8. Master of the Unknown

8. Christopher Nolan

Since Memento's release in 2000, receiving critical acclaim for it's exceptional use of time as a plot device, Christopher Nolan has been a powerful force in cinema. He's written and directed seven films since 2000 and each one has been fresh. Three of those films are comprised of what I believe to be the best comic-book inspired films ever made- 'The Dark Knight Trilogy.' Nolan's talent and ability has continued to grow and the scale of his work has a heavy presence in cinema. When a trailer for a Nolan airs, it's a big deal. Typically releasing to a very limited audience. I'll never forget the anticipation leading up to 'Interstellar' and the teaser trailer with McConaughey driving away from his home crying. That kept me on the edge of my seat for an entire year. When the film released it couldn't possibly meet everyone's expectations, but I consider it his best film. It's both emotionally rewarding and completely stunning both visually and audibly. Nolan was an easy choice for me when making this list. The only reason he's not higher on the list is because he hasn't expanded his pallet in genres. For instance, Kubrick's films are all very much his movies but they contain a wide variety of tones and characters. Nolan definitely has his style, which I hope to see expand. Dunkirk was a great change in pace for his filmography.
MUST WATCH - 'The Dark Knight'
MY FAVORITE - 'Interstellar'
UPCOMING - 'Tenet'