Summary

• Movies vary in complexity, from simple plots to intricate narratives that demand attention to detail.
• Films like Tenet and Mulholland Drive challenge viewers with layered themes and non-linear storytelling.
• Works by directors like Christopher Nolan and Charlie Kaufman provoke thought and discussion, enriching the cinematic experience.

Many films rely on intricate and symbolic metaphors, which can sometimes make them challenging to understand. While the ideal goal is to grasp a movie's meaning by the end of the first viewing, the complexity of the details may not always provide a comprehensive understanding of the film as a whole. In the realm of cinema, there exists a spectrum of storytelling complexity, ranging from straightforward narratives that require little mental exertion to intricate and layered films that demand active engagement and interpretation.

Some movies, such as those featuring space marines battling bloodthirsty aliens or police officers reanimated into robotic law enforcers, offer accessible and easily digestible plots. On the other hand, certain films , like Christopher Nolan movies, delve into complex themes and ideas. These thought-provoking and intellectually challenging films have been a staple of the cinematic landscape for decades, with audiences often pretending to understand and appreciate their depth and symbolism. Whether through nonlinear storytelling or convoluted time travel mechanics, these films have consistently challenged casual moviegoers.

10 Tenet (2020)

Directed by Christopher Nolan

Tenet's intricate plot revolves around the concept of time inversion, a sci-fi element that allows objects and people to move backwards through time. This central mechanic creates a labyrinthine narrative where cause and effect are not always linear, leading to puzzling scenarios that challenge the understanding of chronology. The protagonist's mission to prevent a future catastrophe unfolds across multiple timelines, with events from the past, present, and future intersecting in ways that can be difficult to follow without close attention to detail.

Tenet requires several rewatches as it features a dense web of characters and motivations. The protagonist's allies and enemies are not always clearly defined, and their true intentions are often obscured by layers of deception and misdirection. Tenet's dialogue is full of technical jargon and cryptic references, further contributing to the film's intellectual demands. While some may find the film's ambiguity and lack of clear explanations frustrating, the opportunity to engage with the material on a deeper level, and piecing together the puzzle through multiple viewings and discussions is what makes it enjoyable for others.

9 Mulholland Drive (2001)

Directed by David Lynch

Mulholland Drive is full of surreal and often unsettling imagery that adds to its enigmatic nature, with David Lynch's masterful use of visual storytelling leaving much open to interpretation. Mulholland Drive's narrative is punctuated by seemingly disconnected scenes and symbolic motifs, such as the mysterious blue key and the ominous figure behind Winkie's diner. These elements contribute to the film's dreamlike atmosphere, blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy, and challenging viewers to unravel their significance within the larger context of the story.

The central mystery revolves around the relationship between Betty, an aspiring actress, and Rita, an amnesiac woman she befriends. As the two women attempt to uncover the truth behind Rita's identity, they become entangled in a web of deception and manipulation that ultimately calls into question the very nature of their reality. This narrative shift further complicates the story, making it difficult to grapple with multiple interpretations and theories about the Mulholland Drive's true meaning.

8 Primer (2004)

Directed by Shane Carruth