10 Insane War Movie Facts You Won't Believe Are Real
9. Christopher Nolan Used Footage From A Destroyed IMAX Camera For Dunkirk
A stirring take on the real-life 1940 evacuation of Allied troops from the film's titular location, 2017's Dunkirk stands as one of Christopher Nolan's best outings. Earning eight Academy Award nominations and smashing box office records for war films at the time of its release, the relentlessly immersive Dunkirk is regarded as one of the most seminal war films in recent memory.
In addition to being one of cinema's most celebrated and influential directors, Nolan has an unfortunate reputation for destroying IMAX cameras - a status quo that did not change with Dunkirk. Having already wrecked two of the hugely expensive cameras while filming The Dark Knight trilogy, Nolan proceeded to strap his latest IMAX victim to a plane and crashed it into the sea.
Unsurprisingly, the plane soon plunged to the Channel floor, causing the camera to fill with water. While Nolan's hopes for an incredible shot seemed to be sunk, the recording was remarkably saved using an old-fashioned film technique. While the footage was ultimately used in the final cut, the camera was not so lucky - taking Nolan's tally of destroyed IMAX cameras to three.