After years of anticipation, director Christopher Nolan has brought his epic adaptation of The Odyssey to cinemas.
Armed with an all-star cast led by Matt Damon, his arsenal of practical effects, and IMAX cinematography, this is Nolan’s biggest and boldest film yet.
It’s fair to say Nolan has delivered.
What is ‘The Odyssey’ about?
The Odyssey is adapted from the epic poem written by Homer, originating from around the eighth or seventh century BC.
10 years after victory in the Trojan War, Odysseus, King of Ithaca, has yet to return home from Troy.
Meanwhile, his wife Penelope patiently waits amid a horde of courting suitors.
Nolan’s film, like the great work it is based on, tells Odysseus’ journey home in a non-linear narrative, where he encounters the Gods, witches, giants, a Cyclops and more mythological threats.
Nolan’s cast is exemplary
Damon, in extraordinary shape, carries these movies on his broad, muscular shoulders with an ease befitting his amazing career to date.
His every movement and word demands attention from an audience; his performance is never too large or too small.
It makes it easy to root for him.
But it’s not just Damon who fits seamlessly into his role.
Every single cast member, no matter how large or small their role, brings their A-game to Nolan’s film.
Anne Hathaway (Penelope), Charlize Theron (Calypso), Jon Bernthal (Menelaus), John Leguizamo (Eumaeus), Himesh Patel (Eurylochus), Lupita Nyong’o (Helen/Clytemnestra), Samantha Morton (Circe) and Zendaya (Athena) don’t miss a single beat.
Robert Pattinson is also wickedly slimy as Antinous, a chief antagonist within the film.
And then, there’s Tom Holland, free from the shackles of Marvel’s corporate machine and giving a career-best performance as Odysseus’ son Telemachus.
It would be easy with such an all-star cast to simply see the actors, but their performances mean we see the characters and feel their every emotion.
Nolan is in top form
Audiences are well-versed in Nolan’s love for practical effects and big theatrical experiences.
The Odyssey is his most visceral film yet.
Every clash of swords, pelting rain and mythological event comes shattering through the screen, bolstered by an amazing score, superb production design and thoughtful cinematography.
The Battle of Troy, in particular, will take your breath away.
Stunning locations and 60-foot puppets are more ingredients to add to this well-baked mix.
There’s also something to be said for how well-paced this two-hour and 52-minute theatrical showcase was.
Not once do you feel bogged down by the weight of the subject, or the runtime.
Instead, Nolan whisks you along like an unrelenting force of cinematic nature.
Time certainly flies when you’re having fun.
If there’s a criticism to be had, maybe a touch more soul could have been sprinkled in, but this is a relatively minor issue among a sea of riches.
A film rarely has so much anticipation, and it’s rarer still when that anticipation is satisfied with a super heavyweight piece of cinematic art.
Rating: 9/10
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