Emily Wilson on Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” Film

Greek translator Emily Wilson expressed mixed feelings about the impact of Christopher Nolan’s latest film, “The Odyssey.” Released recently, the movie has boosted interest in Wilson’s 2017 acclaimed translation of Homer’s epic. Her version reached Amazon’s top 5 thanks to the film’s release.

Nolan has referenced her translation during the film’s development, using her opening line “Tell me about a complicated man” as an inspiration. However, despite positive reviews, Wilson felt the film did not capture essential themes from the original poem.

“I am pleased people are revisiting ‘The Odyssey,’” Wilson told The Associated Press. “Yet, I felt Christopher Nolan’s attempt to include everything resulted in missing key aspects of the poem.”

“The Odyssey” stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, and Tom Holland as Telemachus. Critics lauded the performances and the film’s narrative, praising the IMAX scale and its blend of ancient and modern sensibilities as seen through Nolan’s perspective.

Debate emerged about whether the film aligned more with Nolan’s vision or Homer’s classic. Translator Daniel Mendelsohn, in The New York Review of Books, admired Nolan’s ambition and visual style. He also commented on the director’s casting choice of Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy, viewing it as a challenge to perceptions of beauty and identity but criticized Odysseus’ portrayal.

Mendelsohn noted Odysseus lacked cleverness and humor. He compared this to protagonists from other Nolan films, claiming that the director remade Homer’s hero in his own style.

Wilson, who teaches classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania, avoided being seen as a purist opposed to changes in adaptation. Yet she questioned some cinematic choices, such as omitting gods like Zeus and Poseidon. She described the film’s inconsistencies, particularly its messages on war and cowardice.

Wilson highlighted how Penelope’s character felt diminished, affecting the credibility of her marriage to Odysseus. She also noted the portrayal of scenes with Odysseus’ dog, Argos, appealing to modern sentimentality.

“Everybody’s a sucker for a dog,” Wilson said.

Nolan’s representatives did not respond to requests for comment. Wilson didn’t provide an official rating for the film but encouraged theatergoers to experience it in cinemas.

“It was enjoyable with my kids and engaging enough. Watching on a big screen is recommended,” she stated.