After six straight projects together, it's easy to lose sight of how effective the working relationship between Michael Caine and Christopher Nolan has been. With the actor cast in every film of Nolan's since 2005, an appearance by Caine in a his movies has become as predictable as the Hitchcock cameo. That shouldn't detract, however, from the fact that Caine is no mere good luck charm: he's an icon of cinema that's arguably never been encouraged to be more human than he is in Nolan's films (back in his cool 60s/70s heyday, the idea of a warm, avuncular Michael Caine would've been unthinkable). On collaboration number six, Caine is just as effective for Nolan as ever. Professor Brand may be no great feat of character writing on the part of co-screenwriters Christopher and his brother Jonathan Nolan, but in Caine's hands Brand is lent immediate weight and gravitas in his early scenes, and a crushing emotionality in later ones. Plus, what with Caine retiring from acting and all (apparently unless the "right script" comes along - no doubt Nolan will still have him on speed dial), a standout supporting performance of Caine's so late in his career done with such ease is to be savoured, not taken for granted.
Lover of film, writer of words, pretentious beyond belief. Thinks Scorsese and Kubrick are the kings of cinema, but PT Anderson and David Fincher are the dashing young princes. Follow Brogan on twitter if you can take shameless self-promotion: @BroganMorris1
