Sinnersshows no signs of slowing down at the box office,even as it hits digital platforms. Part of that’s due to the craft thatRyan Cooglerputs into the narrative, layering horror, music, and action into a truly unique experience. But another part lies in the credits, specifically the “Special Thanks” section. Underneath the “Special Thanks,” Coogler listsChristopher Nolanas an influence, which might be surprising to some film fans. It’s not like Coogler was withholding the many influences that shapedSinners, as leading up to and after the film’s release, he cited everything fromPuss in Boots: The Last WishtoThe Twilight Zonein influencing him to add certain elements toSinners. Christopher Nolan might be the most important influence,as he helped Coogler with a filming techniquethat led toSinners' massive success — and might provide the key to drawing audiences back to theaters.
Christopher Nolan Helped Ryan Coogler With the IMAX Format for ‘Sinners’
Ryan Coogler was upfront about the impact Christopher Nolan had onSinners.During a virtual press conferencefollowing the release of the firstSinnerstrailer, Coogler said that Nolan andEmmaThomasoffered him advice on shooting on large format photography. It’s not surprising why; Nolan’s long been a champion of IMAX, filming most of his movies, includingInterstellar,Inception,andDunkirk, using IMAX cameras. Even his upcoming film,The Odyssey,will be shot entirely in the IMAX format. Given that Nolan has worked for a decade with the IMAX format, he definitely would be an expert in how to utilize IMAX film equipment to its maximum effort, and would have been a valuable source of information for Coogler. Coogler would even combine IMAX photography and Ultra Panavision formats for a unique effect, resulting inSinnersbeing packed with memorable imagery throughout its runtime.
Like Nolan, Coogler alsohas a deep love for the IMAX film format,especially when it comes to creating a unique filmgoing experience. “It’s a love letter to the experience of watching an exhilarating movie in a packed house full of strangers, not knowing what’s going to happen next. So many incredible films have given me that feeling, so I wanted to try my hand at giving it back to audiences,” he said. Coogler would also do a video presentation breaking down thedifferent types of aspect ratiosaudiences could seeSinnersin. Not only was this a great way to take viewers behind the camera and showcase how the filmmaking process works, but it also shows that Coogler is truly passionate about filmmaking. you may’t fake that kind of passion, and as a result, IMAX screenings forSinnerssold out quickly —leading to a one-week engagementwhere it returned to the 70mm IMAX format.
The Reception to IMAX Screenings for ‘Sinners’ Shows How Theaters Can Win Audiences Back
The renewed interest in IMAX screenings, whether it’s forSinnersorThe Odyssey,should provide movie studios with a roadmap for how to draw audiences back to theaters.Ever since COVID-19 led to theaters being shuttered with the rise of streaming services and alternative entertainment, including YouTube and TikTok, theaters have thrown out everything fromreducing the price of ticketsto inserting pickleball courts or bowling alleysinto their venues. But nothing beats a great moviegoing experience, and IMAX is a large part of that. Unlike other formats, an IMAX movie has cleaner, crisper pictures; booming sound that surrounds the entire theater; and a larger screen that makes a movie feel less like a movie and more like an event. That’s definitely the case withSinners, as every jump scare hits with the force of a freight train. The one-shot sequence where Sammie (Miles Caton)summons the spirits of musicians in Club Jukeis also a phenomenal sight to witness in IMAX.
Again, Christopher Nolanis one of the few filmmakers who knows how to use IMAX to make his movies into an event. It started withThe Dark Knight, which was Nolan’s first film to utilize the IMAX format, and the reception that film received led to the success ofInceptionand Nolan’s other films. Ryan Coogler even said thatThe Dark Knightwas the first ever IMAX film he saw on an episode of hisIn Proximitypodcast: “I saw it opening night at 4 AM … I don’t know if any other films in IMAX have made me feel like Christopher Nolan made me feel.” Nolan earned his special thanks, and it looks like he’ll continue to be an inspiration to Coogler and other filmmakers.
Sinnersis now playing in theaters.
Two brothers return to their hometown in the Jim Crow-era South seeking a fresh start, only to find that an even greater evil, including the Ku Klux Klan, has taken root. Michael B. Jordan stars as twins in this vampire thriller directed by Ryan Coogler, blending supernatural horror with historical tension.
