Before last Friday, the concept of watching a movie incorrectly probably never crossed your mind. However, with the release of Christopher Nolan’s film “The Odyssey,” discussions erupted online about the optimal way to view the movie, which is inspired by Homer’s epic tale of a man’s journey home after the Trojan War.
The debate stems from Nolan’s choice to film the entire movie using Imax 70-mm cameras, the largest format available. Consequently, the viewing experience varies depending on the theater where you watch it.
Promotional material featuring star Matt Damon encourages audiences to witness “The Odyssey” in Imax 70-mm, leading some to believe this is how Nolan intended the film to be seen, while others criticize this approach.
In Canada, only nine theaters offer “The Odyssey” in Imax 70-mm, including locations in Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Richmond, and Montreal.
Leslie-Ann Coles, the founder of the Female Eye Film Festival, commended Nolan for his intentional use of Imax cameras to preserve the cinematic experience in theaters.
Despite questions about Nolan’s intentions regarding the film format, audiences have flocked to Imax theaters to watch “The Odyssey.” Imax reported a significant 20% share of the movie’s global debut, generating $52 million in sales.
In response to high demand, Imax scheduled screenings a year in advance, including midnight and 3 a.m. showtimes that quickly sold out. While watching the film in Imax may offer a unique experience, the added cost and limited accessibility have sparked frustration among some viewers.
Matt Damon’s promotion emphasizes the immersive impact of viewing “The Odyssey” in Imax 70-mm. However, individuals like Jamesie Fournier, from the Aulajut Nunavut International Film Festival, highlight the challenges faced by communities with limited access to Imax theaters.
Fournier stresses that experiencing the film in any format can still convey its powerful themes of grief, regret, and the journey home. Ultimately, the importance lies in engaging with the story, regardless of how it is viewed.
