The Nolan Timepiece

Christopher Nolan has a thing with time. This isn’t new, and his most recent clock f**kery came in the form of Tenet. I was excited for this movie as I’m sure every other; Nolan, blockbuster, cool movie, did that car just flip in reverse / backwards…wha wha what, fan was. When it finally hit the streaming services I was all over it. Hell, I flat out bought it knowing I’d end up watching it a few times and probably enjoy it. Well, I watched it once and haven’t watched since. Nolan’s obsession with his time plot devices took over the show and overshadowed any character development or connection the audience could have. Yes, it had some awesome set pieces, and some cool inverted fight scenes, but overall it was a hollow, confusing, exposition laden movie…and that was it. Disappointing, but hey, they can’t all be winners. Here’s to hoping Nolan doesn’t sacrifice characters for an overly confusing plot for his next venture. 

With that in mind, I got to thinking of my favorite Nolan movies that balance the use of time with plot and characters we actually give a shit about. I give you…The Nolan Timepiece. A movie playlist with great plots, interesting characters, and time manipulation that could confuse a Swiss watch maker.

Memento (2000 – Trailer)

The breakout. The movie with a plot that, if you think about it, is kinda boring. It’s a simple revenge tale…sort of. It’s power lies within it’s editing and use of time, something captured beautifully in the opening credits. Which tells you everything you need to know. Even if you’ve never seen this movie, that won’t spoil it. And even after your first viewing, you’ll have no idea what’s going on. It’s the Crown Wheel, if you will, of The Nolan Timepiece playlist.

The Prestige (2006 – Trailer)

A movie about magic. A movie about the magic of movie making. A movie about ego and obsession. A movie about time. I’ve seen this movie a million times and I still get surprised by it. Like a great magic trick…I know it’s coming…I know the bird will disappear, but how the f**k did he do that?

Dunkirk (2017 – Trailer)

Dunkirk is a great film. It took me a couple viewings to realize that. It’s a mastery of editing and the use of time to tell a taught, tense story. Watch it once to get the anxiety out. Then watch it again, paying close attention to how time is used to tell the story and build tension. Then watch it a third time to enjoy all the elements together and realize mastery of the art of filmmaking.