Before last Friday, the concept of watching a movie incorrectly might not have crossed your mind. Then Christopher Nolan’s film, “The Odyssey,” sparked discussions online about the optimal way to view it. The movie, inspired by Homer’s epic tale of a man’s journey home after the Trojan War, was entirely shot using IMAX 70 mm film cameras, the most extensive format available.
This decision by the renowned director has led to varying opinions on the best viewing experience, depending on the type of theater where it is screened. With actor Matt Damon endorsing the film’s IMAX 70 mm presentation, some believe this is how Nolan envisioned the film should be seen, while others criticize the exclusivity of its screening locations.
Leslie-Ann Coles, the co-founder of the Female Eye Film Festival in Toronto, commended Nolan for choosing to film on IMAX cameras, emphasizing the importance of preserving the cinematic experience in theaters. Despite questions about Nolan’s intentions for the film’s viewing format, many moviegoers have flocked to IMAX theaters worldwide to catch “The Odyssey.”
IMAX reported a significant share of the film’s global debut revenue, amounting to $52 million US. The high demand even prompted IMAX to release tickets for some 70 mm showings a year in advance, with some theaters adding late-night screenings due to popular demand. While watching a movie in IMAX typically costs more than a standard theater, some viewers find the additional expense and travel inconvenience unnecessary.
Although experiencing “The Odyssey” in IMAX 70 mm promises an immersive viewing experience, not everyone has access to such specialized theaters. Jamesie Fournier, from the Aulajut Nunavut International Film Festival, highlighted the disparity in theater availability, particularly in remote regions like Iqaluit and Yellowknife. Fournier emphasized that while the format enhances the visual spectacle of a film, the core message remains significant, regardless of the viewing platform.
Ultimately, the emotional depth and universal themes of “The Odyssey,” such as coping with grief and finding one’s way home, resonate with audiences irrespective of how they watch the film.