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When you go into a movie theater, you may notice a giant screening hall with the word ‘IMAX’ outside, followed by regular auditoriums. You might have even seen the word printed at the bottom of a movie poster, like the one for Sinners.
IMAX—short for ‘Image Maximum’—is a form of cinema that typically involves a slightly more expensive ticket to unlock a richer experience. The use of an IMAX camera results in higher-resolution images; these images are then projected onto a larger screen and typically accompanied by a surround sound system. The product is a more immersive experience from any seat in the house.
Oftentimes, IMAX film cameras are used for specific action scenes such as in The Dark Knight Rises and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, The Odyssey will be the first feature film shot entirely with IMAX film cameras.
This decision poses the question: Is shooting movies entirely with IMAX film cameras the future of filmmaking?
These film cameras cost a pretty penny. To rent an IMAX camera, let alone use one for the entirety of a film's production, costs approximately $16,000 per week for just the camera body. This doesn't include additional costs such as film stock, processing, scanning, and insurance. Historically, 35 mm film was used for feature films, while IMAX films are typically shot on 65 mm film and projected on 70 mm film.
“Something that makes IMAX movies feel special is the fact that the filmmakers, when shooting in IMAX, intend for you to see the movie in the format. It's the ideal version of their vision!” said Film and Media Studies student Satchel Wilon.
Due to the extreme costs, it is more typical for films to have only specific scenes filmed in IMAX, or for IMAX to not be used at all. It has also been expressed by those on film sets that these cameras can be heavy, loud, and difficult to work with. One type of camera, the 70 mm, requires larger magazines than an average film camera and as a result of its mechanical design, makes a lot of noise, which can cause disruption to actors on set. The practicality of these cameras is questionable; the process can create difficulty and limitations, but the results seem to prove the effort is worthwhile.
“If a director decides to use an IMAX camera, they'll be forced to face the fact that they might not have the budget for something else they'd like, or the actors' performances could be hurt by the distracting atomic blast sound coming out of the camera,” said Wilson.
The most commonly known filmmaker who has had access to this equipment for multiple projects has been none other than Christoper Nolan. He pioneered the use of this camera for film outside of the documentary and special projects range. Nolan has increased its usage through films such as Dunkirk and Oppenheimer.
Richard Gelfond, current IMAX CEO, shared that there have been efforts to make these cameras easier for filmmakers to use and access due to their increasing popularity. It’s clear that concerns regarding the setbacks with these cameras are being heard, allowing for more involvement in IMAX for film production overall. This move will create newer opportunities for filmmakers, types of projects, and an overall newer atmosphere on film sets due to improvements and accessibility.
While cinematographers consider the production challenges, audiences judge only what they see in theaters in the final result. Through data from ticket sales and audience reactions online, films shot in IMAX continue to create a high demand from fans. I spoke with a film buff who attempts to only see movies shot on IMAX and who shared the positive impact IMAX films are having on movie-going as a whole:
“Anything that generates excitement for going to the movie theater and the theatrical experience is a good thing!” said Jorgie Rodriguez.
Next month, when The Odyssey is released, audience reactions will decide the true impact of watching a movie entirely shot on an IMAX film camera and whether it is something more filmmakers and directors may want to consider for their projects down the road.
