‘The Odyssey’ Review – A Breathtaking Epic Of Hubris and Humility

Synopsis: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX® film technology. The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to screens worldwide as the first feature film ever shot entirely with IMAX® Film Cameras.

Power is influence and influence is power, and some people deserve neither. Whether we like it or not, those who garner the most eyes tend to set trends and steer culture. People especially pay attention to the inappropriate or downright evil acts of those with power and influence and the backlash or lack thereof that follows. When corruption prevails, it poisons the waters of decency, and it spreads like wildfire. At some point we lost our way and forgot the plot. We forgot about kindness; we tossed compassion to the wayside, and forgot that we’re in this together. To move forward, we must remember who we are and not who they tell us we have to be. Sometimes we have to go through darkness to find the light, but we can do it with the influence of love and the power of community.

“Our age of Bronze is collapsing.”

When you think of movies being executed on a massive scale with a gripping script to match, Christopher Nolan is one of the first names that come to mind. Now, prepare yourselves because he’s outdone himself again, taking us back to around the 12th century BCE. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey is a breathtaking epic of hubris and humility. In transforming Homer’s mythological adventure into a larger-than-life, awe-inspiring spectacle, the Oppenheimer director skillfully zooms in, making its specific themes and messaging more accessible than ever before. Radiating passion, wonder, and dedication, the film is a testament to masterful crafting, phenomenal performances, and thoughtful storytelling. Its thrilling action and electric drama result in edge-of-your-seat excitement that is nothing short of jaw-dropping. While there is always a benefit to being familiar with the text, it’s not a requirement necessary to fully immerse yourself in this journey.

It’s one thing to adapt a work of literature, but to take on one of the most read and celebrated foundational texts is a daunting task. While it has been done before, every adaptation is unique in look and feel, and each has distinct moral and thematic focal points. I bring that up because, like a bard singing praises and reciting history, each orator has their own perspective, and perspective can live forever. As you are continuously mesmerized by Nolan’s grand set pieces and the beauty of each shot, it is his focus on humanity that is the real work of art.

After the unspeakably violent fall of Troy, there’s only one thing Odysseus (Matt Damon) wants to do: make it back to Ithaca, where he is King, to his wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway), and son, Telemachus (Tom Holland). Typically a humble man and strategic thinker, Odysseus adopts an inflated sense of self and endangers the men he has promised to lead. Questioning faith, morals, and upsetting the Gods, his selfish missteps put him and his men in the face of endless peril from a cyclops to giants, sirens, and a witch, unfathomable creatures, to their own hunger; the only certainty is death. And as the hero of the Trojan War tries to survive the wrath of Zeus and Poseidon, his wife and son attempt to keep suitors at bay who seek Penelope’s hand in marriage and the vacant throne for themselves. The film tells the story from two different perspectives but three timelines. The first is what is currently taking place in Ithaca; then there’s Odysseus’ recalling of his decades-long absence, trials, and tribulations leading up to him being held captive by a nymph; and finally there’s what happened in Troy that is in his recollection, but permeates throughout the film like a shapeshifting god.

“Don’t look for Gods in men…”

The perspectives eventually collide in an impressive heroic feat worthy of songs. Featuring detestable villains and a deeply transformative character arc—moving from hubris to humility, sorrow to strength, and pity to accountability—this is a near-perfect story we can all learn from. Moreover, this is a tale of compassion, love, and promises. There is something for everyone. Nolan opts for modern dialogue, allowing the audience to focus on what is happening rather than decoding what is said. However, I think most would pick up on it through context and actions regardless of what language he chose.

The score is one of the year’s best. It enters the body and lives in your spirit until the end, heightening each scene. And there are some truly unforgettable scenes. Every technical aspect appears almost flawless. However, the editing feels a little jumpy at times as it bounces from perspectives, sometimes without warning or preparation. Nevertheless, it’s not enough to eject you from immersion. If you see nothing else in IMAX this year, make it The Odyssey. Its rewatchability is high.

Pace & Pop

To no surprise, well, maybe a little, Nolan manages to take a 24-book epic poem and somehow manages to construct an adaptation that covers every important aspect while making it feel like a nonstop adventure. And while, yes, the original text is a heroic adventure by definition, the film effectively transforms and condenses the more dialogue-heavy instances into heightened drama and action. What really pops is the execution of all the technical aspects. From its practical approach and masterful cinematography to its concise editing and sound design, it’s impressive on all levels.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Mia Goth, Corey Hawkins, and Himesh Patel, with Zendaya and Charlize Theron

Not only is this the best ensemble cast of the year, but they also deliver some career-best performances. Matt Damon as Odysseus delivered a commanding performance like his life depended on it. Anne Hathaway’s Penelope is full of compassion and unrelenting love, but is also full of a fire that anyone threatening her family should fear. And Tom Holland delivers his best performance as Telemachus. He’s driven by loyalty and curiosity about a father he’s never met, and Holland captures that essence in truly compelling fashion. Oh, and before it’s over, you’ll be rooting for the downfall of Robert Pattinson’s Antinous.

The Odyssey sneaks into theaters July 17, 2024. Stay safe and stay woke.

Rated: R Runtime: 2h 52m Director: Christopher Nolan Writer: Christopher Nolan Based on: Homer’s Odyssey Producers: Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan Executive Producer: Thomas Hayslip Director of Photography: Hoyte Van Hoytema, asc, fsf, nsc Production Designer: Ruth De Jong Costume Designer: Ellen Mirojnick Makeup Designer: Luisa Abel Hair Designer: Gloria Casny Editor: Jennifer Lame Score: Ludwig Göransson Visual Effects Supervisor: Andrew Jackson Special Effects Supervisor: Scott R. Fisher Co-Producers: Andy Thompson, Helen Medrano Casting: John Papsidera