In the exciting world of movies, few directors have mastered the art of breathtaking action like Christopher Nolan. In the 2020’s”Tenet,” he left the audience in awe of his preparation for the explosion of a real 747 plane without relying on CGI tricks. Now, with his latest feature, “Oppenheimer,” Nolan focuses, trying to recreate the history of the Trinity Test, the successful detonation of the atomic bomb, entirely on camera, without the protection of visuals.
From the beginning, the ambitious challenge required unconventional thinking and technical skills. “Of course, we couldn’t make an explosion the size of a real explosion, so we used a trick,” said the lens expert, cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema. Note that there is no actual atomic bomb explosion.
Oppenheimer did the impossible with the terrifying plan of the atomic bomb
According to Variety, in order to bring the impressive ten-minute sequence, Nolan and Hoytema worked closely with special director Scott Fisher and director of photography Andrew Jackson. “We’re very fond of the depth of resolution that IMAX provides,” said van Hoytema. “And with VFX, you have to analyze it, which results in the destruction of about half of the original set.” The goal was clear: retain the vivid visuals and emotional depth that only IMAX can provide.
The team got creative and turned their machine into an art studio. He did interesting scientific experiments, setting up water with energy and using different tools. They danced with silver particles and the metal balloons glowed from within. They also carefully draw things that are bumping into each other, spinning, and flying through the air to get the look they want.
Black and white IMAX stock in Oppenheimer
When the story collided between the world of Oppenheimer and the certainty of Lewis Strauss, portrayed by the talented Robert Downey Jr., the idea of writing black and white works appeared. Lacking 70mm black and white IMAX stock, van Hoytema contracted with Kodak to produce the necessary film. The collaboration continued with camera modifications, plate repairs, and lab upgrades, turning a seemingly simple decision into a technical feat.
The moment of revelation came when Nolan and Hoytema sat in movie, seeing the results of their first black and white test. The end of their career left them speechless, a testament to their unwavering pursuit of excellence. “I remember when Chris and I were in the movie theater, and we saw the results of our first test in black and white, and it was amazing. We had never seen anything like it.”
In the end, “Oppenheimer“It did not stop as a triumph in cinema and as a celebration of all wisdom. Weeks of dedication from a very talented team from all corners of the world that resulted in the final sound that will be heard by people for many years.