Emily Wilson Slams Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' Adaptation

In the London Review of Books, Emily Wilson, whose 2017 translation of Homer's Odyssey inspired Christopher Nolan, has delivered a harsh critique of the director's latest film. She labeled the script as 'abysmal' and deemed the narrative structure 'gimmicky,' arguing that it lacks depth in psychological, emotional, political, and ethical aspects. Wilson pointed out the unconvincing motivations of the characters and remarked on the unappealing food depicted. Nonetheless, she acknowledged the film's role in reigniting interest in Homer’s work, with translations selling rapidly, and appreciated Nolan's promotion of reading. However, she ultimately found the three-hour film disappointing, describing it as a 'family-friendly audiovisual spectacle' akin to Fourth of July fireworks. Starring Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Tom Holland, the film has garnered acclaim from other critics, with The Telegraph calling it 'film of the year' and The Times labeling it 'a masterpiece in every way.' This marks Nolan's first release since his Oscar-winning Oppenheimer in 2023.