FILM
Witnessing History: The Power of “Oppenheimer” in 70MM
Nolan’s latest marvel on the big screen
Perhaps it’s no secret by now that Oppenheimer has achieved a phenomenon status to fit its name. For a movie surrounding some of the most important events in human history, maybe it’s only right that it should sell out theaters.
But in a world still reeling from the first pandemic in a century, to sell out theaters is no small feat. Even attempting to get tickets a few weeks after launch has proven a challenge for many.
One of the most unique aspects of Oppenheimer is the uniquely cumbersome way in which Christopher Nolan chose to shoot the movie. Filmed from beginning to end with large, unwieldy 70MM IMAX cameras, there are few movie theaters even equipped to handle the likes of Oppenheimer. To watch the reel in its proper, record-breaking, 11 mile long and 600 pound format demands display capabilities that very few theaters have.
Seeing Oppenheimer when it first released, I didn’t manage to get tickets to one of those 70MM IMAX screenings — not many did. In the United States, only 19 theaters even carry the record-breaking roll of film. In fact, I barely managed to see it on a regular screen.
