MUST WATCH: ‘Sinners’ Director Ryan Coogler Breaks Down Film Formats In A Way That Makes You Feel Like You've Passed A College Course And Justifies Driving Hours Just To Watch 70mm Movies

Maybe decades of the internet has scrambled my brain but for my money this was one of the coolest videos I've ever seen. And a legitimate film education I’d guess most theatregoers out there need without knowing it. 

It’s certainly the best marketing tool for a movie in recent memory. And after watching this I realized I really don't know dick about how many options there are when buying that ticket. Or how much your entire cinema experience can be affected by different aspect ratios/sound systems. 

The only time I ever heard about 70mm films was when Tarantino or Nolan had a special release, and I knew they were "cool" but without any real reasoning why. After that 10 minute breakdown though? Now I feel like I deserve a diploma on my wall from the Coogler School of Cinema. Along with making this vibe my entire personality this weekend… 

And let me tell you firsthand, spoiler alert Ryan Coogler KNOWS his shit.  I was lucky enough to see 'Sinners' in Lincoln Square NYC which is not only 70mm but also the biggest IMAX screen in North America. Shout out to Jeff D Lowe for putting me onto such a magical spot. 

I saw 'Interstellar' there in February and it's the closest thing I'll ever feel to actually floating in Space. 

Sinners was an equally out-of-this-world experience despite being set in 1930s Mississippi. Even Coogler's simple shots where they're just driving around showing off the big blue sky blew me away. I don't mean to be overdramatic but it's pretty nuts to see THE SKY presented in a way where you feel like it’s never been seen before. You could almost taste the clouds brother. 

Basically sitting in Lincoln Square inspires the same exact feeling Steve Rogers had during his 1st trip to Space

Coogler also talked about it being the 1st movie ever to be constantly changing aspect ratios throughout if you're in the right theatre. Not knowing this was coming and experiencing it live was fucking UNREAL. It sounds so simple but clearly very complicated to pull off, let alone a giant risk to hope audiences will go along with visual ride without being yanked out of the story too. 

There's a specific ratio switch scene about halfway through the movie that literally took my breath away + had me leaning forward + had me bopping my head all in 1 motion. Maybe the best one take shot I've ever seen and definitely the most unique. This guy Miles Caton who plays "Sammy The Preacher Boy" is definitely gonna be a star, with a helluva voice too. Absolutely crazy it's his first time acting and booked this from a random audition tape. 

And don't get it twisted, it's not just visual gimmicks that make the movie great.  Ludwig may very well end up as the greatest soundtrack composer of all-time, and that’s coming from a Day 1 Hans guy. 

Sinners is a slow burn for the first 40 minutes but then absolute bedlam after that, in every sensory way possible. Whatever you yearn for in a movie… compelling characters, stunning visuals, soulful music, sexy sex, unsettling drama, dark humor… it delivers all that & more. 

Frankly it’s been a long time since an original movie has made waves like this. I thought 'Substance' & 'Flow' were the best movies of 2024 but not on this scale. Sure 'Oppenheimer' broke the box office in 2023 but that was an autobiography about a hugely historic event. For Ryan Coogler to create something like this? Something that isn't a franchise sequel, superhero IP, regurgitated remade slop from the 80s… but IS a drama/thriller/horror period piece that reminds you what the film medium is capable of. Transcendent shit really. Not so long ago all humans had was poop paintings on cave walls. This is significantly better. Go treat yourself to an incredible theatre experience this weekend (honestly Lincoln Square is worth at least a 3 hour drive)

And to any future filmmakers & creators out there listen to another piece of advice from the man himself. Go do “it” NOW.