Before last Friday, the concept of watching a movie in a wrong way may not have crossed your mind. However, with the release of Christopher Nolan’s film “The Odyssey,” discussions on the optimal viewing experience have flooded the internet. This movie, based on Homer’s epic tale of a man’s journey home after the Trojan War, was entirely shot using Imax 70-mm film cameras, the largest format available.
The choice of filming in this format means that the visual experience may vary depending on the theater where you watch the movie. Some corners of the internet have embraced the idea that viewing “The Odyssey” in Imax 70-mm is the filmmaker’s intended way, especially with star Matt Damon endorsing this format. Conversely, another online faction has criticized Nolan for this decision.
In Canada, there are only nine theaters offering screenings of “The Odyssey” in Imax 70-mm format. This limited availability prompts the question of why a filmmaker would produce a movie that can only be fully appreciated in a handful of theaters worldwide. Leslie-Ann Coles, the co-founder of the Female Eye Film Festival in Toronto, commended Nolan’s intent to encourage intentional movie-watching and preserve the cinematic experience in theaters.
Despite queries about Nolan’s specific intentions for the film format, his publicist remained silent. Nevertheless, numerous audiences have made the trek to Imax theaters to watch “The Odyssey.” Imax reported a significant 20% share of the movie’s global debut, amounting to $52 million in sales. The high demand led Imax to release tickets for some 70-mm showtimes a year in advance, with additional late-night screenings selling out quickly.
While watching “The Odyssey” in an Imax 70-mm theater promises an immersive experience, not everyone can access this format. Jamesie Fournier, the coordinator of the Aulajut Nunavut International Film Festival, pointed out the lack of such theaters in remote locations like Iqaluit and Yellowknife. Fournier emphasized that the viewing format should not overshadow the essence of the movie’s message and storytelling, especially for communities without access to specialized theaters.
The themes of grief, regret, and the journey back home portrayed in “The Odyssey” are relatable regardless of how individuals watch the film. Fournier stressed the importance of experiencing the movie in any format as it can evoke different emotions and resonate with viewers on a personal level.
