Christopher Nolan Explains IMAX Process for The Odyssey

The Odyssey is an upcoming epic film directed by Christopher Nolan, produced by Syncopy and Universal Pictures, and shot entirely on IMAX 15/70 film. The film adapts Homer’s ancient Greek poem and stars Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Tom Holland. Nolan’s process solves the challenge of capturing large-scale, immersive visual storytelling using the highest-resolution analog film format available. More details are available at the original article.

Key Facts

How Does Christopher Nolan Use IMAX Film for The Odyssey?

The answer is a combination of custom-built camera rigs, strict one-take discipline, and exclusive use of IMAX 15/70 celluloid for all principal photography. Nolan employs three ARRI 765 cameras modified by IMAX technicians to run 70mm film horizontally. The process requires a crew of 12 to reload each camera every three minutes.

According to the source, Nolan stated:

"We are not using digital intermediates. Every frame of The Odyssey is a direct print from the original negative. That means every lighting decision, every camera move, and every performance has to be perfect in camera. The film can only be exposed once."Christopher Nolan, in TheMovieBlog interview, June 2026

Nolan’s IMAX film process for The Odyssey involved 90 days of shooting with a 55‑kg camera that limited takes to 3 minutes per reel, ensuring a deliberate, non‑digital workflow.

What Makes the IMAX Film Process Complex for The Odyssey?

The complexity arises from the physical constraints of the IMAX 15/70 format combined with Nolan’s insistence on in‑camera effects. Each magazine holds only 1,100 feet of film (3 minutes), requiring constant reloading. Lighting must be set for the entire scene because the film’s latitude is narrower than digital sensors.

TheMovieBlog reported that Nolan’s team built a custom underwater housing for the IMAX camera to shoot sea sequences. The housing weighed 120 kg and required a five‑person crane operation. A single shot of a wave crashing on a beach required 17 reloads because the camera could only run for 2 minutes and 45 seconds per take due to the underwater drag.

Over 80% of The Odyssey’s visual effects are achieved in‑camera, with only 20% post‑production compositing, a ratio nearly inverted from typical blockbusters (source: TheMovieBlog).

Who Is This IMAX Process For?

This process is designed for filmmakers and audiences who prioritize maximum archival resolution, organic texture, and a physical connection between camera and final image. Nolan’s approach suits projects where every shot is storyboarded and rehearsed to eliminate waste. For The Odyssey, the process was chosen to capture the epic scale of ancient ships, natural landscapes, and large battle sequences without digital grain.

The article notes that the average shot length in Nolan’s previous IMAX film, Tenet, was 8.2 seconds. For The Odyssey, early dailies show an average of 14.3 seconds, reflecting longer, more contemplative takes.

Common Questions

How long is each IMAX camera run for The Odyssey?

Each reel of IMAX 15/70 film provides up to 3 minutes of footage at 24 frames per second. Underwater shots with the custom housing run only 2 minutes 45 seconds due to increased drag.

Did Matt Damon train specifically for the IMAX process?

Yes. Damon underwent three months of swim training and practiced holding breath for 90 seconds to perform extended takes without cutting, because Nolan does not use stunt doubles for close‑ups in IMAX.

Why does Nolan refuse digital intermediates for this film?

Nolan believes that scanning film to digital intermediate removes the organic grain structure. For The Odyssey, all color timing is done photochemically, and the final release prints are struck directly from the original negative.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based exclusively on the source material provided: Christopher Nolan Details the Complex IMAX Film Process for The Odyssey – TheMovieBlog (published June 2026). All quotes, statistics, and production details are drawn from that single source. No secondary sources were used. This article was last updated on June 28, 2026.