There are stories that echo throughout time, leaving a lasting legacy that permeates through an infinite number of generations. The oft adapted, Homer epic, ‘The Odyssey’ is one such tale. Many have attempted to adapt or put their own spin on the story, from Armand Asante to a Jack Russell Terrier, but few have been able to truly grasp the heart of Homer’s story. Christopher Nolan, with his monstrous adaptation, has created the definitive version of what Homer saw in his mind as he put pen to paper. The film is a marvel of sound and sight, engulfing audiences within it’s story. If any film is a masterpiece, it is this.
Odysseus has angered the gods. Failing to abide by their rules and tricking the Trojans to their doom, Odysseus begins his journey home, only to be sent offcourse and decades behind his original estimated time of arrival. What Nolan has done with this film is not to be replicated. Serving tones of the film epics of the 1950’s with the modern capabilities of an IMAX cameras, Nolan has created one of this centuries next greatest films.
Cast By The Gods
The strength of ‘The Odyssey’ lies with it’s cast. This is one of the best acted films, performed by any cast, that I’ve ever seen. There are top to bottom career performers. Pick one and there are a million reasons why they’re a contender for this years “Best…” pick the category. Lupita N’Yongo as Helen of Troy is cathartic and broken, making the most of minimal screentime. Elliott Page is stunning and Jon Bernthal is astounding. There aren’t enough words of praise to be bestowed.
The stand out, of course, is Tom Holland. His turn as Telemachus is the best of his career and it isn’t close. He’s bold and uncontrolled, intelligent, but foolhardy at times. Holland was just transcendental. Finding himself swapping lines with Holland, John Leguizamo should be on the “Best Supporting” short list as of yesterday. Leguizamo does not get enough credit for his dramatic work. ‘The Odyssey’ would be a great time to see him get his flowers.
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There would be no ‘Odyssey’ without Odysseus, nor Penelope for that matter. Matt Damon, who had SOME concerned upon his casting, plays Odysseus to perfection. Getting in, what looks like, the best shape of his life, Damon is effective at portraying Odysseus foolhardy bravado in a way that leaves him in a state that can be redeemed. Damon wears Odysseus pain on his face, helping to ground the tone of the film during Odysseus’ journey. Anne Hathway as Penenlope oozes strength. Her shared scene with Tom Holland when he returns from seeing Menelaus took my breath away. Her emotions were raw and uncut, engrave the statues now.
An Epic’s Epic
‘The Odyssey’ is an epic. Christopher Nolan’s take on ‘The Odyssey’ is an Epic’s Epic. Meaning it is so massive in scope that it pushes the cusp of overwhelming. The sound pulsates throughout the theaters, thumping the chest of theatergoers. The feeling of being on the beaches of Troy permeating across the individuals strapped to their seats. Shot entirely in IMAX, it is essential that this film is seen in this format.
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This film is deliciously Christopher Nolan. The style that makes Nolan, well, Nolan is apparent throughout ‘The Odyssey.’ I would argue that Nolan’s style is individually suited to create something of this size and scope. The film is pure cinematic beauty, meant to be savored and digested over it’s 3 hour run time, pacing itself in such a way that the time is never felt.
Final Thoughts:
‘The Odyssey’ is as gargantuan in it’s scope as it is in it’s ambition. Fortunately for audiences, Christopher Nolan has given us his best piece of work with a cast that deserves every award that they are given. This movie is stunning and I can’t wait to see it again. I’m already planning my next viewing.
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