THE BIGGER PICTURE
Oppenheimer is shaking the world box office, majorly owing to Christopher Nolan’s masterful use of IMAX cameras for encapsulating the nuanced interactions between characters. The motivation behind the IMAX choice was to film on a high-definition negative, thereby intensifying the viewer’s immersion during poignant sequences. Despite the challenges posed by filming dialogue with IMAX cameras, extra shots were taken to preserve the audio, culminating in a movie that artfully combines close personal exchanges with grand visuals.
With Christopher Nolan’s drama film Oppenheimer, centering around the creator of the atomic bomb, smashing box office records globally, viewers are particularly impressed by the unique utilization of the IMAX format for the movie. In a recent discussion with FilmSweep, cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema unraveled the process of deciding which scenes would be enriched by the IMAX capture and which wouldn’t. Intriguingly, the team focused on the intimate, emotional interactions among the characters:
Expressing his approach, Hoytema emphasized on the instinctual aspect of filmmaking, led by the urge to shoot as much as possible on a rich negative. He admitted to having a preference for shooting with IMAX whenever possible, especially for scenes depicting heightened intimacy or personal engagement.
He also acknowledged the technical difficulties of filming dialogue in this format, citing its loud and large nature which prevents subtle, unobtrusive filming. At times, dialogue was shot using a five per 70-millimeter camera, with an extra shot or take added on an IMAX camera for potential sound salvage. According to Hoytema, the ultimate choice is driven by intuition, but it also aspires to maximize the potential of the medium.
In Nolan’s movie, Cillian Murphy portrays Robert Oppenheimer, the leader of the Manhattan Project, dealing with the repercussions of his actions. The film extensively explores his journey from a scientist to a leader in the pursuit of the atomic bomb while also shedding light on his personal relationships. It provides a glimpse into Oppenheimer’s guilt-ridden psyche as an inventor and his uncertainty as a man, making it a compelling narrative.
Image via Universal Studios
Nolan’s Affinity with IMAX
Oppenheimer follows a series of Nolan’s projects that have demonstrated his adeptness in exploiting the IMAX format. His recent ventures like Tenet and Dunkirk use IMAX to convey the magnitude of what’s being depicted on the screen. Even some of his earlier films like The Dark Knight incorporate IMAX to bring life to sequences that otherwise wouldn’t have the same impact.
For more insights into the making of Oppenheimer, tune into our comprehensive chat with Hoyte van Hoytema below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Christopher Nolan’s IMAX Usage in ‘Oppenheimer’
What is Christopher Nolan’s film ‘Oppenheimer’ about?
The film centers around the life of Robert Oppenheimer, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, the director of the Manhattan Project and the man behind the creation of the atomic bomb. It explores both his journey as a scientist and leader, as well as the intimate relationships he had with those around him.
Who is the cinematographer of ‘Oppenheimer’?
The cinematographer of ‘Oppenheimer’ is Hoyte van Hoytema.
How did the filmmakers decide when to use the IMAX format in ‘Oppenheimer’?
According to Hoyte van Hoytema, the decision to use IMAX was largely intuitive, driven by the desire to capture as much detail as possible. The team preferred using IMAX especially for the more intimate, emotional scenes between characters.
What were the challenges of using IMAX cameras during filming?
The IMAX cameras presented some technical difficulties due to their size and noise. They are large and loud, which can make shooting dialogues difficult. To overcome this, additional takes were often shot to improve the audio.
Has Christopher Nolan used IMAX in his previous films?
Yes, Christopher Nolan has used IMAX cameras in a number of his previous films. Some examples include ‘Tenet’, ‘Dunkirk’, and ‘The Dark Knight’, where the format was used to highlight the magnitude and scale of the scenes.
More about Christopher Nolan’s IMAX Usage in ‘Oppenheimer’
- Christopher Nolan’s previous use of IMAX
- Interview with Hoyte van Hoytema
- Oppenheimer’s Box Office Success
- Background on Robert Oppenheimer
- Technical Challenges of IMAX Filming
6 comments
Loved Tenet and Dunkirk! If Oppenheimer is anything like them, sign me up!!
Man, Nolan’s work with IMAX is mindblowin! Can’t wait to see Oppenheimer on the big screen.
it’s not just about the bomb, but the relationships. Can’t wait to see murphy’s performance as oppenheimer!
The Manhattan Project was a massive part of history. Really interested to see Nolan’s take on Oppenheimer.
those IMAX cams are beasts, wonder how they managed with all the noise and size… mad respect for the crew!
Hoytema’s really got it down with the camera work, right? Makes every scene feel so real, even the dialogues, IMAX or not.