Christopher Nolan is one of Hollywood’s most revered filmmakers of all time, joined by the likes of fellow Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg. From one legend to another, the latter has revealed which of the former’s films is his personal favorite, and it goes back to the start of Nolan’s career.
Spielberg recently participated in an interview with Collider to promote his newest film, Disclosure Day, which is now showing in theaters. During the conversation, he was asked if he had a favorite Christopher Nolan movie. Spielberg didn’t even hesitate before quickly answering that it would be 2000’s Memento, one of Nolan’s very first releases. The Jaws helmer added that Memento will always be his “all-time favorite” movie directed by Nolan.
Memento Will Always Be Spielberg’s Favorite Nolan Film
As Spielberg said when asked, “I do. Memento. It will be my all-time favorite movie that Chris made forever.”
Emily Blunt was also present for the interview, as she has a starring role in Disclosure Day. She also happens to be among the stars of Oppenheimer, the hit biopic that finally earned Nolan his first Best Director Oscar. As for her own personal favorite Nolan release, Blunt said she “can’t do Oppenheimer,” given that she has a biased opinion as a member of its cast. With that noted, she stated, “I’m going to say Dark Knight,” which would probably be one of the most popular choices among fans of the famed director as well.
Memento Served as Christopher Nolan’s Breakout Movie
Memento was written and directed by Nolan, though it was inspired by “Memento Mori,” a short story penned by his brother, Jonathan Nolan. The movie starred Guy Pearce as Leonard Shelby, a man with a rare condition that leaves him unable to form new long-term memories. He developed the condition after a traumatic attack against him and his wife that left her dead. Relying on notes, photos, and even tattoos on his body, Leonard forms a plan to track down the killer and get revenge, despite his short-term memory loss.
The movie is unique because of its unusual storytelling structure. It is shown in reverse order, with Memento telling a story backwards, scene by scene. A parallel story is also moving forward at the same time, with these scenes shot in black and white. The two timelines eventually meet, resulting in an unexpected ending that sticks with viewers long after watching the film.
Memento was a huge success, garnering widespread acclaim, including a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie also earned Nolan’s first Academy Award nomination, as it was up for multiple Oscars, including Best Original Screenplay. It went on to make over $40 million at the box office against its modest $9 million budget. This success helped put Nolan on the map as a major filmmaker, opening the door for bigger opportunities to follow, such as getting hired to launch an all-new Batman franchise.
Spielberg’s Disclosure Day is now playing in theaters, while Nolan’s next movie, The Odyssey, will premiere on July 17, 2026.
- Release Date
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October 11, 2000
- Runtime
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113 minutes
