Christopher Nolan's films are a polarizing affair, with his fans and detractors alike feeling very strongly about his work. The British director's movies are known for their unique style, often challenging and loud, but also for their deep explorations of humanity, grief, memory, and time. While some of his films are considered masterpieces, others have received less favorable reviews, especially from a critical standpoint. Here, we delve into Nolan's five 'worst' movies, as ranked by Rotten Tomatoes, and explore why they might not be as well-received as his other works.
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), a professional thief, the Young Man becomes entangled in a web of crime. Despite its low budget and natural lighting, 'Following' boasts an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, decades after its release. This film showcases Nolan's ability to stretch a minimal budget and create a captivating, if somewhat challenging, narrative.
4. Batman Begins (2005)
The first film in the Dark Knight trilogy, 'Batman Begins', introduces Christian Bale's Bruce Wayne, a taciturn and growling take on 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' has an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it is often considered the weakest of the trilogy. The film's villains, including Cillian Murphy's Scarecrow and Liam Neeson's Henri Ducard/Ra's al Ghul, are pitch-perfect, but the overall narrative might not be as strong as some of Nolan's other works.
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. The film uses a non-linear storyline and features a stellar cast, including Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, and David Bowie as Nikola Tesla. Despite its 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, 'The Prestige' is a wild ride that has divided audiences. Its box-office battle with 'The Illusionist' adds to the intrigue, but it ultimately lost, leaving some viewers perplexed.
2. Interstellar (2014)
'Interstellar' is a thought-provoking exploration of fatherhood, set partly in space, with a non-linear storyline. The film follows Matthew McConaughey's Joseph 'Coop' Cooper, a NASA pilot who, despite being a single dad, agrees to pilot a mission to save Earth. The twists and turns of time in 'Interstellar' are extraordinary but can be baffling. The film has a 73% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a shame, as it is one of Nolan's most difficult and thought-provoking works.
1. Tenet (2020)
'Tenet', Nolan's most ambitious and weird film, is a time-travel adventure that demands the audience's full attention. The film stars John David Washington as the Protagonist, who, while working for the CIA, becomes involved in a bizarre experiment with the organization Tenet. 'Tenet' is a devilishly complex escape room in cinematic form, with a 70% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Its low score might be due to its confusing nature, which contrasts with Nolan's other, more straightforward films. Despite this, 'Tenet' is a thrilling ride that showcases Nolan's unique style and his ability to push the boundaries of storytelling.
In conclusion, while these films might not be considered Nolan's best, they still offer valuable insights into his directorial style and his willingness to experiment. Each film has its own unique charm and challenges, making them worth watching for any film enthusiast.
