Nolan was inspired to make 'Dunkirk' 20 years ago

Christopher Nolan's latest offering 'Dunkirk' looked like something for which he had to research a lot and devote good time to present the war epic to the audiences as he wanted.

Now, the director has revealed that he and his producer wife, Emma Thomas, first hatched the idea for their film "Dunkirk" more than 20 years ago on a boat trip, reports Page Six.

While talking at a Q&A session at a Lincoln Ristorante, Nolan said, "I remember Emma and I made a trip with a friend of ours on a boat - many years ago. We thought it would take us six or seven hours. It took 18 to 19 hours. It was very, very cold. The sea was very, very rough with the channels. We came out of that experience with a great amount of respect for the reality of what actually happened."

Adding, "What would it really have been like to get on a boat and make a crossing like that, but not be on holidays as we were, just going to hang around and prance for a bit - that just stuck with both of us over the years."

The director was present at the event after a screening of the film co-hosted by Barry Levinson.

Guests included Emily Mortimer and Alessandro Nivola, whose son Sam was overheard telling Nolan that he is his filmmaking idol.

It should be noted that 'Dunkirk' was a blockbuster at the box-office as the film went on to earn over USD 525 million globally.

The film is all set to get an award season re-release in December.