1911 Italian Silent Film 'L'Odissea' Anticipates Nolan's Epic Homer Adaptation
As Christopher Nolan's adaptation of Homer's 'Odyssey' prepares for release, a 1911 Italian silent film 'L'Odissea' demonstrates the long history of cinematic Homeric spectacle. Directed by Francesco Bertolini, Adolfo Padovan, and Giuseppe De Liguoro at Milano Films, the 44-minute film spared no expense on sets, costumes, and visual effects, notably its cyclops Polyphemus. It was the second major literary adaptation that year for the trio, following 'L'Inferno' (73 minutes), Italy's first feature-length film based on Dante's 'Divine Comedy'. 'L'Odissea' used shifting color tints and theatrical gestures to conjure its ancient world. Nolan's nearly three-hour 'Odyssey' continues this tradition of epic interpretation.
Key facts
- 1911 Italian silent film 'L'Odissea' is an adaptation of Homer's Odyssey.
- Directed by Francesco Bertolini, Adolfo Padovan, and Giuseppe De Liguoro at Milano Films.
- Film runs 44 minutes, depicting Odysseus' journey home.
- Notable for elaborate sets, costumes, and visual effects including the cyclops Polyphemus.
- Uses shifting color tints and theatrical gestures.
- Released fall 1911 in Italy, winter 1911-1912 in the U.S.
- Second major literary adaptation of 1911 for the directors, following 'L'Inferno' (73 min), Italy's first feature film.
- Christopher Nolan's 'Odyssey' adaptation is nearly three hours long and opens later this month.
Entities
Artists
- Francesco Bertolini
- Adolfo Padovan
- Giuseppe De Liguoro
- Christopher Nolan
- Homer
- Dante Alighieri
- Colin Marshall
Institutions
- Milano Films
- Open Culture
- Cinecittà Luce
- YouTube
Locations
- Italy
- United States
- Seoul
- South Korea