Director Christopher Nolan visited Seoul for the first time this week to promote his new film, "Odyssey" [1].
The visit marks a significant push by Nolan to encourage audiences to return to cinemas. He said that the movie is designed for an immersive cinematic experience that can only be fully realized in a theater [1].
Nolan arrived in the capital accompanied by Hollywood actors Matt Damon and Charlize Theron [1]. During the promotional tour, the director took time to explore the city and walk along the Han River [1].
"I had a little time, so I looked around Seoul and walked along the Han River," Nolan said [1]. He said the scenery was beautiful but noted that it was very hot [1].
Beyond the official press events, Nolan also sampled local Korean cuisine. He specifically mentioned trying salt bread, which he said was surprisingly delicious [1].
The promotional effort in South Korea highlights the director's ongoing commitment to the theatrical release model. Nolan has long been a proponent of large-format cinema, arguing that the scale of his productions requires the specific environment of a movie theater to be effective [1].
“The movie is best experienced in a theater.”
Nolan's first visit to South Korea underscores the global importance of the Korean market for major studio releases. By emphasizing the 'immersive' nature of Odyssey, Nolan is continuing his career-long campaign against the shift toward streaming, positioning the cinema as the only venue capable of delivering his intended artistic vision.
