Friends at Dusk: A Christopher Nolan Filmography Podcast
Jake and Marshall revisit the filmography of Christopher Nolan, using Tom Shone's "The Nolan Variations" as a framework for discussing every Nolan feature from "Following" to "Tenet," leading up to the 2023 release of "Oppenheimer." Along the way, they also examine some of the books, stories, and films the director himself cited as influences on his work, ideas, and methods.
Episodes
Bonus Episode: “The Odyssey” Reaction
The moment is finally here! Jake and Marshall saw The Odyssey, and this in-person episode has their initial thoughts. Topics include Zeus’s Law, Emily Wilson’s translation, the epic scale of it all, and that score. They’ll be back with some more in-depth thoughts later, but for now, here are some unedited first impressions.Note on audio: We had to use our backup recording (an iPhone voice memo) fo
Episode 43 (S02E13): “The Odyssey” Film Adaptations
The Odyssey is thousands of years old and has inspired many adaptations in every medium. We can’t get through them all before we see Christopher Nolan’s take on The Odyssey on July 17, but we’re gonna try our hardest. In this episode, Jake and Marshall discuss The Odyssey in silent film, TV miniseries, and contemporary adaptations, including O Brother, Where Art Thou?, The Return, and Ulysses.LA T
Episode 42 (S02E12): “The Odyssey” TV Adaptations
As we get closer to the release of Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey, we’re looking at some of the TV shows that have been inspired by the original epic poem over the years. In this discussion: episodes of Arthur, DuckTales, The Simpsons, and Wishbone. Take a trip down Memory Lane to your childhood and reminisce with us.Alamo Drafthouse Dedicates San Francisco Theater to Christopher Nolan [Variety]Insid
Episode 41 (S02E11): “The Odyssey”, Books 21–24
We finally made it home! Our odyssey with The Odyssey concludes this week as Jake and Marshall wrap up their discussion of Homer’s epic poem. Also in this episode: a Rant™️ from Jake about current film culture, a whole lot of Nolan News, and some Anne Hathaway and Arsenal appreciation.Full Late Show with Stephen Colbert interview [YouTube]Inside 'The Odyssey,' Christopher Nolan's Most
Bonus Episode: “The Odyssey” New Trailer Reaction
Time for a bonus episode! A new trailer is out for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey (courtesy of Stephen Colbert's Late Show), and with Jake on vacation, he and Marshall separately share their quick reactions and initial thoughts on the latest glimpses we have for this summer's epic.The Odyssey Official New Trailer [YouTube]Buy Emily Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey on Bookshop.orgLi
Episode 40 (S02E10): “Saving Private Ryan”
We conclude our “Matt Damon Just Wants To Go Home” series with the one that started it all: Saving Private Ryan, Steven Spielberg’s WWII odyssey about a group of soldiers on a mission to rescue one ordinary man. There’s plenty of Odyssey connections, and even some Band of Brothers talk. Join us as we bring Matt Damon home, one last time (until Christopher Nolan does this summer, that is).The Odyss
Episode 39 (S02E09): “The Odyssey”, Books 17–20
We’re back on book this week with a close look at Books 17–20 of The Odyssey, where Odysseus returns to his palace — but he still lies in wait, biding his time until he makes his move. These chapters set up the action to come, but there’s still a lot here about honor, hospitality, trickery, and, of course, defying the gods. Join us as we explore the penultimate section of The Odyssey, and speculat
Episode 38 (S02E08): “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron”
We’re back with another episode in our “Matt Damon Just Wants to Go Home” series! This time, Damon is Spirit, a wild horse who’s trying to get back to his herd in Spirit: Stallion of the Cimmaron. We found more Odyssey connections than you would think, and the animated film is a rarity these days: a restrained, 2-D/3-D hybrid that doesn’t talk down to kids.Cue up your favorite Bryan Adams song and
Bonus Episode: “The Odyssey” Official Trailer Reaction
Surprise! It’s back-to-back releases as Jake and Marshall get in a holiday rush to record their reactions to the recently released official trailer for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey.Watch the latest trailer for The Odyssey [YouTube]Buy Emily Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey on Bookshop.orgListen to Claire Danes narrate Emily Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey on Audible (Only available on Au
Episode 37 (S02E07): “The Odyssey”, Books 13–16; and IMAX Prologue and Empire Magazine Preview Reaction
We’re back on book this week with a close look at Books 13–16 of The Odyssey, where Odysseus returns to Ithaca.But first: Jake and Marshall talk about the recently released IMAX prologue for Christopher Nolan’s film and take a deep dive through all the Empire magazine coverage and photos from The Odyssey set. Don’t miss it!Take a look at Empire magazine’s exclusive Odyssey covers hereBuy Emily Wil
Episode 36 (S02E06): “The Bourne Identity”
Jesus Christ… it’s Jason Bourne.Our “Matt Damon Just Wants to Go Home” series continues with a movie that’s a lot more Nolan-esque than one would think at first glance.Join Jake and Marshall (and Jake’s dog, Pudge!) as they tie The Bourne Identity to Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey, and more. Just make sure the CIA isn’t listening.Take a look at Empire Magazine’s exclusive Odyssey covers hereExplor
Episode 35 (S02E05): “The Odyssey”, Books 9–12
Jake and Marshall return to The Odyssey, and this section is a doozy. It’s full of the moments you probably remember from high school English class: Cyclops, the sirens, Land of the Dead, all that jazz. Join us as we discuss books 9–12, and tie it all back to Christpher Nolan.“Why ‘Interstellar’ has the most accurate black hole in Hollywood history” (NPR’s Short Wave)“‘The Odyssey’ Star Elliot Pag
Episode 34 (S02E04): “The Martian”
We’re back with more Matt Damon! Join us this week as we talk about stranded astronaut Mark Watney, who just wants to go home in The Martian. But first, he’s gonna have to science the shit out of this.Jake and Marshall explore how this movie fits into Damon’s “home” filmography and how it works when viewed through Christopher Nolan’s work. Grab those headphones, and help us bring Matt Damon home.I
Episode 33 (S02E03): “The Odyssey”, Books 5–8
At last.Join Jake and Marshall as they return to The Odyssey to talk about Books 5–8, where they finally meet Odysseus and begin discussing the many complications of the titular hero. They compare the two translations they’re reading/listening to, lash more Christopher Nolan connections to the proverbial mast, and chat about some filming updates for The Odyssey.Grab your preferred translation, and
Episode 32 (S02E02): “Dogma”, and “The Odyssey” Teaser Trailer Reaction
“I just wanted to go home!”Join Jake and Marshall as they introduce the “Matt Damon Just Wants To Go Home” scorecard, a series where they look at every time Matt Damon has played a character who is just trying to go home. (Surprisingly, it’s a lot.)First up: Kevin Smith’s irreverent and hilarious Dogma. Grab your blessed golf clubs and your Buddy Christ and join us as we discuss how this movie rel
Episode 31 (S02E01): “The Odyssey”, Books 1–4
The journey begins. Jake and Marshall discuss Books 1–4 of Robert Fagles’ and Emily Wilson’s translations of The Odyssey, which translation they prefer so far, and initial thoughts on how Christopher Nolan may approach his adaptation. Plus, the return of the regular Nolan News and What Else Have You Been Watching? segments. Follow along with your preferred translation (or both).Buy Emily Wilson’s
Season 2 Announcement: “The Odyssey”
Much like Odysseus… we have returned! [insert BWOOOMM noise here] Christopher Nolan has also returned and is currently filming his adaptation of The Odyssey.Season 2 of Friends at Dusk finds Jake and Marshall exploring all things Odyssey-related: Different translations! Film and TV adaptations! Matt Damon just trying to go home! Join us for all-new episodes of Nolan talk, coming soon.Buy Emily Wil
Episode 30: “Oppenheimer” at the Oscars
Oppenheimer is an Academy Award-winning film! Christopher Nolan and co. took home seven Oscars on Sunday night, including Best Picture and Best Director, and Jake and Marshall are here to recap it all. Plus, we talk about what else we liked in the ceremony, and where we think Nolan will go next now that he has an Oscar.
Buy a copy of Oppenheimer 4K, Blu-ray, DVD, or digital
Buy American Prometh
Episode 29: Oscars Preview
Happy Oscars Sunday! Jake and Marshall are back with more in-depth predictions on how Oppenheimer will fare tonight, as well as some predictions on what should win, what they hope will win, and some memories from Oscars ceremonies past. Will Christopher Nolan finally win his own golden statue? Fill out those ballots and get ready for the red carpet, and we’ll see you after the Academy Awards to se
Episode 28: Tom Shone
Today we’re joined by a very special guest. Tom Shone, the author of The Nolan Variations himself, talked to us for a bit to promote the upcoming paperback version of his book about the films of Christopher Nolan, now with a new chapter on Oppenheimer.
We talked to Shone about writing that new chapter, Oppenheimer’s Oscars chances, what it was like working with Nolan, and more!
Buy The Nolan Var
Bonus Episode: “Oppenheimer” Oscar Nominations Reaction
We’re back for another bonus episode! On Tuesday morning, Oppenheimer got 13 nominations for the 96th Academy Awards. Jake and Marshall are here to talk about their predictions for the film as well as some other general Oscars talk. We’ll be back soon once the ceremony is closer!
See the full list of nominations here
Buy a copy of Oppenheimer 4K, Blu-ray, DVD, or digital
Buy American Promethe
Episode 27: “Oppenheimer” 4K Release
We’re back! It’s a holiday miracle. On this episode, Jake and Marshall are talking all about the most anticipated physical media release of the year: Oppenheimer on 4K Blu-ray.
The title quickly sold out at multiple outlets, but we each managed to get a copy so we could take a gander at all those sweet, sweet bonus features. Topics covered this episode include the importance of physical media (alw
Episode 26: See You at the Beginning, Friend
The finale, the ending, the cut to black — whatever you call it, this is it! (For now.)
In this wrapup episode, Jake and Marshall look back on their yearlong journey through Christopher Nolan’s films and influences. Topics include the newly published Oppenheimer script, alternate names for the podcast, what's next, and of course, the guys’ (latest) official Nolan rankings.
Thank you so much fo
Episode 25: “Oppenheimer”
One episode wasn’t enough. Now that Barbenheimer Fever has gripped the nation, Jake and Marshall discuss their theatrical experience seeing Barbie and Oppenheimer on the same day in Austin, and delve deeper into the themes of Oppenheimer.
Find tickets to see Oppenheimer in theaters now
Find tickets to see Barbie in theaters now
Buy American Prometheus on Bookshop.org
Buy The Nolan Variation
Bonus Episode: “Oppenheimer” Reaction
We did it! We made it to Oppenheimer. Here’s a quick episode on Jake and Marshall’s immediate thoughts about Christopher Nolan’s latest film, from the score to the editing to the performances and how well Nolan adapts Bird & Sherwin’s American Prometheus. More thoughts to come later!
Find tickets to see Oppenheimer in theaters now
Find tickets to see Barbie in theaters now
Buy American Pr
Episode 24: “American Prometheus”, “The Day After Trinity”
It’s almost time! This is our last episode until Oppenheimer premieres in wide release. As such, we prepared as much as we can by reading American Prometheus, Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin’s exhaustive biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer.
We also watched The Day After Trinity, the 1981 documentary that chronicles the events of the Los Alamos test and acts as a kind of CliffsNotes on American Prome
Episode 23: “Tenet”
All we have for you is a word: Podcast.
That’s right, it’s Tenet time. This week, Jake and Marshall take a look at Christopher Nolan’s most recent film to date, a Dudes Rock tale of time travel wrapped up in a James Bond plot.
Also discussed: How Tenet’s release schedule changed the film industry as we know it, how Tenet acts as a bridge from Dunkirk to Oppenheimer, and how Tenet is the Most Nolan
Episode 22: “The Night Manager”, “North by Northwest”
Cold War espionage and spycraft is the name of the game on today’s episode. Jake and Marshall take a look at how much Christopher Nolan drew on influences like Alfred Hitchcock and John le Carré for Tenet, Nolan’s version of a James Bond film.
Here you’ll find a look at Hitchcock’s North by Northwest and how it led to the Bond film franchise, as well as a close reading of the ins and outs of the s
Episode 21: “Dunkirk”
“All we did was survive.”
“That’s enough.”
This week on the pod, Jake and Marshall discuss all things Dunkirk: The script, the score, the spectacle, and the smaller moments that feel like spectacle. They also look at how this film succeeds at balancing its tone where Ryan’s Daughter fails. Come along for an episode about Nolan’s most contradictory film yet.
Find where to watch Dunkirk on JustWa
Episode 20: “Forgotten Voices of Dunkirk”, “Ryan’s Daughter”
Summer’s coming, so we thought we’d celebrate with a trip to the beach. But this is a Christopher Nolan podcast, so this beach trip involves real-life stories of the men who evacuated Dunkirk in 1940 and tales of adultery amid Irish and British tensions. Join Jake and Marshall as they get ready to watch Dunkirk by discussing two of its key influences: David Lean’s film Ryan’s Daughter and Joshua L
Episode 19: “Interstellar”
Christopher Nolan’s longest film to date is also the one considered to be his most emotional. Interstellar is a space-travel epic that combines all of the director’s themes: Time, guilt, foils, multiple narratives, maximalism, and minimalism. It’s also the Nolan film that Jake and Marshall are the most emotional about. So S.T.A.Y. right there and listen to them chat about love, time, and space.
Bonus Episode: “Oppenheimer” New Trailer Reaction
It’s an emergency episode! Join Marshall and Jake as they talk about the latest trailer for Oppenheimer.
Topics covered from this new glimpse of the film: American patriotism, Matt Damon’s penchant for hamminess, Cillian Murphy’s eyes, ticking countdowns, huge cast lists, and more. Join us as we overanalyze this footage as we get closer and closer to Oppenheimer’s release date.
Watch the Oppenh
Episode 18: “The Library of Babel”, “Contact”
Look, we know Contact isn’t mentioned anywhere in The Nolan Variations, but it’s our podcast, so we do what we want. There’s no way to talk about Interstellar without talking about Contact, the other movie where Matthew McConaughey and a strong female lead (in this case, Jodie Foster) wrestle with questions about faith, love, science, and space. Join us as we talk about the many similarities betwe
Episode 17: “The Dark Knight Rises”
All good things come to an end eventually. Don’t worry, we’re still continuing this podcast, but this episode marks the end of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. Join Jake and Marshall as they discuss The Dark Knight Rises and how effective it is as a trilogy-capper, and what this trilogy did for the wave of superhero films that followed.
Find where to watch The Dark Knight Rises on JustWatch
Episode 16: “A Tale of Two Cities”, “The Battle of Algiers”
“I see a beautiful city and a brilliant people rising from this abyss.”
The theme of this episode: Revolution. Join Jake and Marshall as they look at Charles Dickens’ historical fiction epic A Tale of Two Cities and Gillo Pontecorvo’s neorealist film The Battle of Algiers and examine how the two are related to each other and how they influenced Christopher Nolan while making the final chapter of h
Episode 15: “Inception”
Don’t think about podcasts! This week, Jake, Marshall, and returning guest Jay Wallis dive deep to navigate the various levels of Christopher Nolan’s dream heist epic, Inception. They discuss Hans Zimmer’s landmark score, the meta of the film’s heist crew, how that reveals Nolan’s storytelling ethos, and of course, everyone’s thoughts on that iconic ending.
Grab your totem and join us, won’t you?
Episode 14: “The Secret Miracle”, “The Circular Ruins”, “Vertigo”
Dreams, dreams, and more dreams. This week on the pod, Jake, Marshall, and guest Jay Wallis talk all about three of the biggest dreams and nightmares that inspired Inception: Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo and Jorge Luis Borges’s short stories “The Secret Miracle” and “The Circular Ruins.” We discuss dream logic, Hitchcock’s influence on Christopher Nolan, Borges’s act of creation, and more.
Note: Thi
Episode 13: “The Dark Knight”
It’s the episode we’ve all been waiting for! This week, join Jake and Marshall as they discuss all things Dark Knight, one of the most influential superhero films ever made. Just remember: You either die a hero, or you podcast long enough to see yourself become the villain.
And here…we…go!
Find where to watch The Dark Knight on JustWatch
Buy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.org
Episode-by-epis
Episode 12: “Batman: The Long Halloween”, “Heat”
“Is this guy something, or is he something?”
That’s Al Pacino’s Vincent Hanna talking about Robert De Niro’s Neil McCauley in Michael Mann’s Heat. But it’s also Jake and Marshall marveling at Mann’s epic crime caper that helped inspire The Dark Knight. This week on the pod, we look at how Heat and the Long Halloween comics shaped Christopher Nolan’s second Batman film.
Find where to watch Heat o
Episode 11: “The Prestige”
Are you listening closely? This week on the pod, Jake and Marshall unpack every timeline in Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige, see how the movie adaptation compares to Christopher Priest’s novel, and marvel at how well this movie rewards repeat viewings. Plus: More dad jokes!
Find where to watch The Prestige on JustWatch
Buy The Prestige on Bookshop.org
Buy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.org
Episode 10: “Chariots of Fire”, “The Prestige” (novel)
Bitter feuds, burning rivalries, magic, horror, and a whole lot of running on the beach. This week on the pod, Jake and Marshall go long on two of the biggest influences on The Prestige: Christopher Priest’s novel and the Best Picture winner Chariots of Fire. Are you listening closely?
Find where to watch Chariots of Fire on JustWatch
Buy The Prestige on Bookshop.org
Buy The Nolan Variations o
Episode 9: “Batman Begins”
This is it, the movie that kickstarted the modern obsession with comic book movies. Christopher Nolan took Batman and revamped him for the post-9/11 era. Today on the pod, Jake and Marshall examine the legacy of Batman Begins and see how it ties into the greater Nolan filmography. And remember, you always fear what you don’t understand.
Find where to watch Batman Begins on JustWatch
Buy The Nol
Bonus Episode: “Oppenheimer” Trailer Reaction
It’s a special holiday episode! The new trailer for Oppenheimer just dropped, and even though Jake and Marshall weren’t able to record a reaction episode together, we still have some thoughts about what we saw in the trailer.
What do y’all think? Let us know!
Watch the Oppenheimer trailer (YouTube)
Buy American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer on Bookshop.org
Buy Th
Episode 8: “Serpico”, “Batman: Year One”
One righteous man stands above it all, saving a city that neither wants him nor deserves him. That’s right, we’re talking about Frank Serpico. And Bruce Wayne/Batman and Jim Gordon, too. This episode is all about how Sidney Lumet’s 1973 crime drama Serpico and Frank Miller’s 1987 Batman: Year One run influenced Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins.
Find where to watch Serpico on JustWatch
Buy Batm
Episode 7: “Insomnia” (2002)
Can’t sleep? Then why not listen to this episode of Friends at Dusk? This week, Jake and Marshall take a look at Christopher Nolan’s 2002 remake of Insomnia. Is it better than the original? Why is this movie underrated in Nolan’s filmography? And what does all of this have to do with Al Pacino drinking a Dunkaccino? Listen and find out.
Find where to watch Insomnia (2002) on JustWatch
Buy The N
Episode 6: “Manhunter”, “Insomnia” (1997)
“We’re not so different, you and I.”
No, we’re not talking about The Dark Knight just yet, but these two movies we’re discussing clearly made a mark on Christopher Nolan in more ways than one. This week on the pod, Jake and Marshall take a look at Michael Mann’s Manhunter and the original 1997 version of Insomnia and how those films influenced Nolan’s 2002 Insomnia remake.
Duality! Guilt! Crimes!
Episode 5: “Memento”
Now, where was I? Join your two hosts as they discuss the film that changed Nolan’s career. This episode features Jake and Marshall’s thoughts on Memento, its legacy, and its place in the Christopher Nolan canon. But which “he” is he talking about? “Don’t believe his lies!”
Find where to watch Memento on JustWatch
Buy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.org
Episode-by-episode media list (Google D
Episode 4: “Memento Mori”, “Funes the Memorious”, “Double Indemnity”
The revolutionary structure and mind-blowing ending of Memento helped create the modern puzzle-box genre as we know it — a genre that Christopher Nolan has become synonymous with. But where did he get the ideas for Memento? This episode delves into the works of Billy Wilder, Jorge Luis Borges, and Nolan’s brother Jonah. Join Jake and Marshall as they look at Double Indemnity, “Funes the Memorious,
Episode 3: “Following”
We finally made it to the beginning. This week on the pod, Jake and Marshall discuss Christopher Nolan’s first feature film, 1998’s Following. Join us as we discuss film noir, femmes fatales, fractured narratives, and the dangers of leaving your doors unlocked.
CW: This episode contains brief discussion of suicide.
Find where to watch Following on JustWatch
Buy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.
Episode 2: “Out of the Past”, “The Big Sleep”, “Doodlebug”
Jake and Marshall discuss all the noir influences that led up to Christopher Nolan’s first feature, Following. We’re talkin’ Out of the Past, we’re talkin’ The Big Sleep, and we’re talkin’ Doodlebug, Nolan’s third short film. Follow along!
Links:
Find where to watch Out of the Past on JustWatch
Buy The Big Sleep on Bookshop.org
Find where to watch Doodlebug on JustWatch
Buy The Nolan Variatio
Episode 1: Introduction and “The Nolan Variations”
Our first episode! We begin with a discussion of The Nolan Variations: The Movies, Mysteries, and Marvels of Christopher Nolan by Tom Shone. We also explain our respective Nolan fandoms, our plans for the rest of the podcast, and more!
Links:
Buy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.org
Episode-by-episode media list (Google Doc)
Instagram: @friendsatduskpod
Twitter: @friendsatdusk
Marshall's
Trailer: Friends at Dusk
Join Jake and Marshall as they revisit the filmography of Christopher Nolan, while they also examine some of the books, stories, and films the director himself has cited as influences on his work.
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