Oppenheimer’s IMAX Experience Explained By Christopher Nolan In Viral TikTok

Acclaimed director Christopher Nolan details and shows Oppenheimer’s unique IMAX experience in a new viral TikTok video. The historical drama sees Cillian Murphy lead an all-star cast that includes Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr., Jack Quaid, and Garry Oldman. Inspired by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin’s 2005 book Modern Prometheus, Oppenheimer explores Murphy’s titular scientist during the race to develop the first atomic bomb during World War II.

With Oppenheimer’s summer release drawing closer, the film’s director joined forces with TikTok creator Reece of @guywithamoviecamera to explore the secrets behind the film’s IMAX presentation. Check out the video below:

Nolan and Reece delve into a cinema’s projector room, where he explains his decisions behind filming with 70mm film and 70mm IMAX, highlighting the higher image quality that provides the most immersive, realistic visuals put to the screen. After giving Reece a preview of the upcoming film through select scenes, Nolan stood before a countdown display to the film’s coming release date, revealing that while he was nervous, he was also glad to know how long he has left to finalize the finished cut.

Oppenheimer marks Nolan’s seventh film developed with IMAX cameras since he first filmed 2008’s acclaimed superhero movie The Dark Knight. With each feature utilizing IMAX cameras, Nolan sought to innovate what can be done with the highly-expensive equipment, including strapping a camera onto a plane for his 2017 wartime film Dunkirk. While Nolan’s IMAX experiments led to cameras being damaged, the director continued to push what can be achieved in IMAX, and Oppenheimer is set to be no exception.

For Oppenheimer, Nolan made further strides with IMAX technology by capturing black-and-white sequences utilizing the camera, a first for what can be done with the technology. Nolan explained Oppenheimer’s black-and-white sequences carry an important role, emphasizing the many perspectives surrounding the scientist’s groundbreaking and terrifying work. Furthermore, Nolan will not only test what can be done in IMAX cameras through his features but will also aid IMAX in developing the camera themselves alongside fellow director Jordan Peele.

With Oppenheimer set to release on select 70mm IMAX screenings (via IMAX’s website for a full list) and IMAX, many cinemagoers will be glad to hear from the director on which format is best for audiences. Reece and Nolan’s video is an ideal glimpse into what makes IMAX showings stand out as a viewing experience. With his acclaim and over a decade of experience utilizing IMAX cameras, Nolan’s perspective is valued by film fans everywhere.