Christopher Nolan directing fighter cockpit scenes for DUNKIRK

Filming at Point Vicente for Dunkirk is slated for completion on Friday.  Pete decided to swing by and see what was happening Thursday afternoon.

The same paparazzi photographer we encountered on Tuesday was still there hoping to get a shot from the nearest vantage point with a view of the set.  He stated that Nolan had been filming cockpit scenes all week rotating various cast members through as fighter pilots. According to the photographer, Tom Hardy had been in the cockpit since about 1pm. (It was now 3:30.)

It is difficult to get decent pictures as the closest location for a clear view (unless you have a drone or a boat) is more than 400 yards away.

This time Pete brought a tripod and set up the camera to record a 4K video using a 600mm lens.  The video below shows the director, Christopher Nolan (wearing the tan hat and blue sport coat), in a very hands on role “flying” the fighter while the pilot, Tom Hardy, focused his gaze on a visual target at the end of a long pole waved in the sky above the cockpit.  We guess that serves as a surrogate for Luftwaffe aircraft.

It was hard to appreciate the number of folks involved in shooting these cockpit scenes. It was also interesting to note the amount of time that the actors needed to stay in position to get what will probably amount to very little screen time in the final production.  Note the big blue hose connected to the cockpit.  At least we can be assured that the actors have an air conditioned work environment.

The video announcement shown below is the only video released by the studio so far. We may have to wait until next summer to see how Hollywood works it magic to covert these scenes to portray a believable air engagement.