Nolan, however, reached megastar status through his Batman trilogy, but at a time when superhero films hadn't yet dominated cinema.
'The Dark Knight' is a Nolan film first, a Batman film second.
He has also capitalized on IMAX's growth, making his films feel like events.
With cinema attendance shifting from routine to occasional treat, Nolan's spectacles attract those who can only afford a few films a year.
He avoids a 'one for them, one for me' approach; even passion projects like 'Dunkirk' or 'Inception' are grand in scale.
Critics note his emphasis on spectacle can neglect emotion and character, especially women.
'The Odyssey' may not silence those critiques, but Nolan shows evolution: a shocking body horror moment and an interest in the occult.
He never makes blockbusters cynically, always pushing himself artistically on a mass-market scale. His commitment to gathering audiences in theaters is worth celebrating, especially as streaming threatens cinema.
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Long may Nolan continue, making competitors cower.
