Ranking All Christopher Nolan Films from Least to Most Impressive Before The Odyssey

      Before the release of The Odyssey, Will Hume evaluates Christopher Nolan's films…

      Describing Sir Christopher Nolan's work as noir time-benders on a vibrant backdrop might be the simplest approach, but, akin to his finest films, there’s much more to discover with careful viewing. The two-time Oscar winner and former MTV Movie Award recipient also serves as the current President of the Directors Guild of America. With the debut of his 13th feature film, The Odyssey, on July 17th, we reflect on Nolan's filmography while anticipating his upcoming release.

      12. Dunkirk (2017)

      Synopsis: The massive military catastrophe surrounding the evacuation of British troops from the French beach at a crucial moment in World War II, leading to civilian sailors rescuing the Allies.

      Analysis: An ambitious war film that favors spectacle over depth, as it lacks substantial commentary. Its fragmented narrative has the least thematic justification compared to Nolan’s other works. The combination of Nolan's sparse visual style, Hoyte Van Hoytema’s claustrophobic IMAX cinematography, and Lee Smith’s quick editing creates a disconcerting experience. Nonetheless, the Academy recognized Smith with an Oscar for his final collaboration with Nolan, though the film has faded from discussion since its release. The score by Hans Zimmer, which stands out despite the film's shortcomings, deserves more recognition. Mark Rylance delivers a solid performance as a boat captain assisting stranded soldiers, while Tom Hardy impresses with a mostly silent role. Though there are intriguing insights on war propaganda, the film primarily serves as a showcase for Oscar visibility, earning it a reputation as one of Nolan's least discussed films, and for good reason.

      Reception: Critically praised and viewed as an improvement over the relatively mixed receptions of Interstellar and The Dark Knight Rises, the film not only opened stronger than Interstellar but also became the highest-grossing World War II film of all time (until Oppenheimer) and established a preferred release date chosen by Stanley Kubrick for Eyes Wide Shut after analyzing extensive Warner Bros. box office data. Warner and Nolan's contention for that release date led to the phenomenon of ‘Barbenheimer.’ Nolan garnered his first Best Director nomination seventeen years after his initial Memento screenplay nod, and the film won Oscars for sound editing, mixing, and editing for Lee Smith on their seventh collaboration.

      Connection to The Odyssey: Themes of death, drowning, and conflict on the water and beaches.

      11. Insomnia (2002)

      Synopsis: A detective travels to Alaska to investigate a murder while navigating scrutiny over evidence tampering, only to have his inquiry compromised when the murderer observes him kill his partner.

      Analysis: A competent remake that fails to establish its significance within Nolan's body of work. It hints at the filmmaker he would become but remains among his least distinctive films. Lacking a writing credit from Nolan, the film carries his stylistic elements and a keen eye for casting—featuring Al Pacino and Robin Williams—but suffers from uninspired writing and a clichéd climax. The trailer suggests an intense showdown reminiscent of Heat, which is only somewhat achieved. The original Swedish version starring Stellan Skarsgård is more highly regarded; however, this film secured Nolan the Batman opportunity.

      Reception: Although Pacino and Williams are well cast, their performances are restrained, leaving the film feeling sluggish and easily forgettable during viewings. It ranks low in the Nolan hierarchy due to its conventional sensibility and lethargic pacing, amid being the only film he did not write. Nonetheless, Warner Bros. was pleased with its box office results against Spider-Man and Star Wars, which ultimately led to Nolan being offered the Batman franchise.

      Connection to The Odyssey: A weary hero tormented by his past demons, threatened by drowning.

      10. Following (1998)

      Synopsis: A writer who follows people becomes involved with a con artist named Cobb.

      Analysis: A key film in Nolan's early career demonstrating all the elements he would hone over time, including fragmented chronology and femme fatales. While these elements are less polished here, they are unmistakably present. This film showcases Nolan as a collaborator and cinema enthusiast, providing insight into his identity as a filmmaker. Notably, Nolan’s older brother, Matthew, has a criminal history that may have influenced the film's themes. The film was produced with the help of friends and family over four months on weekends.

      Reception: A festival feature designed as a stepping stone for future projects, it continues to be rediscovered today and is available on Criterion Blu-ray. Those familiar with his later work may perceive it as an impressionistic or fan piece, yet it emphasizes the importance of getting started and stands as a compelling artifact.

      Connection to The Odyssey: It follows a man unaware of his lost state until it's too late.

      9. Oppenheimer (2023)

      Synopsis: The story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the atomic bomb's inventor, who races against the Nazis to create the first nuclear