Director Christopher Nolan has tackled Homer's ancient Greek epic poem "The Odyssey," delivering a "mammoth and fantastic" cinematic experience that eschews cerebral topics for a transportive, sprawling adventure. The film, running 173 minutes and rated R for violence and some language, is described as Nolan operating in his "David Lean era," reminiscent of "Lawrence of Arabia" with its grand scale and emotional depth.
Matt Damon stars as a bearded Odysseus, embodying a character grappling with the psychological toll of the Trojan War and his decade-long absence. His portrayal is noted for its gravitas and conflicted nature, with Damon reportedly dropping to 167 pounds for the role, emphasizing Odysseus's reliance on personality and wit over brute strength.
Back in Ithaca, Odysseus's stoic wife Penelope, played by Anne Hathaway, fends off persistent suitors vying for the throne. Her son, Telemachus, portrayed by Tom Holland, is desperate to discover his father's fate. The film injects some modern flavor, including occasional strong language, to prevent stiffness while remaining faithful to the epic's core.
The Ithaca scenes are depicted as political and tense, with Hathaway delivering a strong performance as a formidable queen. Robert Pattinson appears as a particularly unpleasant suitor, and John Leguizamo offers a surprising turn as Odysseus's wise friend Eumaeus.
However, the film's draw for audiences lies in Odysseus's perilous journey home from Troy. Nolan crafts majestic and awe-inspiring visuals, including a haunting depiction of the Trojan Horse and unnerving encounters with mythical creatures such as the cyclops and Scylla. Samantha Morton provides a notable performance as the witch Circe.
The ensemble cast is packed with notable actors, including Lupita Nyong'o and Zendaya, who appears as the guiding goddess Athena. Despite limited screen time for some stars, each actor makes an impact.
Nolan's adaptation focuses on the psychology and moral complexities of Odysseus's journey. The film culminates in a ferocious, satisfying final fight sequence, underscored by composer Ludwig Göransson's score, where Odysseus, starting as an underdog, commands the scene. The review suggests that the film's ultimate revelation, though known from the outset, is staged in a way that delivers chilling impact, particularly noting the significance of the arrow.
"The Odyssey" is characterized by its dark tone, even when set against the backdrop of the Ionian Sea, aligning with Nolan's previous works like "Tenet" and "Inception" in its thematic ambition, while delivering the visual spectacle akin to "Lawrence of Arabia."