It truly demonstrates what a feat of cinematic storytelling this film was if 3 hours does not feel long at all! In fact, I could have watched 3 more! I have not read the epic poem “The Odyssey” by Homer, so bear that in mind for my review.
In case you’ve been hiding away, here’s the trailer for the much-anticipated epic film by Christopher Nolan:
Why it worked so well – the journey we were taken on
The biggest takeaway for me was how well they took us on this epic journey without it feeling dragged out or too much. Each scene had a role to play and we were placed within it quite comfortably. Nolan took his time and that was important for the narrative to land the way it did. No rushing. No making it feel boisterous and “epic” as the poem is coined, but epic in it’s impact instead. Allowing the emotion, the frustration, the trials to feel weighty because they were taking a toll on the characters.
The pacing therefore was so expertly done, in my opinion. It didn’t feel long. I didn’t want a scene to be over. We flashed back and forth between past and present in a perfectly handled framed narrative style (the story being told after the event, and unfolding piece by piece).
It was sort of dreamy and ethereal at times, which was, I assume, the point. A story that blends realism and fantasy lends well to a dreamy hue, a questioning of the real and imagined. Like waking up from a deep sleep…
Cinematically flawless
I probably goes without saying but this film’s visuals were faultless. Impeccable. I felt like I was in Ithaca and Sparta and Troy. I too was being tested by the sea. From costume to graphics, locations to choice of fantastical elements, perfection.
I will give more specifics in the spoiler review!
Acting excellence
With an excellent star cast, there was no fear of poor acting performance!
- Matt Damon as Odysseus
- Tom Holland as his son Telemachus
- Anne Hathaway as his wife Penelope
- Zendaya as the goddess Athena
- Charlize Theron as the goddess Calypso
- Robert Pattinson as Antinous (a suitor)
- Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy
- Elliott Page as Sinon (a solider)
- John Leguizamo as Eumaeus (Odysseus’s loyal servant)
No one’s acting felt stilted or forced, flat or over the top. Every character felt real. Christopher Nolan filmed it on an IMAX camera, which added a complex layer to the production, but each actor stepped up to the challenge.
Greek Myths
If you are a fan of the Greek myths, or loved the Percy Jackson book series like I did, this will be a funhouse of homages! Many gods and goddesses, heroes and legends of the Greek myths are mentioned or experienced. Never was it heavy-handed or fantastical to the point of being cheesy or unbelievable. It was so well done that the fantasy elements felt natural, expected and well-placed. I won’t mentioned which specific characters are in the film, as it may count as a spoiler!
The story has a very poignant moral message to it that I feel is still so relevant in today’s modern world. But it was never preachy or on the nose. It spoke to empathy and kindness; camaraderie, loyalty, trust, family, duty, honour, and most importantly, perhaps, humanity. Holding things sacred and witnessing one’s mistakes in retrospect with integrity.
Incredibly powerful stuff
You do not, in my opinion, need to be familiar with The Odyssey epic poem by Homer or other adaptations or Greek Myths at all to enjoy the film. I do think if you know of some of the myths though, it will help you to enjoy the film from another perspective; gives it an added layer.
If you feel you’d like more context before going into the film, perhaps watch this:
Go watch it in cinemas and then read my spoiler review here!
Sincerely,
S. xx
S. R. Crawford 