Denis Villeneuve Says 'Tenet' Is A "Masterpiece" & Calls Christopher Nolan A "Master" Filmmaker

Obviously, when you think of two of the biggest proponents of the theatrical experience, names like Denis Villeneuve and Christopher Nolan come to mind. And in a new interview as part of the Reelblend podcast, Villeneuve is quick to point out just how great Nolan is at the craft and why his films are a must-see on the big screen.

In preparation for his new film, “Dune,” arriving in theaters and on HBO Max today, Villeneuve talked about the streaming vs. theatrical debate. Obviously, the filmmaker falls on the pro-theatrical experience side of things, but he did admit to watching quite a bit of streaming content, particularly on the Criterion Channel, during the lock down. 

READ MORE: Theater Owners Group Says Filmmakers Speaking Out Against The Streaming Future “Are On The Right Side Of History”

“I love streaming in that it allows us to revisit the memory of cinema,” he said. 

But when it came to talking about the theatrical experience, Villeneuve took a detour to talk about just how great Christopher Nolan is and how he believes the new film, “Tenet,” is a masterpiece. 

“I was blown away by ‘Tenet,’ I think it’s a masterpiece,” Villeneuve said. “I think it’s a movie that’s an incredible cinematic achievement. I think that it’s a very complex movie, I had so much fun, I saw it several times and each time it was a blast and I think the level of mastery of Christopher Nolan is unmatched.”

READ MORE: ‘Dune’: Chloe Zhao Says Denis Villeneuve’s Epic Is “So Incredible” But Is Terrified That Audiences Won’t See It On The Big Screen

“He is by far one of the best filmmakers working in the world today because people don’t realize the eye-level of his cinematic mastery, it’s crazy,” he continued. “It’s crazy. Every time Chris puts a movie on screen, I have to [see it on the big screen]. Of course, I saw ‘Tenet’ in the theaters. You can’t watch a Nolan movie at home, that’s like, that makes absolutely no sense. You have to, at first, receive the full impact of a Nolan movie in a theater. It’s really fascinating to see him evolving from one movie to another and always pushing the envelope, technically, narratively, and always reinventing himself. For me, it’s deeply inspiring to see that master at work.”

Of course, opinions about “Tenet” vary greatly, as some believe Nolan’s latest is more style of substance. However, you can’t get a better endorsement than from another of the best filmmakers working today. So, if Villeneuve thinks “Tenet” is an “incredible cinematic achievement,” then you have to take notice.

“Dune” is in theaters now.