Nolan Calls 3-Hour 'The Odyssey' a Nerve-Racking First Full-IMAX Feature
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 25
Nolan Calls 3-Hour 'The Odyssey' a Nerve-Racking First Full-IMAX Feature
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 25
Summary
July 17 is the release date weighing on Christopher Nolan, who said he is anxious ahead of opening his three-hour adaptation of Homer’s “The Odyssey.”
The film is the first commercial feature shot entirely in IMAX, a scale Nolan said demanded new engineering, including a custom “blimp system” to encase and move the large, noisy cameras.
Six countries hosted the production, which used practical effects instead of full CGI and involved thousands of cast and crew; Nolan said he and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema only felt midway through shooting that the approach would work.
IMAX screenings began selling out nearly a year ago, underscoring strong demand for the epic, which stars Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland.
The project follows Nolan’s Oscar-winning “Oppenheimer,” and he said he only now felt ready to take on a screen version of a poem he sees echoed throughout his earlier work.
Can Nolan's commitment to massive IMAX cameras elevate his epic, or does the technology ultimately overshadow the human story?
With its controversial translation, is Nolan's 'Odyssey' a bold reimagining or a fundamental betrayal of Homer's epic?
Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’: Record-Breaking IMAX Demand, Technical Innovation, and Industry Impact Ahead of July 17 Global Release
Overview
Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, The Odyssey, is set for global release on July 17 and has already sparked unprecedented excitement, with select 70-mm IMAX cinemas selling out a year in advance. As a follow-up to his acclaimed Oppenheimer, the film’s unique appeal lies in its use of analog IMAX technology, offering a more immersive experience than digital screenings. The BFI IMAX in London, which previously set box office records for Oppenheimer, is again seeing huge demand. This surge in interest highlights Nolan’s impact on revitalizing theatrical cinema and the growing importance of premium formats in the industry.