving, restoration, and digital platforms like YouTube and social media, it seems the era of “lost films” is coming to an end. However, true fans of Christopher Nolan will always find one elusive project he prefers to keep under wraps.
In today’s world, discovering a filmmaker’s early works is as easy as a few clicks. You can dive into Quentin Tarantino’s credits on a Dolph Lundgren workout video, explore Martin Scorsese’s early shorts from the ’60s, or revisit David Fincher’s music videos and commercials.
When it comes to renowned directors like Nolan, who emerged during the rise of video technology, much of his filmography is accessible, yet there’s one notable exception: Larceny. This eight-minute black-and-white short film, shot over a weekend in 1996, was made on a shoestring budget with the help of equipment and crew from the University College London’s film society. The narrative revolves around a pickpocket attempting to evade those he has stolen from, but specifics about the film are scarce.
Although Larceny screened at the Cambridge Film Festival in its release year, it faded into obscurity. For reasons known only to him, Nolan has chosen not to share it publicly. Interestingly, even Jeremy Theobald, the film’s lead actor and later a star in Following, the director’s first feature, no longer possesses a copy.
“I used to have a taped version,” Theobald shared. “I keep meaning to see if Ivan [Cornell] or Chris or Emma [Thomas] have a digital copy since I don’t have it anymore.” Despite their ongoing friendship — with Theobald appearing in Batman Begins and Tenet — he too remains without a copy of Larceny.
“It’s odd, as it doesn’t seem as available as Doodlebug,” he noted. “We never officially released it. I think Chris assumed it was too reminiscent of Following, and he didn’t want it seen as a precursor to that work.”
Theobald believes that Nolan’s guiding principle — that every film should stand on its own merits — contributes to the mysterious status of Larceny. He feels that, due to its similarities with Following, there’s little reason to showcase it, as it should not be seen merely as a test run or a preview.
If Nolan wanted people to watch Larceny, he would have made it available by now. Given his lack of interest in sharing it, it’s reasonable to conclude that it may remain forever hidden from public view.
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