It looks like Christopher Nolan and IMAX are about to raise the bar for cinematic innovation once again. In a recent interview, IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond revealed that Nolan will be using a brand new IMAX technology in his upcoming film. This collaboration reflects Nolan’s history of pushing technological boundaries in storytelling and could set a new standard for immersive cinematic experiences. YMCinema explores Nolan’s legacy with IMAX, the potential of this new technology and how it fits into the evolving landscape of technological advancement in Hollywood. Read on.
Christopher Nolan and IMAX have shared a powerful partnership that has continued to shape the cinematic landscape. Since his groundbreaking work on The Dark KnightNolan has used IMAX’s 65mm film cameras to bring audiences into his highly immersive worlds. This close collaboration between Nolan and IMAX has made him one of the most influential filmmakers in the IMAX format, and paved the way for a new cinematic language that emphasizes visual scale, precision and impact. Recently, Gelfond announced that Nolan approached IMAX a year ago with a proposal for a new technology designed specifically for his upcoming project. While details remain confidential, this venture is expected to expand IMAX’s capabilities further than ever. As Gelfond says: “Christopher Nolan is always trying to innovate new things. For example, in Tenet he shot backwards. He always comes up with a new way to tell his stories. He approached us about a year ago and said he really wants to create a new technology that he will use in his upcoming film, so we worked with him and our (IMAX) team did a phenomenal job. It’s up to him to talk about the details. He’ll be able to do things on IMAX that we haven’t been able to do before. By way of background, IMAX’s commitment to continuous improvement is well documented, as evidenced by Gelfond’s insistence that “if you want to launch a blockbuster, you want IMAX to be part of it.” This collaboration also highlights how IMAX remains relevant amid increasing advances in digital technology and CGI, as discussed in our previous article on the future of IMAX film cameras.
Christopher Nolan is always trying to innovate new things. For example, in Tenet he shot backwards. He always comes up with a new way to tell his stories. He approached us about a year ago and said he really wants to create a new technology that he will use in his upcoming film, so we worked with him and our (IMAX) team did a phenomenal job. It’s up to him to talk about the details. He’ll be able to do things on IMAX that we haven’t been able to do before.
IMAX CEO – Rich Gelfond
Nolan has always favored practical effects and real-world cinematography over CGI. This dedication is evident in films like Interstellarwhere he used custom lenses to create a hyper-realistic representation of space. His innovative techniques extended to Basic principlewhere he filmed sequences forward and backward to capture a unique time-reversed story. As highlighted in our technical analysis of Basic principleNolan’s in-camera methods resulted in an unparalleled viewing experience that pushed IMAX cameras to their limits. In OppenheimerNolan took IMAX technology to a new level by using extreme close-ups on IMAX 70mm film, creating a visually intense experience. The cinematographic techniques Nolan used here, including the use of a special IMAX snorkel lens, set a high standard for IMAX films, as outlined in our analysis of the lenses behind Oppenheimer. This kind of innovation has made Nolan a leading force in cinema technology, redefining IMAX cinematography.
With this new project, IMAX wants to make a big leap forward. Gelfond hinted that the upcoming technology will allow Nolan to do things on IMAX that were never possible before. This statement aligns with IMAX’s broader strategy to expand its technological reach, including recent developments in AI and machine learning and even the digital enhancement of 65mm presentations. The history of IMAX is filled with developments that take the movie experience to the next level. For example, the company’s commitment to upgrading its 70mm projectors has ensured that theaters continue to deliver high-quality images. But as demand for new, cutting-edge experiences grows, IMAX is also developing new film cameras and tools that can meet the challenges of directors like Nolan.
Nolan’s collaboration with IMAX is an example of a larger trend in the industry where traditional filmmaking techniques are being improved upon by modern technological innovations. This trend includes the growing role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking and new production methods. The use of innovative technology is reshaping Hollywood, and IMAX’s focus on unique technical advancements aligns with the industry’s push for richer, more immersive experiences. IMAX’s record-breaking box office performance with Nolan’s Oppenheimer showed the enduring appeal of these high-tech, large-format presentations, as detailed in our article on the film’s impact on IMAX cinematography.
Nolan’s work has also cemented IMAX’s status as an essential part of blockbuster cinema. Demand for IMAX screenings has skyrocketed in recent years, with Gelfond claiming that “IMAX is critical to the launch of a blockbuster.” This influence was underlined by its box office success Oppenheimer and other large format releases. For IMAX, having Nolan in their corner is a strategic advantage. In previous comments, Gelfond emphasized that IMAX plays a crucial role in movie launches, a claim reflected in the company’s recent record-breaking quarterly results. The financial success that comes from IMAX partnerships with filmmakers like Nolan has become an integral part of IMAX’s overall strategy, helping to secure its place as an industry leader.
Christopher Nolan’s consistent use of IMAX cameras has inspired a generation of filmmakers to consider the format for their own projects. His influence is especially evident in the rise of directors prioritizing IMAX as a key element of their stories. As noted in an interview with Oppenheimer Cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, shooting on IMAX 70mm film brings a unique depth to cinematic images that many filmmakers find difficult to replicate digitally. Nolan’s groundbreaking techniques may well inspire other directors to adopt this new IMAX technology as industry leaders look to replicate his success in delivering compelling storytelling. This shift could also pave the way for greater investments in IMAX-compatible equipment, as highlighted in our report on the expansion of IMAX’s 70mm projectors.
Amid the rapid digitalization of Hollywood, IMAX continues to champion traditional film formats, but this doesn’t mean the company is shying away from innovation. With the arrival of new AI tools in filmmaking, IMAX is increasingly combining classic techniques with advanced technology. This hybrid approach aligns with IMAX’s ongoing efforts to remain competitive in a landscape that is evolving faster than ever, as outlined in our article on the AI revolution in Hollywood. However, IMAX must balance this technological evolution with its commitment to film quality and authenticity. With projects like this new collaboration with Nolan, IMAX is strengthening its commitment to delivering high-fidelity movie experiences, even as the industry explores alternative camera formats and AI-based advancements.
Christopher Nolan’s decision to use a new IMAX technology in his upcoming film is a testament to both his creative ambition and IMAX’s commitment to advancing the moviegoing experience. From his use of custom IMAX lenses in Interstellar right down to the extreme close-ups OppenheimerNolan’s work has consistently redefined what IMAX cameras can do. Now, with this new project, Nolan and IMAX are poised to set a new milestone in filmmaking innovation. The implications of this collaboration could impact the industry widely and motivate other directors to push technological boundaries and prioritize immersive, high-quality viewing experiences. IMAX’s continued innovations will likely keep it at the forefront of filmmaking technology, and this new partnership with Nolan could very well set the standard for the future of film. Now the big question remains: what does Nolan mean by “A new IMAX technology”?
