As a self-described pessimist, Christopher Nolan must have found reasons to be gloomy this week although, from a career perspective, the British-born director could not have asked for a more successful few days.

His new film, The Dark Knight , the sequel to 2005's Batman Begins - which he also directed - has broken box office records all over the world. It has received near universal critical acclaim and is on course to become the first film to generate $300m (€191m, £150m) in its opening 10 days on release.