Before last Friday, the notion of a correct way to view a film may not have crossed your mind. However, when Christopher Nolan’s movie “The Odyssey” was released, discussions on the optimal viewing experience sparked online. This film, based on Homer’s epic tale of a man’s journey back home after the Trojan War, was shot entirely using Imax 70-mm film cameras, the largest format available.
The choice of filming technique means that the visual experience of the movie can vary depending on the theater you choose. With promotional material featuring star Matt Damon encouraging audiences to witness “The Odyssey” in Imax 70-mm, some corners of the internet believe this to be how Nolan intended the film to be seen, while others criticize this approach.
In Canada, there are only nine theaters where “The Odyssey” can be viewed in Imax 70-mm format, including locations in Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Richmond, and Montreal. The limited availability raises questions about the filmmaker’s decision to restrict the ideal viewing experience to a select number of theaters worldwide.
Leslie-Ann Coles, co-founder of the Female Eye Film Festival, commended Nolan’s deliberate choice of using Imax cameras for the film, emphasizing the importance of preserving the cinematic experience in theaters.
While Nolan’s publicist did not confirm his intentions regarding the preferred viewing format, many moviegoers have flocked to Imax theaters to watch “The Odyssey.” Imax reported a significant 20% share of the film’s global debut, generating $52 million in revenue. The high demand led Imax to sell tickets for some 70-mm showtimes a year in advance, including additional late-night screenings that quickly sold out.
Although watching the movie in Imax enhances the visual spectacle, it also raises concerns about accessibility. Jamesie Fournier, from the Aulajut Nunavut International Film Festival, highlighted the limitations faced by communities with no access to Imax theaters, emphasizing that the format should not overshadow the movie’s message.
Fournier stressed that experiencing the film in any way can have a meaningful impact, whether through stunning visuals or a deeper connection to the storyline. Regardless of the viewing format, the themes of grief, regret, and the journey back home depicted in “The Odyssey” resonate with audiences on a profound level.