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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 2
Introduction to Tenet Plot
Overview of the film
in general Summary
A brief summary of
the movie's storyline
3 4
Character Analysis
Cinematography and
Main characters and
their roles
Visual Style
Analysis of the visual
5 effects
Theme and symbolism
Exploration of time,
6
destiny, and free will Conclusion
Final thoughts on the film’s
impact and significance
Introduction to the
•
movie
Directed by = Christopher Nolan
• Is a Sci-Fi, Action, Thriller
• The actors are:-
1. John David Washington
2. Robert Pattinson
3. Elizabeth Debicki
4. Kenneth Branagh etc.…
• Duration: 2 hours, 29 minutes, 40 seconds
• In general:
• Tenet is a difficult action-thriller made by famous director Christopher Nolan, combining
elements of time controlation and spying. With stunning illustrations, complex narratives,
and high-stakes action story, the film follows a protagonist (played by John David
Washington) on a mission to prevent World War III, navigating a world where time flows in
reverse crazily.
Plot summary
To prevent the outbreak of World War III, the protagonist, a spy, is contact by a covert
organization called Tenet.
He learns of “time inversion”, the phenomenon in which people and objects move backward in
time. It sounds a bit complex and dangerous.
The Protagonist chases Andrei Sator, a Russian type of elon musk who has the technology
needed for time inversion. Sator plans to use it to destroy the world.
The Protagonist, assisted by his allies Neil and Kat, works to spoil Sator’s plans while steering
around the abolished timeline.
As the events develop, the Protagonist understands that every decision he makes is part of a
bigger circle and is far more intertwined with the future than he first believed.
The Characters
• The Protagonist (John David Washington)
A secret agent recruited by a mysterious organization called Tenet. His mission is
to prevent global catastrophe involving time manipulation.
• Neil (Robert Pattinson)A trusted ally of the Protagonist who helps him
navigate the complex world of time inversion. Neil plays a key role in the
success of their mission.
• Andrei Sator (Kenneth Branagh):- A Russian oligarch who controls the
technology to manipulate time. He is the main antagonist, using time
inversion to execute his destructive plans.
• Kat Barton (Elizabeth Debicki)Sator's estranged wife, who becomes an
important ally to the Protagonist. She is caught in Sator's control and
becomes a key figure in stopping
• Priya (Dimple Kapadia)A weapons dealer who helps the Protagonist
understand the world of Tenet and provides critical information about Sator's
plans.
• Sir Michael Crosby (Michael Caine)A former MI6 agent who provides the
Protagonist with valuable insights into Sator’s background and his
connections
Cinematography and Visual
Style
• Director of Photography: Hoyte van Hoytema worked on previous Nolan films like
Interstellar and Dunkirk.
• Key Techniques: IMAX Cameras: Used to capture expansive action sequences with
incredible detail.
• Long Takes: Extensive use of long, unbroken shots to enhance realism and
intensity, especially in action scenes.
• Practical Stunts: Focus on using real effects, from car chases to fight sequences, to
maintain authenticity.
• Time Inversion: Reverse Action: Characters and objects moving in reverse while
the world moves forward.
• Dynamic Camera Work: Specialized techniques and motion to depict time
manipulation.
Themes Symbolism
Time and Inversion The tenet symbol
- Using time, past/future interweaved. - the tenet logo symbolizes looping time
(palindrome).
Fate(reality) vs. Free Will Blue and red
- actions in the past impact the future, - red symbolizing onward time, blue
but free will remains. represents vise versa.
Binary and Irony/Pardox The Bullet
- Opposites exist throughout: - shows how time is loop —shot and
chaos/order, past/future. saved or catched in reverse.
Trust and Loyalty Mirrors and Reflections = the machine
- Trust and loyalty is essential, especially Used to signify dualities and intertwined
between the Protagonist and his friend Neil. fates.
Themes and
Conclusion
• Tenet is a visually stunning and complex film that pushes the boundaries of filmmaking,
blending practical effects, time manipulation, and intricate storytelling. Christopher Nolan’s
use of real-world locations across multiple countries— from the coastal landscapes of Norway
to the urban streets of Tallinn— enhances the film’s global scale and immersive experience.
The careful selection of iconic settings, combined with Nolan's preference for practical stunts
and IMAX filming, makes Tenet a cinematic achievement. As a master of storytelling, Nolan
delivers a film that challenges our perception of time and space, while keeping audiences on
the edge of their seats. Ultimately, Tenet not only showcases cutting-edge visual effects and
breathtaking locations, but also explores profound themes like fate, free will, and the duality
of time, making it a thought-provoking and unforgettable experience.