I'm glad to see that more people liked it. I have many friends who didn't appreciate how the movie doesn't stick to the original books, but I actually found Nolan's interpretation perfectly suited for a film. I also loved the conversation with Penelope once Odysseus goes back to Ithaca. That made me wanna write a post about my reflections.
"but I actually found Nolan's interpretation perfectly suited for a film."this is spot on. I find myself frustrated with the fact that Odysseus is, in Homer's version, far from a hero. And the idea of having a conscience is a fairly recent development. But like you say it's a movie. And Nolan knows more about making movies than I do. The movie that I directed in my head is of course far far better. But also of course no one else would like it
Wow, what a great read! I really loved your technical explanation of the movie format and especially your insight about the music, had no clue about how the score was created and that silence was used as an “instrument”. Also the review was well rounded with your interpretation of it, on Zeus’ and Athene’s “presence”.
Agreed. The editing is pure wizardry and on a par with some of Terrence Malick's most transporting footage. The score was ridiculously inspired...who is Hans Zimmer?Homer's lessons Nolan intersperses in the rich. rich narrative will take me 2-3 months to dissect and digest. I didn't know Matt Damon had it in him, I knew Anne Hathaway did. "I want Odysseus" Wow.
There's been so many reviews of The Odyssey that I've read since watching the movie, but yours stood out from the rest with unique talking points and your distinctive writing style. Great work- I enjoyed reading this!
i loved when you said that even if the odyssey isn’t completely faithful to the original, it’s still bringing one of humanity’s greatest stories to a modern audience in 2026. that’s such a great way of putting it!!! i actually just published an article myself about the major differences between the poem and the movie that caught me a bit off guard, but i can totally see that the scope of this film goes far beyond accuracy
I also considered the manifestation of Athena that way for a split second during that scene- that she was presenting in the form of someone he watched his men kill. But then I remembered he said ‘don’t look for gods in men’ and I’m leaning more toward the alternative that the goddess came to him in human form when they destroyed the statue because they summoned her when they gave the horse as a gift in her name and then completely corrupted the hospitality that should have been bound by the gods. I think it works both ways and both are true though, ultimately. As Odysseus is her protectorate or rather she is his divine patron, it works wonderfully in two ways: psychological manifestation of grief in reality, the presence of the divine in fantasy. So spiritually Homeric I love to see it!
Everything you've said is so beautiful and so true about the film, I love!! I've actually written an article about the possible future dangers of how we seem to herald IMAX and you echo a lot of my own concerns.
Funny enough, the part that stuck with me wasn't even your thoughts on the movie. It was how excited you sounded talking about the process behind making it. That enthusiasm is kind of contagious. I knew some of it already, but seeing it tied back to your experience with the film made it land differently. We clearly watched the same movie with different things on our minds. I wrote about it too, so if you ever stumble across mine, I'd be curious what you make of it.: shorturl.at/b73JF
I’m seeing it tonight be your article was the perfect way to work up some excitement and anticipation.
Enjoy! Would love to know your thoughts afterwards
I'm glad to see that more people liked it. I have many friends who didn't appreciate how the movie doesn't stick to the original books, but I actually found Nolan's interpretation perfectly suited for a film. I also loved the conversation with Penelope once Odysseus goes back to Ithaca. That made me wanna write a post about my reflections.
You can find it here: https://giuliofaldetta.substack.com/p/the-cost-of-breaking-trust?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=8pja2c
Thanks ! Will check it out
"but I actually found Nolan's interpretation perfectly suited for a film."this is spot on. I find myself frustrated with the fact that Odysseus is, in Homer's version, far from a hero. And the idea of having a conscience is a fairly recent development. But like you say it's a movie. And Nolan knows more about making movies than I do. The movie that I directed in my head is of course far far better. But also of course no one else would like it
Wow, what a great read! I really loved your technical explanation of the movie format and especially your insight about the music, had no clue about how the score was created and that silence was used as an “instrument”. Also the review was well rounded with your interpretation of it, on Zeus’ and Athene’s “presence”.
Thanks so much!!
Agreed. The editing is pure wizardry and on a par with some of Terrence Malick's most transporting footage. The score was ridiculously inspired...who is Hans Zimmer?Homer's lessons Nolan intersperses in the rich. rich narrative will take me 2-3 months to dissect and digest. I didn't know Matt Damon had it in him, I knew Anne Hathaway did. "I want Odysseus" Wow.
A GIANT, monster production.
I agree!! Incredible
There's been so many reviews of The Odyssey that I've read since watching the movie, but yours stood out from the rest with unique talking points and your distinctive writing style. Great work- I enjoyed reading this!
Thanks so much !!!!
i loved when you said that even if the odyssey isn’t completely faithful to the original, it’s still bringing one of humanity’s greatest stories to a modern audience in 2026. that’s such a great way of putting it!!! i actually just published an article myself about the major differences between the poem and the movie that caught me a bit off guard, but i can totally see that the scope of this film goes far beyond accuracy
Thanks you for reading:)) I’ll check it out 🫶
My thoughts on Odyssey !
https://ghazibenahmed.substack.com/p/christopher-nolans-the-odyssey-when?r=4ukxmm&utm_medium=ios
I also considered the manifestation of Athena that way for a split second during that scene- that she was presenting in the form of someone he watched his men kill. But then I remembered he said ‘don’t look for gods in men’ and I’m leaning more toward the alternative that the goddess came to him in human form when they destroyed the statue because they summoned her when they gave the horse as a gift in her name and then completely corrupted the hospitality that should have been bound by the gods. I think it works both ways and both are true though, ultimately. As Odysseus is her protectorate or rather she is his divine patron, it works wonderfully in two ways: psychological manifestation of grief in reality, the presence of the divine in fantasy. So spiritually Homeric I love to see it!
I love this analysis! Thanks for sharing - That’s an aspect of the film I couldn’t stop talking about after watching
Ludwig Göransson’s Odysseus score made me cry. I had no idea that he had to use instruments from back then
Incredible, incredible score. I didn’t know either while I was watching, but it makes it all that more impressive
i saw it in 70mm (not imax 70mm though i wish) and let me tell you it was MAGICAL to watch. i haven’t been this excited about a film in a long time
oh i’m JEALOUS!!
You’re absolutely spot on about Himesh Patel!
loved him in this!
I saw it today and it exceeded my expectations 🩶🤍
Everything you've said is so beautiful and so true about the film, I love!! I've actually written an article about the possible future dangers of how we seem to herald IMAX and you echo a lot of my own concerns.
Thank you!!! I’ll check it out - I feel like this movie has opened up a huge convo about access to cinema, which I think is great
Funny enough, the part that stuck with me wasn't even your thoughts on the movie. It was how excited you sounded talking about the process behind making it. That enthusiasm is kind of contagious. I knew some of it already, but seeing it tied back to your experience with the film made it land differently. We clearly watched the same movie with different things on our minds. I wrote about it too, so if you ever stumble across mine, I'd be curious what you make of it.: shorturl.at/b73JF
That means a lot!! I always want my love of film and my excitement to translate :) Excited to check out your review
YES! 💯 enjoyed reading!
SPOT ON. Perfectly explained.
thank you!!