[Photo &] Christopher Nolan’s New Film, “Odyssey,” Shot Entirely in IMAX for the First Time Ever—Releases on Aug. 5

Christopher Nolan “Odyssey” Premieres Entirely in IMAX for the First Time Ever

Using 640 km of film over 91 days, the film promises a sweeping scale with Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway joining the cast

A Screen Arrival of an 8th-Century B.C. Myth, Hollywood’s Top-Tier Ensemble

The Christopher Nolan maestro sets a new milestone in film history. “Odyssey,” his new film adaptation of the 8th-century B.C. epic by Homer, has confirmed its release on Aug. 5. Having delivered an unmistakable cinematic experience through “Inception” (2010) and “Interstellar” (2014), he infuses this work with vivid breath from ancient mythology alongside top actors including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Tom Holland.

A 20-Year Blood-Soaked Journey and a Power Struggle in the Kingdom of Ithaca

At the core of the film is the harrowing homecoming journey of the hero “Odysseus” (played by Matt Damon)—the same figure who succeeded with the Trojan Horse operation. Even after the 10-year war ends, a cruel fate unfolds that takes another 10 years before he can return to his home, the “Kingdom of Ithaca.” While the fate of the king remains uncertain, Ithaca—guarded by the queen “Penelope” (played by Anne Hathaway)—is stained by the greed of suitors seeking the throne. The story’s tension peaks as the powerless rage of the prince “Telemachus” (played by Tom Holland), who has lost his father, intersects with their mounting crisis.

A Grand Visual Revolution Captured on 640 km of Film, and an Analog Aesthetic

The most noteworthy point is its technological achievement. “Odyssey” is the first in film history to shoot the entire film using the “IMAX” film format. Over a 91-day shoot, the total film consumed reaches 2.1 million feet (about 640 km). Christopher Nolan’s signature principle of “minimizing CG” is followed to the letter again this time. Against backdrops of the great outdoors around the world—Greece, Italy, Iceland, and elsewhere—the film brings to life a one-eyed giant’s cave and an island of bizarre creatures, completing an overwhelming sense of realism.

A Bronze Age Battle Tuned to Ancient Instruments, and an Overwhelming 172-Minute Catharsis

The actors’ three-dimensional performances and primal sound heighten immersion. Matt Damon depicts Odysseus’ defiant spirit toward the gods, while Anne Hathaway captures Penelope’s suppressed emotions with subtle shifts in facial expression. Zendaya as the goddess of wisdom Athena and Lupita Nyong’o as Helen, the queen of Sparta, also add to the film’s mystique. In addition, the soundtracks created by music supervisor Ludwig Göransson using ancient instruments the lyre and the aulos give explosive momentum to barbaric Bronze Age battle scenes in which torches and daggers collide. During its 172-minute runtime, this work—set to invite viewers into the heart of an ancient myth—meets audiences as a film rated 15 and older.

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