Paul Thomas Anderson Returns with ‘One Battle After Another’

LOS ANGELES, CA — Acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson is back with his new film, “One Battle After Another,” hitting theaters this Friday, September 25. This marks Anderson’s return after a four-year hiatus following the success of “Licorice Pizza.” Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, the film is notable as it unites the director and actor for the first time since DiCaprio passed on the lead role in Anderson’s 1997 film, “Boogie Nights.”

Fans of cinema can expect a fresh viewing experience as “One Battle After Another” will be screened in various premium formats, including VistaVision and 70mm IMAX. The film’s marketing emphasizes its unique presentation, encouraging fans to watch it in multiple formats. Anderson joins a list of directors promoting optimal viewing experiences, advocating for how films should be seen to fully appreciate their artistry.

One of the standout features of this film is its use of VistaVision, a high-resolution format from the 1950s. This technique places 35mm negatives horizontally to create higher quality prints, thus enhancing the visual experience. Films such as “North by Northwest” and “The Ten Commandments” have utilized this format in the past, but it has not been mainstream since the early 1960s. Anderson explained that VistaVision provides a “deep, rich, beautiful image,” although its practical use has limited its availability.

Despite the challenges in finding theaters equipped for VistaVision, four locations worldwide will screen the film in this format: Vista Theater in Los Angeles, Regal Union Square 17 in New York, the Coolidge Corner Theater in Boston, and Odeon Leicester Square in London.

In addition to VistaVision, “One Battle After Another” will be showcased in IMAX 70mm at ten theaters, maintaining a unique aspect ratio of 1.43:1 for its entire run. This format’s consistency is a first for narrative features. The most common way to view the film will be through standard 70mm projection, available at 19 theaters.

The movie weaves a complex narrative, following characters from intense beginnings through years of upheaval, including a central protagonist, Perfidia Beverly Hills, played by Teyana Taylor. DiCaprio’s character, Pat Calhoun, navigates a fraught relationship with his daughter amid a storyline rich with social commentary and action-packed sequences.

As excitement builds, “One Battle After Another” promises to be a thrilling addition to Anderson’s catalogue and a notable spectacle for audiences looking for a unique cinematic experience.