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Nolan Achieves Cinematic First, Filming 'Odyssey' Entirely with IMAX Cameras

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Director Christopher Nolan's epic "Odyssey" is the first feature film shot entirely with IMAX cameras, a cinematic first.
  • The film utilizes IMAX 70mm and other premium large formats for its release.
  • Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, the film adapts Homer's ancient Greek epic and is set for a July 17 release in Taiwan.

Director Christopher Nolan has achieved a cinematic first with his epic "Odyssey," becoming the first feature film ever to be shot entirely using IMAX cameras. This ambitious feat marks a significant milestone in filmmaking, with every frame captured in IMAX specifications for release in IMAX 70mm and other premium large formats. The breakthrough was made possible by cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, a long-time collaborator with Nolan, known for his work on "Oppenheimer," "Interstellar," "Dunkirk," and "Tenet."

Odyssey is a grand story, and to make it into a film is a really exciting challenge.

— Christopher NolanExplaining his motivation for adapting the ancient Greek epic.

Van Hoytema tested the IMAX cameras' capability for full-length features by having a child recite David Bowie's "Sound and Vision" in front of the lens. The resulting footage, projected onto an IMAX screen, displayed an unprecedented level of realism and intimacy in capturing the child's expressions and voice. Nolan, witnessing this, felt the technology had matured enough to support his long-held dream of a 100% IMAX film.

This is definitely the biggest film of my career, and the most ambitious.

— Matt DamonDescribing his experience playing Odysseus in "Odyssey."

Matt Damon, who portrays Odysseus, described "Odyssey" as the largest and most ambitious film of his career. Zendaya, playing Athena, praised Nolan's ability to blend grand spectacle with delicate emotion, noting his capacity for action and fantasy alongside human depth. Tom Holland, as Telemachus, called the film a culmination of Nolan's career, showcasing his peak skills and experience. Robert Pattinson, as Antinous, expressed his eagerness to see the final product, feeling more like an audience member than a participant.

Great directors like Christopher Nolan can deliver scope, action, and fantasy, but also inject emotion, humanity, depth, and realism.

— ZendayaPraising Nolan's directorial abilities on the film "Odyssey."

The film adapts Homer's ancient Greek epic, chronicling Odysseus's arduous journey home after the Trojan War. The star-studded cast includes Anne Hathaway, Cynthia Erivo, and Lupita Nyong'o, among others. "Odyssey" is scheduled to premiere in Taiwan on July 17, promising audiences an epic cinematic experience powered by cutting-edge IMAX technology.

I think this film is the culmination of all his techniques, all his experience, and he's gone for it at his absolute peak.

— Tom HollandDescribing "Odyssey" as a career-defining work for Nolan.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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