10 Complicated Movies That People Pretend To Understand (But Really Don't)

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

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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.

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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

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buy Not available Not available Not available Director David Lynch Release Date October 19, 2001 Writers David Lynch Cast Laura Elena Harring , Mark Pellegrino , Justin Theroux , Naomi Watts , Ann Miller Runtime 147 minutes

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.

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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

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Primer (2004) Director Shane Carruth Release Date October 8, 2004 Writers Shane Carruth Cast Shane Carruth , David Sullivan , Casey Gooden , Anand Upadhyaya , Carrie Crawford , Samantha Thomson , Brandon Blagg Runtime 77 Minutes

The low budget science fiction movie Primer is a mind-bending exploration of the complexities of time travel. The film delves into the intricate details of time manipulation, creating a narrative that requires meticulous analysis to fully comprehend. Director Shane Carruth's technical dialogue and complex plotting can be overwhelming, demanding undivided attention to grasp the intricate web of cause and effect woven throughout the film.

The film challenges audiences with its unconventional approach, favoring intellectual stimulation over accessibility. While its dense and demanding nature may alienate casual moviegoers, Primer has gained a cult following for its ambitious exploration of time paradoxes and scientific concepts. The narrative is presented through a fragmented lens, requiring viewers to piece together the chronology of events and the consequences of the characters' time travel experiments. Primer's open-ended conclusion leaves room for interpretation and debate, encouraging viewers to engage with the material and draw their own conclusions about the characters' fates and the larger implications of their time travel experiments.

Primer is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.

7 The Tree Of Life (2011)

Directed by Terrence Malick

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buy Not available Not available Not available Director Terrence Malick Release Date November 17, 2011 Writers Terrence Malick Cast Brad Pitt , Sean Penn , Jessica Chastain Runtime 138minutes

The Tree of Life is Terrence Malick's experimental drama that weaves together multiple narrative threads, spanning from the formation of the universe to the intimate story of a Texas family in the 1950s. The film's non-linear structure and impressionistic style create a tapestry of moments that explore the human experience, the nature of memory, and the search for meaning in the face of life's joys and sorrows. Malick's use of ethereal cinematography, evocative music, and hushed voice overs contributes to the film's dreamlike atmosphere, blurring the boundaries between past and present, the physical and the metaphysical.

At the heart of The Tree of Life lies the story of the O'Brien family, focusing on the eldest son Jack's journey from childhood innocence to adult disillusionment. The film's abstract and unconventional approach to storytelling may prove challenging for some, as it does away with traditional plot structure in favor of a more experiential and meditative exploration of its themes. The Tree of Life demands patience and an open mind, encouraging viewers to engage with its visual poetry and philosophical underpinnings on a deeply personal level.

6 Upstream Color (2013)

Directed by Shane Carruth

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buy Not available Not available Not available Director Shane Carruth Release Date April 5, 2013 Writers Shane Carruth Cast Amy Seimetz , Shane Carruth , Andrew Sensenig , Thiago Martins , Kathy Carruth , Meredith Burke Runtime 96 minutes

Another experimental science fiction film by Shane Carruth, Upstream Color’s narrative follows Kris and Jeff, two individuals whose lives become intertwined after falling victim to a mysterious parasite that alters their perceptions and memories. As they struggle to make sense of their fractured identities and the inexplicable connection they share, the film focuses on the intricacies of human consciousness and the ways in which experiences shape the sense of self. Carruth's use of visual metaphors adds layers of complexity to the film's exploration of the interconnectedness of all living things.

Upstream Color's complexity is further enhanced by its cinematography, haunting score, and subtle performances, which combine to create an immersive and emotionally resonant experience. The film's non-linear structure and lack of expository dialogue proves challenging when it comes to piecing together the plot. This unconventional approach may prove frustrating for those accustomed to more straightforward storytelling, but it is precisely this ambiguity that allows Upstream Color to linger in the mind long after the credits roll, inviting multiple viewings about its deeper meanings and philosophical implications.

5 Coherence (2013)

Directed by James Ward Byrkit

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Coherence takes place entirely at a suburban dinner party on the night a comet passes overhead. The film's complexity lies in its ability to gradually ramp up the variables and subvert expectations as the story progresses, slowly descending into an intricate exploration of parallel realities and the nature of identity. Coherence's narrative structure is so in depth that even the most attentive viewer may struggle to fully grasp its twists and turns on the first watch, making it a film that rewards multiple viewings and close analysis.

The actors were given minimal information before each shot, with the director encouraging improvisation as the situation evolved. Each actor received a page of notes outlining their character's motivations and potential actions, but they were unaware of the instructions given to their fellow cast members. This results in genuine surprises and reactions that enhance the film's sense of authenticity and unpredictability. This mind-bending sci-fi movie is easy to miss as its complexity extends beyond its plot, revealing a meticulously crafted and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

4 I’m Thinking Of Ending Things (2020)

Directed by Charlie Kaufman

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buy Not available Not available Not available Director Charlie Kaufman Release Date September 4, 2020 Writers Charlie Kaufman , Ian Reid Cast Jessie Buckley , Jesse Plemons , Colby Minifie , Toni Collette , David Thewlis , Jason Ralph Runtime 134 minutes

I'm Thinking of Ending Things is a slow-burning, surreal, and often perplexing narrative. Adapted from Iain Reid's novel of the same name, the film follows Lucy and her new boyfriend, Jake, as they journey to meet his parents for the first time. The seemingly innocent premise gradually descends into a bizarre and unsettling exploration of the human psyche, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.

Director Charlie Kaufman's distinct storytelling style, known for its complexity and unconventional approach, is on full display in I'm Thinking of Ending Things. The film's slow pace and gradual change in location deviates from the conventions of fast-paced, action-driven narratives. I'm Thinking of Ending Things demands active engagement and interpretation, as it presents a convoluted plot that requires multiple viewings to fully grasp its intricate themes and symbolism.

3 Inception (2010)

Directed by Christopher Nolan

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buy Not available Not available Not available Director Christopher Nolan Release Date July 16, 2010 Writers Christopher Nolan Cast Tom Hardy , elliot page , Joseph Gordon-Levitt , Cillian Murphy , Ken Watanabe , Marion Cotillard , Leonardo DiCaprio Runtime 148 minutes

Inception's complexity extends beyond its famous ending, which features Cobb's spinning totem and leaves the audience questioning whether he has truly escaped the dream world. The film's intricacy lies in its very structure, as it mimics the disjointed and non-linear nature of dreams. From the opening scene, the narrative plunges into the middle of Cobb's story and a dream heist, mirroring the way dreams often begin without clear context or introduction to the characters or their circumstances.

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Throughout Inception, subtle details and recurring motifs hint at the possibility that the entire narrative is a dream. The repeating numbers on the train (3502), taxi (2503), and hotel room (5302) where significant events occur, as well as the presence of two similar-looking hotel rooms during Mal's suicide scene, suggest that Cobb may still be dreaming. The film's intentional use of continuity breaks and disjointed storytelling further reinforces the dreamlike nature of the narrative, challenging viewers to question the boundaries between the dream world and reality with each subsequent viewing.

2 Synecdoche, New York (2008)

Directed by Charlie Kaufman

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buy Not available Not available Not available Director Charlie Kaufman Release Date October 24, 2008 Writers Charlie Kaufman Cast Philip Seymour Hoffman , Catherine Keener , Sadie Goldstein , Tom Noonan , Peter Friedman , Charles Techman Runtime 124 minutes

Synecdoche, New York, Charlie Kaufman's 2008 directorial debut, is a complex and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of art, mortality, and the human condition. The story follows Caden Cotard, a theater director who embarks on an ambitious project to create a life-sized replica of New York City within a warehouse, blurring the lines between reality and fiction as he attempts to find meaning and authenticity in his work and personal life. The film's layered structure, combined with its surreal and metaphorical elements, contributes to its complexity and open-ended nature.

Synecdoche, New York's emotional impact lies in its profound exploration of the human experience, particularly the inevitability of death and the struggle to find purpose and connection in life. The film's melancholic tone and existential themes are woven into every aspect of its narrative, from the deteriorating health of its protagonist to the increasingly blurred boundaries between his art and his reality. While Synecdoche, New York's ambiguity can be perplexing or unsatisfying, it is precisely this open-ended nature that invites repeated viewings and deep contemplation, allowing for a profoundly personal and emotional connection to the material.

1 Donnie Darko (2001)

Directed by Richard Kelly

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buy Not available Not available Not available Director Richard Kelly Release Date October 26, 2001 Writers Richard Kelly Cast Jake Gyllenhaal , Holmes Osborne , Maggie Gyllenhaal , Daveigh Chase , Mary McDonnell , James Duval Runtime 113 minutes

Donnie Darko has become a quintessential cult classic since its release in 2001, captivating audiences with its enigmatic blend of time travel, teenage angst, and philosophical musings. Jake Gyllenhaal's emotionally charged performance as Donnie anchors the film, portraying a troubled teenager navigating a reality increasingly warped by visions of a man in a disturbing rabbit costume. Gyllenhaal's portrayal of Donnie's struggle with questions of fate, free will, and the nature of reality has solidified his status as one of the finest actors of his generation.

The film's complex narrative, involving parallel universes, time loops, and the manipulation of destiny, has sparked countless discussions and interpretations among its devoted fanbase. Donnie Darko's ambiguous and open-ended conclusion has been a particular source of debate and analysis, leaving room for multiple readings and theories. The surreal and metaphorical elements woven throughout the story contribute to the film's enigmatic appeal.