Dark Knight and Inception director Christopher Nolan previewed new footage from his upcoming World War II epic Dunkirk to an excited crowd at CinemaCon, who reacted on Twitter.
A propeller stops midair. Soldiers packed like sardines on a pier cower in fear of an unseen threat.
Those are the images Christopher Nolan left CinemaCon audiences hanging onto Wednesday as he premiered new footage from Dunkirk, his long-awaited epic about the storied World War II evacuation.
“It’s something British people grow up with. It’s in our DNA,” Nolan said. “It’s something that’s been close to my heart for a long time.”
Nolan told the audience of theatre owners that he wanted to tell the story in the most visceral way possible, putting audiences on the beaches, in the air and running with the troops.
The Interstellar and Dark Knight director shot the film entirely on large format celluloid and said theatres are the only way to experience the suspenseful survival story.
“The only platform I’m interested in talking about is theatrical exhibition,” Nolan said. “I want to thank you all for everything you’ve done for my films. Without you there is no audience.”
The film’s large eclectic ensemble cast includes veterans like Kenneth Branagh and Mark Rylance, Nolan mainstays Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy, pop star Harry Styles and a few newcomers like Fionn Whitehead.
Here are some reactions to the footage on Twitter:
"At it’s heart, rather than a war film, it’s a survival story” - Nolan on #Dunkirk #CinemaCon2017
After that footage, #Dunkirk just locked up Most Anticipated of the Year slot. #CinemaCon2017
First footage of #Dunkirk is epic & intense. Nolan brings you into the fight. You won't just watch, you'll be there. #Cinemacon2017
I just had 10 minutes with Christopher Nolan, and at the end I asked him about the new "Batman" movies. He didn't want to talk about them. pic.twitter.com/Qhd671SgIX
*expletive. That made me want to throw up all over myself but in a good way. That was so amazing I can't.The sound. #Cinemacon @dunkirkmovie
"This is a story that needs to carry you through and make you feel you are there" - Christopher Nolan on 'Dunkirk" #CinemaCon2017
Christopher Nolan just got the biggest press section pop I think I've heard all week. #Cinemacon #Dunkirk
It arrives in theatres on July 21.