In Honor of Inception & Director Christopher Nolan...

 In honor of the December 7^th Blu-ray and DVD release of 2010 psychological action thriller Inception, I decided to rank the seven feature films that Christopher Nolan has created over his short 12 year Hollywood career. Known best as the director of the latest Batman films, Nolan has become one of the preeminent directors of the last decade. With the third Batman installment, The Dark Knight Rises scheduled for a 2012 release, Nolan is on the verge of creating one of the most critically and financially successful movie trilogies is Hollywood history. (At the bottom, I have also added the 1997 short film created by Nolan called Doodlebug).

1. Memento (2001): This contemporary classic still ranks for me as Christopher Nolan's greatest achievement. Memento tells the story of Leonard Shelby, a man who suffers from anterograde amnesia, which causes him to be unable to store new memories. Through the use of tattoos and polaroids Leonard attempts to track down what he believes to be a second assailant in the fatal attack of his late wife. Memento uses Nolan's love for non-linear story telling as it presents the narrative in an innovative reverse chronological fashion, while interjecting a black and white chronologically filmed phone conversation where Shelby converses with an unknown phone caller. Brilliant and truly innovative, Memento is by far Christopher Nolan's masterwork.
2. Inception (2010): For as much as I enjoyed and was in awe of this film, I just couldn't get myself to rank it ahead of Memento. However with such a down year in movies, this is by far one of the biggest standout films of 2010. Inception is an extremely smart and impressive film that presents the idea of breaking into someone's mind, allowing for the stealing of secrets or implanting of ideas. Visually magnificent, Nolan has created one of the smartest psychologically thrilling science fiction films of the last 25 years.
3. The Dark Knight (2008): The Dark Knight did what many sequels fail to do, which is be better the then its predecessor. After the success of Batman Begins, this feat seemed pretty daunting, but The Dark Knight pulled it off with flying colors. Another visual treat, The Dark Knight became the 7^th highest grossing film in movie history, thanks largely to the extraordinary performance from the late Heath Ledger who portrayed the Joker.
4. Batman Begins (2005): The start of by far one of the most successful superhero franchises of recent times, Batman Begins offers a look at the origins of black caped crusader. While showing his fears, insecurities and ambitions, Batman Begins offers a unique, more human touch to story of this well known character. The true measurement of the success of this film is how it turned non-comic book fans like myself, into admirers of this film and franchise reboot.
5. The Prestige (2006): Originally looked over a bit by critics, this psychological thriller has gained a great deal of following and praise over the last 4 years. Starring Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman, The Prestige tells the story of two rivaling 19^th century magicians who both become obsessed with creating the ultimate stage illusion. In their attempt to one up each other, they begin to lose touch with reality which leads to tragic results. The twists and turns keep you engaged all the way to the gut busting surprise finale.
6. 
   Following (1998): While only 70 minutes long, Following is an extremely engaging and entertaining first effort from Nolan. Classified as a Neo-Noir film, Following uses a non-linear storyline and flashbacks to keep the viewer on edge, as it tells the story of a peeping tom who's life gets turned upside down when one of the people he's been following confronts him.
7. Insomnia (2002): Unfortunately one of these films had to be listed 7^th, and for me Insomnia is that film. That's not an indictment about the Insomnia as much as it is praise for the overall quality of Nolan's film resume. Insomnia is a solid crime thriller staring 3 Academy Award winners in Al Pacino, Robin Williams and Hilary Swank. I will say however, for a director who has built his career on psychological twists and turns, Insomnia is by far the most straight forward effort from Nolan.