In the world of filmmaking, few directors match the innovative flair of Christopher Nolan. With his signature philosophy of “go big or go home,” he is redefining the cinematic landscape, particularly with his audacious approach to technology. His recent project, Oppenheimer, is a testament to this vision, showcasing his use of IMAX cameras—a tool usually associated with nature films—in a character-driven narrative. Following the movie’s impressive reception, Nolan turned his creative sights to a new adventure, issuing a bold proposition to Rich Gelfond, the CEO of IMAX.
As shared in a report by Deadline, Gelfond recounted a pivotal moment a year before filming began for The Odyssey. Nolan reached out, outlining his ambitious plan to shoot the entire film using IMAX technology. Gelfond has said, “He called me and indicated his desire to create a film entirely shot with IMAX cameras.” Yet, achieving this vision was not without its trials and tribulations.
Gelfond detailed the inherent challenges, emphasizing that IMAX cameras, known for their size and volume, posed significant obstacles. “That couldn’t be accomplished for numerous reasons; there were many hurdles to overcome,” he noted. However, Nolan’s tenacity prevailed, compelling Gelfond to reimagine these logistical hurdles. As Gelfond reflected, “I’m going to give you a challenge. If you can figure out how to solve these problems, I’m going to make Odyssey 100% film with IMAX cameras.’” Ultimately, they found solutions that made this groundbreaking venture feasible. This endeavor promises to mark unprecedented territory, with Nolan set to create the first film captured entirely with IMAX cameras.
During an engaging press lunch at the Cannes Film Festival, Gelfond expressed how Nolan’s daring vision prompted IMAX to undergo significant operational reassessment. He remarked, “Chris pushed us to rethink how we conduct our film operations in various ways. We now have a program to train new projectionists, we’re establishing more facilities worldwide, developing spare parts, and looking into subsidiary technologies like film recorders and scanners.” It became clear that Nolan’s ambitions had initiated a broader reevaluation of IMAX’s business model.
Universal Pictures, in its announcement last year, characterized The Odyssey as “a mythic action epic shot across the globe using brand-new IMAX film technology.” With production well underway, this film is on track to potentially become Nolan’s most expensive project to date. The estimated budget hovers around $250 million, with potential for further increases. Filming has taken place in stunning locales, including Favignana, a picturesque island just off Sicily’s coast, historically believed to be where the legendary Odysseus replenished his provisions. Favignana is part of the Egadi archipelago, situated along Sicily’s scenic northwestern shoreline, combining rich history with breathtaking landscapes.
