Christopher Nolan was recently reminded that critics can pop up anywhere when a Peloton instructor openly slammed his 2020 film “Tenet” during a virtual workout class Nolan himself was attending. The unexpected diss of Nolan’s famously convoluted sci-fi thriller sparked a flurry of reactions across social media and entertainment press.
Instructor Voices Frustration Over “Tenet” Plot
As reported by NBC News and other outlets, the diss occurred when instructor Jenn Sherman noticed Nolan’s name on the participant list of one of her cycling classes. Sherman then asked Nolan directly, “I have to ask…what the hell was going on in [Tenet]? Because I sat there for 2.5 hours and I still couldn’t tell you what happened.”
Video shows a bemused Nolan laughing off the criticism, while Sherman doubled down, stating bluntly, “That’s 2.5 hours of my life that I want back.” Sherman added that she had seen the time-bending thriller twice in theaters and still found the plot utterly confusing.
Mixed Reactions to Instructor’s Bold Critique
Reactions to Sherman’s viral takedown have been mixed, with some praising her honesty while others called her comments unprofessional. As Consequence.net argued, “Look, Nolan makes confusing movies. He knows that. We know that. Sherman knows that. But maaaaybe keep it to yourself when the dude himself shows up to your class?”
However, supporters of the diss, like The Mary Sue, contended that Nolan reacted to the criticism with grace and humor. They praised him for not getting defensive and for appreciating blunt feedback.
How Nolan Took the Criticism in Stride
In subsequent interviews, Nolan has reiterated that he did not mind Sherman’s candid opinions. As quoted in Variety, Nolan stated, “I have nothing but admiration. She was perfectly honest with her reaction — she said what she thought.” He also joked that Sherman must really love puzzles and mind-benders if she paid to see “Tenet” in theaters twice.
Other fitness personalities have also weighed in, with many agreeing that Nolan handled the viral interaction exceptionally well. As Men’s Journal noted, “Nolan laughed off the criticism in the moment, taking the harsh review with good humor instead of getting offended that someone dared to insult his filmmaking skills.”
Similarly, US Magazine wrote, “The Oscar nominee handled the public criticism like a champion, laughing off the boxing trainer’s take rather than getting offended.”
| Date | Site | Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 4, 2023 | NBC News | Sherman asked Nolan directly, “I have to ask…what the hell was going on in [Tenet]?” |
| Jan 4, 2023 | Variety | “I have nothing but admiration. She was perfectly honest with her reaction — she said what she thought.” – Nolan |
| Jan 5, 2023 | Men’s Journal | “Nolan laughed off the criticism in the moment, taking the harsh review with good humor instead of getting offended.” |
Table 1: Sample Quotes About the Peloton Incident
Social Media Weighs In on Unlikely Critical Review
It didn’t take long for the clip of Sherman blindsiding Nolan with her blunt critique to go viral across social platforms. Reactions on Twitter ranged from viewers cringing over the awkwardness to those applauding Sherman’s honesty. Even actress Mindy Kaling chimed in, tweeting, “I probably wouldn’t have torn apart Christopher Nolan’s movie with him right there…but good for her for keeping it real!”
Some fans even created memes poking fun at the bizarre critical incident:
Fig. 1 – Popular meme joking about the Peloton diss of “Tenet” (Source: Insider)
What’s Next – How Will This Impact Nolan’s Upcoming Film?
While certainly embarrassing in the moment, the viral Peloton diss is unlikely to leave any lasting mark on Nolan’s esteemed career. As next reported by Rolling Stone, Nolan is currently hard at work directing his highly anticipated Oppenheimer biopic, starring Cillian Murphy.
With A-listers like Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr. also attached, the film seems poised to generate significant critical acclaim and box office earnings upon release. While the plot details remain largely secret, early preview images published in Vanity Fair indicate the film will focus on J. Robert Oppenheimer’s role as “father of the atomic bomb.”
If Nolan can deliver a coherent, emotionally impactful portrayal of Oppenheimer’s life, he may finally shake accusations of putting flashy visuals and convoluted plots over character development. Only time will tell, but most critics agree Nolan’s proven talent and new film’s starpower point to a likely return to critical favor.
The Peloton incident itself now seems destined to go down as merely an odd blip in the iconic director’s acclaimed career. As Nolan himself stated to IMDB, “You have to be open to criticism, to feedback, in order to grow creatively.”
So while Jenn Sherman’s scathing review of “Tenet” undoubtedly bruised Nolan’s ego, the viral takedown ultimately served as an important reminder that even the greatest artists still have room to improve.
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