While it might seem strange that director Ryan Coogler’sSinnersfeatures a “Thank You” credit to Christopher Nolan, the movie’s unusual filming style explains this. Bythe ending ofSinners, any moviegoer could be forgiven for failing to pay close attention to the credits. Director Ryan Coogler’s dazzling blend of music, drama, supernatural horror, and action might be his most explosive movie yet, soSinnersis likely to leave many viewers dazed by the end of its 138-minute runtime.
However, those who do pay close attention will be paid handsomely. Not only doesSinnershave a post-credits scenefor viewers who stick around, but there is also a nod to an entirely unexpected filmmaker. Coogler has not been shy about his inspirations while making the movie, which defies easy genre categorization thanks to its elaborate musical sequences, violent horror scenes, and tragic dramatic plot. The director surprised some readers by admitting thatPuss In Boots: The Last Wishwas one major inspiration, but is another director whose work earned them a “Thank You” credit.
Christopher Nolan Gave Ryan Coogler Advice On Filming Sinners With IMAX Cameras
The Sinners Director Sought Out The Director’s Expertise While Filming
Blockbuster legend Christopher Nolan receives a “Thank You” credit at the end ofSinners, a decision that might surprise some viewers sinceThe Dark Knightdirector didn’t directly work on the movie. However, Coogler did shoot the movie on 65mm film, and he got advice from both Nolan and Nolan’s wife and producing partner, Emma Thomas, both of whom have extensive experience with large format photography. According toThe Hollywood Reporter,Sinners“Combined Ultra Panavision with Imax photography in an effort to be immersive.”
Coogler saidSinnerswas “A love letter to the experience of watching an exhilarating movie in a packed house full of strangers,” and both the wild vampire movie and much of Nolan’s work fit this ambitious description.
Viewers who have seenthe most impressive sequences inSinnerscan affirm that these attempts paid off, and this was thanks in part to the advice Nolan provided. Many of Nolan’s most memorable movies were shot in IMAX, including bothThe Dark KnightandThe Dark Knight Rises. In the sameHollywood Reporterinterview, Coogler saidSinnerswas “A love letter to the experience of watching an exhilarating movie in a packed house full of strangers,” and both the wild vampire movie and much of Nolan’s work fit this ambitious description.
Christopher Nolan Has An Expansive History With IMAX
Interstellar, Tenet, and Oppenheimer Were All Filmed On IMAX
In an era where even mega-budget blockbusters likeWickedare often accused of looking flat and over-lit, Coogler’s decision to rely on 65mm and IMAX makes a lot of sense. So too does the director seek out Nolan’s advice, as the director has a lengthy history with IMAX. Not only has Nolan consistently filmed with these cameras for over a decade, but he has also championed the format more broadly as an industry figure.
Ofall of Christopher Nolan’s movies,Interstellar,Dunkirk,Tenet,The Dark Knight,The Dark Knight Rises,Oppenheimer, and the upcomingThe Odysseywere all shot in IMAX. This made Nolan the go-to person for Coogler to get advice from while shootingSinners, thus justifying that surprising “Thank You” in the movie’s credits. For all of the many surprises contained in the runtime ofSinners, it shouldn’t shock any viewers to learn that Ryan Coogler thanked the format’s outspoken champion Christopher Nolan after shooting on IMAX.
