Classicist Emily Wilson, whose 2017 translation of Homer's epic inspired Christopher Nolan's film, has publicly criticized the adaptation, saying she would be 'ashamed' to have written any part of it. The film, released July 17, has sparked debate over its portrayal of female characters and people of colour, while also facing accusations of being 'too woke' from figures like Elon Musk.
Wilson's critique of Nolan's interpretation
Wilson's takedown targets Nolan's interpretation of characters, dialogue, and the treatment of war and its consequences. She argues that Odysseus is flattened into a guilt-ridden veteran, losing the cunning, wit, and humour of the original. Key scenes, such as the encounter with the Cyclops, are rewritten, stripping away the clever 'No-one' trick that sets Poseidon's curse in motion. Calypso is unrecognizable, and the lotus flower and Nausicaa episodes are omitted.
A fan's mixed reaction
As a lifelong fan of the Odyssey, I find Nolan's version compelling but flawed. The film leans into realism and the horrors of war, with Athena (Zendaya) portrayed as a figment of Odysseus' guilt and the gods as ominous forces. However, this comes at the cost of the epic's whimsical elements. The Cyclops scene, in particular, replaces Homer's clever trick with subpar hay-on-backs deception and a confusing revelation that the Cyclops is Poseidon's son. 'Telling us that Odysseus is the smartest man, rather than showing us, was unfortunately a regular motif,' I note.
The impossibility of a perfect adaptation
Wilson's critique resonates, but I acknowledge that a 'perfect' adaptation is impossible. Nolan's film offers a fresh perspective on an ancient story, with stunning filmmaking and poignant commentary on war. It has already sparked renewed interest in Greek mythology, akin to the Harry Potter franchise's cultural impact. While not the Odysseus I know, it deserves applause for its ambition. I hope it inspires many more adaptations to come.
