The Odyssey

With all the hype and controversy surrounding Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey, here’s an epic idea: Why don’t we just focus on the movie as a movie?

If we can do that, then The Odyssey proves why Nolan stands is considered one of the most ambitious modern filmmakers. He has crafted another magnificent cinematic achievement, remarkable for both its scope and scale. Just as impressive is the film’s humanistic approach and thoughtful execution, which make this mythological story feel surprisingly believable.

The movie stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, King of Ithaca who is trying to make his way home after fighting in the Trojan War. He and his men encounter several different obstacles as they persevere.

Nolan assembles a top-notch ensemble to support Damon including Anne Hathaway as his long-suffering wife Penelope. She has been waiting for 20 years for Odysseus to return home and she refuses to give up hope and marry another man.

The other supporting cast includes Robert Pattinson who is effectively sinister as Antonius; Tom Holland is Odysseus’ son Telemchus; Zendaya as the goddess Athena who navigates Odysseus on his fraughtful quest and Charlize Theron as Calypso who saves Odysseus and wants to keep him on her island as her husband.

As per usual in a Nolan film, The Odyssey never sacrifices substance for spectacle but when the special effects are front and center, they make for some breathtaking sights and even sounds. When Odysseus and his men encounter the Cyclops, Nolan refuses to let us see visual effects that make the character look silly or cheesy. Rather it looks convincing and even frightening as Odysseus and his men battle this behemoth.

The Odyssey has endured its own odyssey (no pun intended). Everything from the casting to the historical accuracy to its production and costume designs have been intensely scrutinized. However, I think most people who are judging this film based on these are missing one crucial element: Nolan is directing a fantasy epic. Homer is steeped in mythology and when something is steeped in mythology, the rules of realism don’t necessarily have to follow any kind of internal logic.

Of course, Nolan is a filmmaker known for formulating ambitious material, but he never forgets to inject realism and detail into it in such a way that when we see it on screen, it’s credible. His Dark Knight trilogy, Inception and Interstellar are prime examples.

This is by far Nolan at his most ambitious. He filmed the entire movie completely with IMAX cameras and for me, it’s the only way the film should be experienced. The film’s sound design packs a powerful punch, especially during the special effects sequences, making those moments impossible to ignore.

In the world of The Odyssey, we do get the massive spectacle, but Nolan and his actors and crew deliver such a stunning effort and the themes of Homer are on display in such powerful, emotional and genuinely thrilling fashion, that no one will leave disappointed.

At nearly three hours, it’s a journey worth taking. Especially in IMAX.

Grade: A

(Rated R for violence and some language.)

Reviewer’s Note: I saw this movie at Royal Cinemas and IMAX at the World’s Tallest IMAX in Pooler.