Friends at Dusk: A Christopher Nolan Filmography Podcast
Jake Harris & Marshall Doig
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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.
Epizode
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Bonus Episode: “The Odyssey” Reaction 18.07.2026 48minThe 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) for this release. (Good thinking, Jake!) -
Episode 43 (S02E13): “The Odyssey” Film Adaptations 16.07.2026 1h 51minThe 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 Times interview [Archive Today]Telegraph interview [Archive Today]Odyssey set visit [Empire Magazine; issue available on Libby]Christopher Nolan and the Anxiety of Making ‘The Odyssey’ [New York Times]No One Has Dealt With More Angry Odyssey Bros Than Emily Wilson [Vulture; Archive Today link]Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ to Skip “Word of Mouth” Screenings [The Hollywood Reporter]Matt Damon | Good Hang with Amy Poehler [YouTube link]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 Audible)Buy Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on Bookshop.orgListen to Ian McKellen narrate Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on AudibleBuy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.orgEpisode-by-episode media list (Google Doc)Instagram: @friendsatduskpodMarshall’s Letterboxd: @MDoigJake’s Letterboxd: @808jake_Jake’s Substack: Jacob’s Letter -
Episode 42 (S02E12): “The Odyssey” TV Adaptations 30.06.2026 1h 9minAs 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]Inside the Making of The Odyssey With Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, and Christopher Nolan [GQ]‘The Odyssey’ Stars Robert Pattinson, Matt Damon & Tom Holland Have an Epic Conversation [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 Audible)Buy Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on Bookshop.orgListen to Ian McKellen narrate Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on AudibleBuy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.orgEpisode-by-episode media list (Google Doc)Instagram: @friendsatduskpodMarshall’s Letterboxd: @MDoigJake’s Letterboxd: @808jake_Jake’s Substack: Jacob’s Letter -
Episode 41 (S02E11): “The Odyssey”, Books 21–24 09.06.2026 1h 40minWe 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 Epic Movie Yet [Time]Christopher Nolan: The 60 Minutes Interview [YouTube]Why Christopher Nolan Shot "The Odyssey" on IMAX Film [YouTube]Matt Damon SNL Monologue [YouTube]Sir Christopher Nolan, Arsenal fan [Reddit]The Odyssey Official New Trailer [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 Audible)Buy Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on Bookshop.orgListen to Ian McKellen narrate Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on AudibleBuy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.orgEpisode-by-episode media list (Google Doc)Instagram: @friendsatduskpodMarshall’s Letterboxd: @MDoigJake’s Letterboxd: @808jake_Jake’s Substack: Jacob’s Letter -
Bonus Episode: “The Odyssey” New Trailer Reaction 05.05.2026 17minTime 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.orgListen to Claire Danes narrate Emily Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey on Audible (Only available on Audible)Buy Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on Bookshop.orgListen to Ian McKellen narrate Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on AudibleBuy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.orgEpisode-by-episode media list (Google Doc)Instagram: @friendsatduskpodMarshall’s Letterboxd: @MDoigJake’s Letterboxd: @808jake_Jake’s Substack: Jacob’s Letter -
Episode 40 (S02E10): “Saving Private Ryan” 04.05.2026 1h 33minWe 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 Odyssey reveals Charlize Theron's mythical character in new CinemaCon footage [Entertainment Weekly]CinemaCon 2026: Christopher Nolan Unveils Epic “The Odyssey” Footage, Shot Entirely in IMAX [Motion Picture Association]Baz Luhrmann on “Time After Time” [Song Exploder]Christopher Nolan on Dunkirk, Taking His Kids to Phantom Thread [Collider]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 Audible)Buy Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on Bookshop.orgListen to Ian McKellen narrate Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on AudibleBuy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.orgEpisode-by-episode media list (Google Doc)Instagram: @friendsatduskpodMarshall’s Letterboxd: @MDoigJake’s Letterboxd: @808jake_Jake’s Substack: Jacob’s Letter -
Episode 39 (S02E09): “The Odyssey”, Books 17–20 19.04.2026 1h 7minWe’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 speculate more about how Christopher Nolan may portray its events.Ryan Gosling’s favorite Christopher Nolan film is Insomnia [Collider via Reddit]Anna North interview with Emily Wilson [Vox]Letterboxd interview with Grant Major (around the 28-minute mark) [The Letterboxd Show]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 Audible)Buy Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on Bookshop.orgListen to Ian McKellen narrate Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on AudibleBuy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.orgEpisode-by-episode media list (Google Doc)Instagram: @friendsatduskpodMarshall’s Letterboxd: @MDoigJake’s Letterboxd: @808jake_Jake’s Substack: Jacob’s Letter -
Episode 38 (S02E08): “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron” 26.03.2026 1h 6minWe’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 join us as we continue on our road to The Odyssey.Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair Is a Modern-Day Odyssey [Vulture]Anne Hathaway Was ‘Fully in Character’ on ‘The Odyssey Set,’ Even When the Camera ‘Wouldn’t See Her for Three Days’: ‘You Never Stop Working’ [Variety]Are You Ready for the Adaptation Discourse Wars of 2026? [The Ringer]Spirit DVD Menu [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 Audible)Buy Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on Bookshop.orgListen to Ian McKellen narrate Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on AudibleBuy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.orgEpisode-by-episode media list [Google Doc]Instagram: @friendsatduskpodMarshall’s Letterboxd: @MDoigJake’s Letterboxd: @808jake_Jake’s Substack: Jacob’s Letter -
Bonus Episode: “The Odyssey” Official Trailer Reaction 30.12.2025 21minSurprise! 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 Audible)Buy Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on Bookshop.orgListen to Ian McKellen narrate Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on AudibleBuy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.orgEpisode-by-episode media list (Google Doc)Instagram: @friendsatduskpodMarshall’s Letterboxd: @MDoigJake’s Letterboxd: @808jake_Jake’s Substack: Jacob’s Letter -
Episode 37 (S02E07): “The Odyssey”, Books 13–16; and IMAX Prologue and Empire Magazine Preview Reaction 29.12.2025 1h 30minWe’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 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 Audible)Buy Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on Bookshop.orgListen to Ian McKellen narrate Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on AudibleBuy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.orgEpisode-by-episode media list (Google Doc)Instagram: @friendsatduskpodMarshall’s Letterboxd: @MDoigJake’s Letterboxd: @808jake_Jake’s Substack: Jacob’s Letter -
Episode 36 (S02E06): “The Bourne Identity” 01.12.2025 1h 24minJesus 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 hereExplore the Kimbell Art Museum’s Myth and Marble exhibit (featuring our boy Odysseus)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 Audible)Buy Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on Bookshop.orgListen to Ian McKellen narrate Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on AudibleBuy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.orgAlso check out Tom Shone’s The Greengrass Papers on Bookshop.orgEpisode-by-episode media list (Google Doc)Instagram: @friendsatduskpodMarshall’s Letterboxd: @MDoigJake’s Letterboxd: @808jake_Jake’s Substack: Jacob’s Letter -
Episode 35 (S02E05): “The Odyssey”, Books 9–12 19.11.2025 1h 26minJake 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 Page Says It Was ‘Such a Joy’ Reuniting With Christopher Nolan” (Variety)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 Audible)Buy Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on Bookshop.orgListen to Ian McKellen narrate Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on AudibleBuy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.orgEpisode-by-episode media list (Google Doc)Instagram: @friendsatduskpodMarshall’s Letterboxd: @MDoigJake’s Letterboxd: @808jake_Jake’s Substack: Jacob’s Letter -
Episode 34 (S02E04): “The Martian” 19.11.2025 1h 7minWe’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.In her translation of ‘The Odyssey,’ Emily Wilson aimed for ‘a crystalline clarity’ (NPR)Marshall’s hyperspecific Letterboxd list (Letterboxd)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 Audible)Buy Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on Bookshop.orgListen to Ian McKellen narrate Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on AudibleBuy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.orgEpisode-by-episode media list (Google Doc)Instagram: @friendsatduskpodMarshall’s Letterboxd: @MDoigJake’s Letterboxd: @808jake_Jake’s Substack: Jacob’s Letter -
Episode 33 (S02E03): “The Odyssey”, Books 5–8 26.08.2025 1h 12minAt 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 follow along.Nolan criticized for filming in occupied Western Sahara (Variety)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 Audible)Buy Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on Bookshop.orgListen to Ian McKellen narrate Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on AudibleBuy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.orgEpisode-by-episode media list (Google Doc)Instagram: @friendsatduskpodMarshall’s Letterboxd: @MDoigJake’s Letterboxd: @808jake_Jake’s Substack: Jacob’s Letter -
Episode 32 (S02E02): “Dogma”, and “The Odyssey” Teaser Trailer Reaction 12.07.2025 1h 2min“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 relates to Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. Speaking of, don’t miss our reactions to The Odyssey’s first teaser trailer, which is screening only in theaters now.See the new poster for The Odyssey here (Empire)Watch the new trailer for The Odyssey in a theater before Jurassic World RebirthRead "The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century" here (The New York Times)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 Audible)Buy Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on Bookshop.orgListen to Ian McKellen narrate Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on AudibleBuy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.orgEpisode-by-episode media list (Google Doc)Instagram: @friendsatduskpodMarshall’s Letterboxd: @MDoigJake’s Letterboxd: @808jake_Jake’s Substack: Jacob’s Letter -
Episode 31 (S02E01): “The Odyssey”, Books 1–4 06.07.2025 1h 13minThe 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 translation of The Odyssey on Bookshop.orgListen to Claire Danes narrate Emily Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey on Audible (Only available on Audible)Buy Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on Bookshop.orgListen to Ian McKellen narrate Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on AudibleRyan Coogler in the Criterion Closet (YouTube)Ryan Coogler discussing aspect ratios (YouTube)The boats for The Odyssey are in Scotland (Reddit)Sinners is highest-grossing live-action original movie since Inception (Reddit)The Odyssey to be filmed entirely in IMAX (The Hollywood Reporter)Stunt performer talks about Odyssey filming (ScreenRant)Buy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.orgEpisode-by-episode media list (Google Doc)Instagram: @friendsatduskpodMarshall’s Letterboxd: @MDoigJake’s Letterboxd: @808jake_Jake’s Substack: Jacob’s Letter -
Season 2 Announcement: “The Odyssey” 17.05.2025 15minMuch 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 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 Audible)Buy Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on Bookshop.orgListen to Ian McKellen narrate Robert Fagles’ translation of The Odyssey on AudibleBuy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.orgEpisode-by-episode media list (Google Doc)Instagram: @friendsatduskpodMarshall’s Letterboxd: @MDoigJake’s Letterboxd: @808jake_Jake’s Substack: Jacob’s Letter -
Episode 30: “Oppenheimer” at the Oscars 13.03.2024 45minOppenheimer 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 Prometheus on Bookshop.org Buy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.org Episode-by-episode media list (Google Doc) List of actors nominated for multiple Academy Awards in the same year (Wikipedia) Instagram: @friendsatduskpod Twitter: @friendsatdusk Marshall’s Letterboxd: @MDoig Jake’s Letterboxd: @808jake_ Jake’s Substack: Jacob’s Letter -
Episode 29: Oscars Preview 10.03.2024 1h 26minHappy 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 see how well our predictions held up. Buy Oppenheimer 4K, Blu-ray, DVD, or digital Buy American Prometheus on Bookshop.org Buy The Nolan Variations on Bookshop.org Download Letterboxd’s printable Oscar ballot (Letterboxd) IMAX In Conversation with Nolan and Villeneuve (YouTube) “No Director Has Weirder Rules on Set Than Christopher Nolan” (Collider) “J. Robert Oppenheimer Is Gonna Party His Ass Off at the Oscars” (McSweeney’s) “Cillian Murphy admits he was a mess after watching Interstellar” (Entertainment Weekly) 🏆 Oscars 2024 (Letterboxd list of predictions) The Letterboxd Oscars: 2024 Winners (Letterboxd list) Episode-by-episode media list (Google Doc) Instagram: @friendsatduskpod Twitter: @friendsatdusk Marshall’s Letterboxd: @MDoig Jake’s Letterboxd: @808jake_ Jake’s Substack: Jacob’s Letter -
Episode 28: Tom Shone 07.03.2024 1h 24minToday 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 Variations on Bookshop.org (Paperback coming this month!) Buy a copy of Oppenheimer 4K, Blu-ray, DVD, or digital Buy American Prometheus on Bookshop.org Episode-by-episode media list (Google Doc) Instagram: @friendsatduskpod Twitter: @friendsatdusk Marshall’s Letterboxd: @MDoig Jake’s Letterboxd: @808jake_ Jake’s Substack: Jacob’s Letter
