Nolan’s version of this classic tale is heavily stressing that amends, indemnities, and restitutions must occur for breaking  Zeus’ Law. The protocols of hospitalities and gifts have been uprooted for selfish acts. That will NOT be tolerated by  the Gods and Goddess for they will mete out their punishments accordingly. Odysseus believes he has brought upon this new curse to the world when he deceived the Trojans with a gift of a horse to win the war. Playing upon the policy of generosity and leading a surprise attack on Troy to victory. A victory that is tainted for it leads to his ten year trek home following the ten year siege at Troy. The film is what we have come to expect from Christopher Nolan taking on the epic tale. It is a sweeping, gorgeous, spectacular looking film that is demanding to be seen in IMAX. 

The ensemble cast is led by Matt Damon and Ann Hathaway brings a sense of power and command to it. The star-power from the loaded cast provides an elevation that is quite intoxicating. This film is consistently alluring, much like the Sirens in the story. It’s the richest and the boldest film of the year so far.

What really works in this version though is that it brings a sense of hyper-realism to it- a sense of being plausible even in an apparent time of magic, a line stated before the film begins. But most importantly it is the scale that is the most impressive value in this. Nolan is a fan of filming on locations and exteriors, which lead to be almost logical to do this epic tale. The adaptation is faithful to the poem, although condensed but not packed. The editing makes the story breathe and keeps a pace that is never slow. It doesn’t fee like a three hour film. What is uncanny about it is the feeling of being an original story.  Nolan truly made it of his own. I image this version of the Cyclops most definitely will give you pause and the ending is faithful to the story and perfect for a Nolan film. You never forget throughout it is his film. This classic tale and his approach to filmmaking are perfect for each other, a perfect combination.

Since “The Dark Knight” Nolan cemented his style and aesthetic. He will continue to swing a big bat and doesn’t mind if critics deem it a foul ball or a home run. It is scale and vista that dominates all other values.  This is the kind of story that is tailored for him or he tailored himself for. It is bold, stubborn filmmaking about a bold, stubborn man-Odysseus.  

“The Odyssey” will land many Oscar nominations, not just because it is another Nolan epic, but because it’s just that great.  It will be featured in many critics’ top ten. It will definitely be in mine at the end of the year. It is just sensational and insatiable.

We don’t know what is next for Christopher Nolan, we know it will be epic though. The challenge for him is that he can pull himself away from a story that consistently features a woman that needs to be rescued-by a man.  It’s his crux. His massive flaw. I don’t think he can. Like I said, he has cemented his style and aesthetic and also that kind of story he wants to convey and will until the industry says no. He won’t do it himself. 

“The Odyssey” is a story that needs to be constantly remade and refreshed. For a story that is thousands of years old it still holds truths and themes that are prevalent for today, because it is so human even though it is weighted with monsters and giants.

Of all the traits of Odysseus-his cunning, his strength, his honor, it is this relentless pursuit to return home. His stubbornness is his greatest trait. It is inflexible, unbending pursuit towards completing the journey back when many, many, many times it was easier to quit.  For-In the apparent time of magic-persistence was the greatest conjuring. 9/10