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Nolan's “Odyssey” Premieres IMAX 70mm, Mixed Reviews, Bechdel Fail

7/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Christopher Nolan released “The Odyssey” in U.S. theaters on July 20, 2026.
It was shot entirely on IMAX 70mm film, the first feature to use that format.
The $250 million film gives major female characters about 20 minutes of screen time, causing it to fail the Bechdel test.
Critics praise Hoyte van Hoytema’s cinematography and Anne Hathaway’s performance, while some Rotten Tomatoes users label it boring and a major disappointment.

History

Historical Context

In 2008 Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight filmed six IMAX sequences—28 minutes, the first major feature to use IMAX cameras and prove the format’s box-office draw. Building on that breakthrough, IMAX refined its cameras and digital workflow, enabling Nolan’s 2025-shot, 2026-released The Odyssey to become the first full-length film shot entirely in 70 mm IMAX, shown in 41 theatres worldwide.

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Story summary

Christopher Nolan released “The Odyssey” in U.S. theaters on July 20, 2026.
It was shot entirely on IMAX 70mm film, the first feature to use that format.
The $250 million film gives major female characters about 20 minutes of screen time, causing it to fail the Bechdel test.
Critics praise Hoyte van Hoytema’s cinematography and Anne Hathaway’s performance, while some Rotten Tomatoes users label it boring and a major disappointment.

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