Sir Christopher Nolan's recent blockbuster adaptation of Homer's epic poem, "The Odyssey," has drawn criticism from some audience members for its excessively loud sound design. Reports indicate that several cinemas have resorted to distributing earplugs to patrons, with some viewers complaining of discomfort, ringing ears, and even migraines after screenings.
Audience reactions shared on social media highlight a struggle to discern dialogue amidst the film's powerful soundscape. One viewer stated they had seen the film three times but still found it difficult to understand what the Cyclops character was saying. Another audience member noted that earplugs significantly improved their experience, allowing them to hear dialogue while still feeling the bass. Some reports have measured the film's decibel level at 104.6, a level that the Hearing Health Foundation suggests can cause permanent hearing damage in under 15 minutes.
For comparison, a jackhammer or a revving motorcycle engine operates at around 100 decibels and can lead to permanent hearing damage after 15 minutes of exposure. "The Odyssey," with a runtime of nearly three hours, presents a significantly longer period of potential auditory strain for its audience.
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Amidst the audience complaints, Professor Emily Wilson, a classicist whose 2017 translation of "The Odyssey" was cited by Nolan, has also offered a critical review of the film. Writing for the London Review of Books, Wilson described the script as "abysmal" and stated that the adaptation "has nothing convincing to say." She further commented on the film's lack of psychological, emotional, political, and ethical depth, and called its narrative structure "gimmicky."
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Professor Wilson also expressed disappointment with the film's lack of sex scenes and the unappetizing depiction of food, while noting that none of the characters possessed convincing motivations for their actions or dialogue.
Despite the critical and audience reception regarding sound levels and narrative depth, Nolan's film has achieved considerable box office success, grossing approximately $450 million globally within its first two weekends of release. The film features a star-studded cast including Tom Holland as Telemachus, and Matt Damon as Odysseus, alongside Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, and Robert Pattinson.
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