Christopher Nolan has developed a reputation for playing with non-linear structures and time travel in his movies, but there are plenty of other filmmakers who explore similar themes. Many of Christopher Nolan's best movies deploy non-linear structures in one way or another, like Memento's reverse plot thread or Oppenheimer's concurrent portrayal of the past and the future. Other movies explore time travel more explicitly, like Tenet and Interstellar.

With the news that Christopher Nolan's next movie is an adaptation of The Odyssey, it will be interesting to see how he leaves his own mark on a story that has been passed down through generations. One possibility is that he will chop up the structure to his own liking. This would be a bold move for such a revered classic, but Nolan frequently devises non-linear structures that enhance his movies, rather than coming across as mere gimmicks. Other great directors,...