‘Dunkirk’ will take movie-goers to the heart of the World War II battle.
Director Christopher Nolan insists his film – which boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes Oscar-winner Mark Rylance, One Direction heartthrob Harry Styles, ‘Taboo’ star Tom Hardy, Peaky Blinders’ Cillian Murphy and Sir Kenneth Branagh – will transport viewers into the heart of the the British-led rescue mission in 1940 in which 330,000 Allied troops were rescued from the clutches of the Nazis.
Speaking at a special screening of footage at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Wednesday (29.03.17), the acclaimed filmmaker told the audience: "I wanted to tell the story in the most visceral way possible, I wanted to take that audience and put them on that beach.
"At its heart, it’s a survival story. The enemy is closing in on the British on this beach with no escape. I wanted to put the audience in the story."
The intense clip that was screened revealed previously unknown details such as who the characters portray and it was noted Hardy is a fighter pilot who resists the German army in the skies, while Styles is a young soldier trying to cross the bridge with an injured comrade in tow.
The movie was filmed in large format will be initially released in the US in Imax cinemas to be followed by cinemas with 70mm film capable screens, 35mm film and DCPs (Digital Cinema Packages).
Nolan added: "This is the first time we’re using IMAX cameras to their full effect. Most important to say here is this is a story that needs to carry you through the suspenseful situation and I make you feel like you are there, and the only way to do that is through theatrical distribution. I want to thank you all for everything you’ve done for me throughout the years … I am depending and relying on all of you to try to present this film in the best way possible."
Nolan admitted that the legend of the Dunkirk evacuation – which took place from 26 May to 4 June in 1940 and is also known as ‘Operation Dynamo’ – has fascinated him since he was a child and he felt compelled to tell its story but was never sure if he was ready to take on the responsibility of such a momentous moment in history.
The filmmaker – who is married to Emma Thomas – added: "Dunkirk and the legend of it is something that British people grow up with – it’s in our DNA. The idea of taking this paradoxical situation and putting it on the big screen – it’s something that’s been close to my heart for some time, it’s something I didn’t think I was ready to do."
‘Dunkirk’ is scheduled to hit cinemas in July.
Christopher Nolan says moviegoers will feel as though they’re in battle
