Interstellarmarked a unique film inChristopher Nolan’s filmography not only because it was his first venture into space-set sci-fi territory, but also because he was working without cinematographerWally Pfisterfor the first time since his debut featureFollowing. Pfister had made the jump to directing, marking his debut with the disappointingTranscendence, and so everyone wondered who Nolan would choose to lens his most ambitious project yet. TheDark Knightfilmmaker eventually landed on Oscar-nominatedHerandTinker Tailor Soldier SpycinematographerHoyte van Hoytema, and it appears that relationship will continue with Nolan’s next filmDunkirk.
ViaThe Film Stage, anotein the announcement that Hoytema is joining the American Society of Cinematographers reveals that the lenser is “currently prepping an untitled feature for director Christopher Nolan, with whom he first collaborated onInterstellar.” That “untitled” feature was revealed last month to beDunkirk, a World War II “epic action thriller” that recounts the events surrounding the evacuation of Dunkirk, which over the course of eight days saved the lives of 338,226 soldiers from an impending invasion.
We previously learned that Nolan is shooting the film using a combination of IMAX 65mm and 65mm large format film, so Hoytema will be putting those IMAX cameras to even more use than he did onInterstellar. I’m curious to see what kind of visual palate the two decide upon for this film, as I’ll admit I was a bit disappointed by the soft focus feel ofInterstellar—especially considering how big a fan I am of Hoytema’s work onHer.
The cinematographer most recently shotSpectre, having the unenviable role of following in the footsteps ofRoger Deakins. His career is a varied one, and I’m excited to see what he and Nolan will bring to the World War II genre withDunkirk, which also reunites Nolan with composerHans Zimmerand actorTom Hardy, withMark RylanceandKenneth Branaghalso part of the ensemble. Nolan is looking to cast newcomers in the film’s main roles, with production set to get underway this May ahead of a August 18, 2025 release date.
