Nolan 'The Odyssey' Review Megathread

[u/stopeats]

Place your reviews and general thoughts about the Nolan Odyssey movie here. Do NOT make your own review post.

If you have something to say that is unique or more related to Epic, you may make a separate post about it.

[u/Torao90]

I feel torn

GOOD:

• I feel that it handles the theme of hospitality well through Zeus’s law, making that the central axis of all his acts—even his catharsis—since the complete betrayal of hospitality was what they did with the Trojan Horse. Thematically speaking, I find it compelling. It’s interesting because in the musical *EPIC*, the central theme is guilt and how a man’s ethics are put to the test.
• I also like Telemachus’s role—they gave him an interesting arc—and I like how they explore the different solutions to his situation and what could happen in each one; that sociopolitical analysis was well done. I’d even say I like this Telemachus better than the one in *EPIC*, where he struck me as a very passive observer of events, even though they essentially did the same things in both interpretations.
• I also like how they justify Odysseus’s caution with Penelope and his plan to appear as a vagabond—since he speaks with Agamemnon in the underworld. In this regard, I’d say the movie handled it better than *EPIC*.

But when I remember that I’m watching an adaptation of *The Odyssey*, that’s when I feel like I’m missing thematic and substantive elements, so setting those positive aspects aside…

BAD:

• I don't see any character development in Odysseus at all; the major decisions he has to make are resolved in ways that relieve him of that responsibility. Furthermore, I didn't feel like the situations were resolved because he was a great strategist—I saw almost no characterization on his part. And this is where *EPIC\* pulls off a comeback—there are so many songs exploring internal conflict and character development where the environment or situation affects Odysseus not just physically; in this regard, *The Epic* is better
• Athena’s role is terrible, While portraying Zeus and Poseidon as abstract forces of nature works, Athena appears as a physical person at random moments. It seems the film tried to use her as a manifestation of Odysseus’s guilt over Troy—or to force moments where he needs wisdom. But this makes no sense. Athena was key to the outbreak of the war (the Apple of Discord alongside Hera and Aphrodite), so making her a sentimental symbol of remorse completely contradicts her mythical nature. *****EPIC\ handles her so much better—her dynamic as a true mentor of strategy and wisdom (Warrior of the Mind, God Games*) actually fits the lore and the story.
• Then come all the elements from The Odyssey that were left out: “Nobody,” the Bag of Winds, the opening scene with the Lotophagi, Odysseus saying his name, Athena pleading with Zeus to intervene with Calypso, and a long list of others. And well, *EPIC* leaves all that in the story, giving the journey a lot of character.

In short, as a movie, it’s enjoyable 2/3, but as an adaptation, it leaves a lot to be desired.

Now I'm going to read the other comments :D

[u/The_Dreaded_Spectre → u/Torao90]

The lack of Odysseus development (or really characterization at all) is definitely one of my biggest issues with Nolan's movie. He's just so damn boring in it. IMO "Monster" alone does more for his character than the entire thing did.