Christopher Nolan's films are a polarizing affair, with his fans and detractors alike feeling very strongly about his work. This is perhaps because his movies are unique, challenging, and often loud spectacles that delve into profound themes like humanity, grief, memory, and time. While his films are not universally adored, they are all worth watching and offer a rewarding viewing experience for those willing to engage with his complex material. Here's a look at Nolan's five 'worst' movies, from 'least amazing' to 'still better than most other movies you'll watch on any given day'.
5. Following (1998)
Nolan's directorial debut, 'Following', is a neo-noir crime film that follows a young writer, the Young Man (Jeremy Theobald), as he tails people on London streets to find inspiration for his debut novel. When he meets a mysterious man named Cobb (Alex Haw), he becomes involved in a professional thief's crimes. Shot on a shoestring budget and using natural light, this film is a fascinating look at how far Nolan could stretch his resources before making it big. Despite its low budget, 'Following' has an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, decades after its release, proving that it is still worth a watch.
4. Batman Begins (2005)
The first film in Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, 'Batman Begins', introduces Christian Bale's taciturn Bruce Wayne, who becomes Batman, the Caped Crusader. The movie also features Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth, Katie Holmes (replaced by Maggie Gyllenhaal) as Rachel Dawes, and Gary Oldman as Jim Gordon. While 'Batman Begins' is a solid entry in the superhero genre, it pales in comparison to Nolan's other work, earning an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
3. The Prestige (2006)
'The Prestige' is a magic-themed mystery film that tells the story of rival magicians Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale), both attempting to create a superior teleportation trick. Using a non-linear storyline, Nolan weaves a complex narrative that involves the death of Angier's wife, Julia (Piper Perabo), and the emergence of a rift between the two magicians. With a stellar cast that includes Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, and David Bowie, 'The Prestige' is a wild ride, but it's not for everyone, earning a 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
2. Interstellar (2014)
'Interstellar' is a thought-provoking film that explores fatherhood and the passage of time. Set in a bleak future where Earth is ravaged by drought, famine, and blight, it follows NASA pilot Joseph 'Coop' Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) as he agrees to pilot a flight to attempt to salvage the planet. The film's twists and turns, particularly regarding the way time passes, are both baffling and extraordinary. While 'Interstellar' has a 73% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it is one of Nolan's most challenging films, which might explain its lower score.
1. Tenet (2020)
'Tenet' is Nolan's most ambitious and weird film, a time-travel thriller that demands the audience's full attention. It follows the Protagonist (John David Washington), who, while working for the CIA, becomes involved in a bizarre experiment with the organization called Tenet. The film's complex narrative involves 'inverted entropy' items that allow time travel, leading to a dangerous arms dealer and a Russian oligarch. 'Tenet' is a thrilling ride, but its complexity and confusion might have contributed to its 70% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the least-rated film on this list.
In conclusion, while these films may not be Nolan's best, they are all worth watching and offer a fascinating insight into the director's unique style and storytelling abilities. Nolan's films are a testament to his skill in crafting challenging and rewarding cinematic experiences.
