Nolan's The Odyssey Sparks Mixed Reactions

Christopher Nolan’s latest film The Odyssey, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope, has sparked mixed reactions from critics. Based on Homer's epic poem, the movie explores Odysseus' arduous journey home after the Trojan War with a runtime of nearly three hours.

NPR's Justin Chang notes that Nolan's adaptation is both thrilling and uneven, praising the film's straightforward approach to the classic tale. The Guardian highlights Nolan's ambitious reinvention of the Homeric legend as an epic ordeal of anguish witnessed by the dead and presided over by capricious deities.

The film features stunning visuals shot entirely with 70mm IMAX cameras, capturing majestic images of Odysseus' ships at sea. Critics also highlight notable performances from Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Tom Holland as Telemachus, and Robert Pattinson as Antinous.

However, Time's review is less favorable, describing the film as a reason for despair in big-screen prestige spectacles. The reviewer criticizes the film's muddy visuals and underwhelming landscapes despite Nolan's commitment to shooting on film. According to Salon, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is criticized for being pointless, questioning its artistic merit and ambition.

According to Time, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is the first major modern adaptation of one of the most well-known stories in Western canon. Greek myths seem ready-made for the IMAX treatment, involving gods, monsters, and battles. The article suggests that while Nolan's adaptation follows the major beats of Homer's epic poem, he modernizes the story and adds extra dimension to some characters who can come off as archetypes.

Time also explains the end of The Odyssey, focusing on 'Zeus’ Law' and xenia (the Ancient Greek concept of hospitality). The article delves into Odysseus' guilt over creating the Trojan Horse, which he believes violated these ancient laws. This violation leads to a collapse of Bronze Age civilization in Nolan's interpretation.

The Guardian provides further insights with a classicist’s verdict on Nolan’s adaptation, noting that it adds new shades to well-known characters and offers a soulful hero who flatters modern times by pushing women and nuance overboard. The article also highlights the film's exploration of moral metamorphosis through men, monsters, and mythical encounters.

The Guardian details significant changes made in Nolan’s adaptation compared to Homer’s original story. Notably, Nolan omits several scenes and characters from the epic poem, such as the Phaeacians and some major ghosts like Achilles and Ajax. The film also invents new elements, including a backstory for Sinon (Elliot Page) and the concept of “people from the sea” threatening the world of Greek heroes.

Nolan’s adaptation changes key aspects of Homer's narrative, such as Athena appearing only as a vision seen by Odysseus rather than an active divine entity. The film also omits Penelope’s bed test, which demonstrates her guile in Homer’s version. Instead, Odysseus proves his identity to Penelope with a figurine of Athena.

The Guardian notes that Nolan's film includes grisly executions and invents new details like Melantho (Mia Goth) being condemned to death by Penelope. The film also changes the ending, discarding Homer’s final scenes in favor of Odysseus and Penelope sailing off on a mission to honor his fallen comrades.