Ryan Coogler‘s filmmaking approach and IMAX influence in Sinners have propelled the movie to continued box office strength, even as it debuts on digital platforms. The film stands out not only for its creative blend of horror, music, and action, but also for the behind-the-scenes guidance Coogler received from Christopher Nolan, whose expertise with IMAX technology played a crucial role in Sinners’ visual storytelling and audience draw.
Christopher Nolan’s Guidance Shapes Sinners’ Cinematic Vision
Christopher Nolan’s connection to Sinners runs deeper than a simple mention in the credits. During a virtual press conference following the first Sinners trailer, Ryan Coogler revealed that both Nolan and Emma Thomas had offered him direct advice on filming with large format photography—a format Nolan has championed through projects like Interstellar, Dunkirk, and the upcoming The Odyssey. Leveraging Nolan’s decade-long experience with IMAX, Coogler crafted Sinners with a fusion of IMAX photography and Ultra Panavision, generating arresting and memorable visuals across the film’s runtime.
Much like Nolan, Coogler has a profound appreciation for the immersive power of IMAX, particularly in recreating communal moviegoing excitement.
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,
—Ryan Coogler, Director
This authenticity extended into Coogler’s outreach, as he hosted video presentations to explain the various aspect ratios featured in Sinners. Such transparency highlighted not only the technical breadth of the film but Coogler’s genuine enthusiasm for the craft. The payoff was immediate: IMAX showings of Sinners rapidly sold out, prompting a week-long return engagement on 70mm IMAX, underscoring the film’s appeal as a true cinematic event.
IMAX Screenings Breathe New Life into Theaters
The strong audience response to IMAX presentations of Sinners, alongside anticipation for Nolan’s The Odyssey, signals a potential revival of theatrical attendance strategies for movie studios. In the wake of pandemic-driven closures and the ascent of streaming platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, traditional theaters have experimented with lower prices and unconventional amenities. Yet, nothing substitutes the transporting effect of a movie like Sinners in IMAX, with razor-sharp visuals, immersive sound, and a massive screen blurring the line between film and shared experience. Their emotionally charged scenes—such as when Miles Caton’s character Sammie channels the spirits of musicians in Club Juke—demonstrate how IMAX enhances every scare and moment, making them unforgettable for audiences.
Christopher Nolan long ago proved how IMAX could elevate cinema into a communal event, beginning with The Dark Knight. The enthusiastic response to that film laid the foundation for later IMAX successes like Inception, serving as an inspiration for other filmmakers—Ryan Coogler chief among them. On an episode of his In Proximity podcast, Coogler shared,
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.
—Ryan Coogler, Director
Nolan’s mentorship and pioneering vision continue to resonate with both Coogler and fellow directors, setting a standard for immersive filmmaking that brings audiences back to theaters.
Sinners: A Unique Vision Rooted in Collaboration and History
Sinners tells the story of two brothers, portrayed by Michael B. Jordan as twin characters, who return to their hometown in the Jim Crow-era South seeking a fresh start. They soon encounter deeper danger, facing supernatural horrors and historical oppression, including the lurking threat of the Ku Klux Klan. Supporting performances, such as Hailee Steinfeld as Mary and Miles Caton as Sammie, deepen the blend of historical tension and eerie atmosphere. The narrative demonstrates how Sinners marries horror with thought-provoking social commentary, using the sensory power of IMAX to heighten every moment.
The film’s success owes much not just to compelling performances or inventive direction, but to an artistic collaboration that reached across generations of filmmakers. By combining the technical expertise of Christopher Nolan with his own sensibility as a storyteller, Ryan Coogler has delivered a film that reinvigorates the theatergoing experience for modern audiences.
With Sinners now playing in theaters, its resonance with moviegoers suggests that bold filmmaking and innovative use of IMAX may continue shaping cinema’s future, appealing to both casual viewers and dedicated fans of the art form.
