Nolan's 'The Odyssey' in IMAX: A Critic's Conversion
After viewing Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' in both standard and IMAX formats, a critic finds the IMAX experience essential for fully appreciating the film's scale and detail, especially in mythological monster scenes, though the scarcity of 70mm IMAX theaters limits access.
After an initial standard 35mm screening of Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey,' a critic was impressed but felt something was off with some fantastical set pieces. A second viewing in IMAX clarified the issue: the film is designed to be seen in the larger format. Shot entirely with 70mm IMAX cameras, the movie offers a markedly different experience depending on the projection.
In standard 35mm (2.39:1 aspect ratio), monsters like the Cyclops Polyphemus and the sea monster Scylla appear imposing, but in IMAX (1.90:1) they become even more striking due to the additional visual information. For instance, details like Polyphemus having to hunch to avoid hitting the cave ceiling are clearer, and chase scenes gain urgency as more of the creature's upper body is visible.
However, only about 40 theaters globally (25 in the US) can screen 70mm IMAX films. This means most audiences will never see the film as Nolan intended. Some accuse the director of elitism, but IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond explains that the company focuses on retrofitting old projectors, and exhibitors are reluctant to build the required 1.43:1 screens. The scarcity thus becomes a marketing tool, driving Nolan's fans to travel but limiting widespread access.
