Christopher Nolanremains one of the most significant filmmakers of the 21st century.
And where do the other 11 films hes helmed rank?
We have some ideas….
Still, the compelling hook of Nolans penchant for unconventional structure and unreliable narrators was already in place.
Christopher Nolan is one of them thanks to his icy remake of a Norwegian film of the same name.
Such a feat arguably had not been seen sinceSuperman: The Movie(1978).
Yet therein liesBatman Begins limitations.
Somehow you buy into the idea that he is a major citys best hope at an urban renewal.
And it looks nothing like any other superhero movie thats been made before or since.
Beyond its scope remains a film that also raises a still subversive and controversial question in this genre.
(Its also genuinely impressive Nolan confidently keeps the Batman costume off-screen for over an hour.)
Instead Nolan relies on a visceral film language to convey all the important information through imagery.
Technically, this movie is a period piece, but its urgency and zeal feels timeless.
Interstellar (2014)
Nolan has never been a director to hide his influences.
Thats chutzpah for you.
And sure enough, to this day its a defining calling card.
In the film, we meet Leonard (Guy Pearce).
That isnt a bad thing though when the movie is this stylish and clever.
Ironically, it even becomes pretty unforgettable.
Escher stairs the film pointedly duplicates.
For some, this is the definitive Nolan film.
Oppenheimer (2023)
In many respects,Oppenheimerseems to be the movie Nolansentire career has been building toward.
The ensemble is phenomenal even if (once again) the women dont get enough to do.
Ironically, its also a film that stands apart for Nolan as well.
And how they all react to the existential threat of Heath Ledgers Joker is exhilarating on each viewing.
Ledger deserved his posthumous Oscar as chaos and nihilism made flesh.
This is a movie decidedly of its moment, yet also an achievement that will stand for all time.
