As a filmmaker, we primarily associate Christopher Nolan with a sense of groundedness. He has explored various fantastical genres, often venturing into the realm of the impossible, yet he utilizes every tool at his disposal to bring these narratives as close to reality as possible. He has infused architecture into the dreamscape, applied scientific principles to stage magic, and introduced a sense of plausibility to superheroes. When feasible, he opts for practical effects, and when that’s not an option, he strives for realism in visual effects. His narratives adhere to a strict logic that influences every creative choice, making even the most intricate concepts or structures within them feel fundamentally understandable.
When it was revealed that Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film would be The Odyssey, we found ourself pondering – What unfolds when he delves into a realm filled with deities, mythical creatures, and genuine magic? Without the ability to wrap it in the “science” aspect of science fiction, how does the supernatural manifest?
The conclusion reveals itself as one of the most remarkable achievements in Nolan’s career. Grounded in reality, this poignant retelling of Homer’s epic captures the deeply human journey of Odysseus and his crew as they confront the essence of becoming a man whose actions inspire legends.
The Odyssey is captivating, intriguing, at times terrifying, and when necessary, profoundly touching. It unmistakably bears the hallmark of a Christopher Nolan film – so much so that it dawned on us that he has been crafting grounded myths for quite a while.
The Odyssey Takes A Measured Approach To Storytelling & This Makes It Even More Grand In Scope
Homer’s Odyssey is renowned for it’s unconventional beginning, a trait mirrored in Nolan’s narrative. The film kicks off with Odysseus (Matt Damon) having been away from his island kingdom of Ithaca for nearly twenty years, the first part of which was dedicated to the siege of Troy.
The story of the Trojan Horse, his clever tactic that led the Greeks to victory, has already become legendary. Yet, unlike numerous survivors of the war, Odysseus and his men have not returned home; after such an extended period without news, many would likely think he is dead.
In his absence, Ithaca has turned into a volatile situation. The palace is overrun with unruly suitors vying for Queen Penelope’s (Anne Hathaway) affection. Despite her efforts to fend them off for years, they shamelessly exploit the local customs of hospitality, consuming Odysseus’ estate and leaving it in ruins.
These very customs have prevented the suitors from seizing the throne through force. However, with Telemachus (Tom Holland), Odysseus’ son and rightful heir, now of age, they provoke him daily, hoping to incite him into making the first move.
Both Penelope and Telemachus realize that they cannot afford to delay their actions any longer. They will have to, just as we will. The Odyssey is a test of patience – and a build-up of delightful anticipation.
Although we are teased with a glimpse of the Trojan War right at the start, Nolan (or more accurately, Penelope, who can’t stand to hear Travis Scott’s bard recount that story once more) makes us wait to witness it, prioritizing the establishment of other elements first.
When we encounter Odysseus on Calypso’s (Charlize Theron) island, where he has languished for years in a haze induced by the lotus flower, his memories gradually resurface, and there is much to recall. It takes a while before he catches up to the present moment we began with.
And, as anyone familiar with the epic understands, the third act does not hastily rush to it’s conclusion. While some films seem to breeze through their runtime, The Odyssey is not one of those three-hour experiences that feels like it’s only half as long. It takes it’s time, and you truly sense that.
However, this isn’t a sign of pacing problems – editor Jennifer Lame, who won an Oscar for Oppenheimer, has once again delivered outstanding work. By eliminating the intermediary of Homer’s oral narrator, Nolan has drawn us intimately close to these characters, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in their journey.
In doing so, he has successfully captured the entire breadth of the story. Odysseus’ odyssey reflects the burden of it’s long years. The film’s ending, crafted with a deliberate and patient approach, feels like a culmination two decades in the making.
The Extensive Reach of The Odyssey Is A Result of Teamwork, With Each Individual Making Significant Contributions.
Indeed, this feeling of vastness is omnipresent. (When you take a moment to articulate your thoughts on it, The Odyssey appears overwhelmingly expansive.) It’s been widely reported that this is the first film of it’s kind filmed entirely with IMAX cameras, and the result is breathtaking, particularly in the way it captures scenes illuminated by fire after dark.
Ludwig Göransson’s score is remarkable; through the speakers in our theater, we often felt the sound resonate within us. The visual effects that brought the film’s creatures to life are both stunning and flawlessly integrated. All these elements come together to bestow a sense of grandeur upon this narrative.
While we are genuinely excited about the overall impact of this film, it is clear that it will be analyzed in segments. Odysseus’ adventure is inherently episodic, and certain episodes emerge as some of the most unforgettable highlights in Nolan’s body of work.
The siege of Troy stands out as a major spectacle, akin to Oppenheimer’s atomic bomb test, and the scene with Bill Irwin portraying the cyclops Polyphemus is truly captivating. However, The Odyssey reaches it’s peak when Odysseus and his crew find themselves on Circe’s (Samantha Morton) island.
To be honest, we never anticipated that Nolan possessed such vivid imagery. The performances vary significantly when considering individual roles versus the overall ensemble. When viewed collectively, the actors harmonize beautifully, with each one contributing meaningfully to the narrative through their choices.
However, whether it’s due to the film’s classic Hollywood epic style or the use of IMAX cameras for numerous close-ups, it’s the cast members with the most star power who tend to stand out the most. Damon delivers an outstanding performance, carrying the film with ease, while Hathaway matches him impressively, despite her limited screen time.
Holland effectively channels the youthful charm that has made him a fantastic Spider-Man, and Pattinson, arguably my favorite among the supporting cast, enhances his impressive repertoire of portraying pathetic characters.
Theron and Zendaya, portraying Athena, are utilized sparingly, yet their presence creates a beautifully ethereal impact. The same can be said for Lupita Nyong’o, whose dual portrayal of Helen and Clytemnestra is far more haunting. Morton captivates in her brief role, leaving a lasting impression.
John Leguizamo, as Eumaeus, Odysseus’ devoted swineherd, along with Himesh Patel, who plays the second-in-command Eurylochus, serve as essential emotional anchors. This is truly a showcase of remarkable performances. Mention one, and the others will inevitably come to mind.
You Won’t Find A Definitive Way To Enjoy Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey
All these elements come together to create a genuinely cinematic experience that you can fully immerse yourself in if you choose. However, for those who want to dissect The Odyssey, much like audiences frequently do with Nolan’s other major films, there are numerous paths to explore.
This adaptation is intriguing, both in its fidelity to the source material and in it’s deviations. Any admirer of this director will be excited by how it expands on recurring themes he has explored throughout his career – the quest to return home, for instance, is a common thread in his films, yet he has never devoted as much focus to the actual homecoming as The Odyssey demands.
Consequently, the scenes that unfold are even more poignant within that framework. For those eager to analyze the authenticity of the supernatural aspects within the film’s universe – aptly referred to as “a time of apparent magic” in the title card – there is much to explore.
However, we were more captivated by the eerie connections between this film and Oppenheimer. The latter is inspired by the biography American Prometheus, which links the creator of the atomic bomb to Greek mythology; conversely, in the former, Nolan reverses that connection.
Both movies can be considered pre-apocalyptic in their own unique ways. However, after initially presenting us with Cillian Murphy’s haunting foresight, The Odyssey’s concluding message hints at a growing optimism regarding humanity’s capacity to overcome our darkest tendencies. The Odyssey will be available in theaters across the country on Friday, July 17.