Following vs. The Following
What's the Difference?
Following and The Following are both psychological thriller films that explore themes of obsession, manipulation, and identity. However, they differ in their execution and storytelling. Following, directed by Christopher Nolan, is a low-budget indie film that follows a young writer who becomes entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a thief. The film is nonlinear and plays with the concept of time, keeping the audience on edge throughout. On the other hand, The Following, a television series created by Kevin Williamson, follows a former FBI agent as he tracks down a charismatic and manipulative cult leader. The series delves deeper into the psychological aspects of the characters and their motivations, creating a more complex and suspenseful narrative. Both works are gripping in their own right, offering unique perspectives on the dark side of human nature.
Comparison
| Attribute | Following | The Following |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Act of pursuing or keeping track of someone or something | American psychological thriller television series |
| Genre | Varies depending on context (e.g., social media, real-life relationships) | Thriller, drama, horror |
| Protagonist | Depends on the context (e.g., social media, real-life relationships) | Ryan Hardy (played by Kevin Bacon) |
| Antagonist | Depends on the context (e.g., social media, real-life relationships) | Joe Carroll (played by James Purefoy) |
| Release Date | N/A | January 21, 2013 |
Further Detail
Plot
Following is a 1998 British neo-noir crime thriller film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. The film follows a young writer who becomes involved with a thief who takes him under his wing. As the writer becomes more entangled in the thief's criminal activities, he begins to question his own morality and motivations.
The Following, on the other hand, is a 2013 American television series created by Kevin Williamson. The show follows a former FBI agent who is brought out of retirement to track down a notorious serial killer who has a cult of followers. As the agent delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the killer's influence extends far beyond what he initially thought.
Main Characters
In Following, the main characters are the young writer, the thief, and a mysterious woman who becomes involved in their criminal activities. The dynamic between these characters drives the plot forward and keeps the audience engaged.
In The Following, the main characters are the former FBI agent, the serial killer, and various members of the killer's cult. The cat-and-mouse game between the agent and the killer, as well as the psychological manipulation of the cult members, adds a layer of complexity to the show.
Tone
Following has a dark and gritty tone, with a focus on moral ambiguity and the consequences of one's actions. The film explores themes of identity, trust, and betrayal, leaving the audience questioning the motivations of the characters.
The Following also has a dark tone, but it leans more towards horror and suspense. The show is known for its graphic violence and psychological tension, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as the agent and the killer play a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Reception
Following received critical acclaim upon its release, with praise for Nolan's direction, the performances of the cast, and the film's unique narrative structure. It has since become a cult classic and is considered one of Nolan's early masterpieces.
The Following received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the performances of the cast and the show's suspenseful atmosphere, while others criticized its graphic violence and convoluted plot. Despite its mixed reception, the show developed a dedicated fan base and ran for three seasons before being canceled.
Conclusion
Overall, Following and The Following are both compelling works of fiction that explore the darker aspects of human nature. While Following is a standalone film with a tight narrative and strong character development, The Following is a television series that delves deeper into the psychological motivations of its characters and the consequences of their actions. Both are worth watching for fans of crime thrillers and psychological dramas.
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