Home » Featured » The Odyssey

The Odyssey

By now you’ve no doubt seen the hype surrounding THE ODYSSEY, and I’m here to tell you that it’s even better than what you’ve heard. Christopher Nolan‘s latest film is an absolute masterpiece of modern filmmaking. Filmed specifically for IMAX, it is a staggering achievement that begs to be seen on the biggest screen possible.

On the surface, THE ODYSSEY shouldn’t work. Written over 2000 years ago, everyone already knows variations in the stories contained within Homer’s timeless tale. Whether it be the Trojan horse, the cyclops, or the sirens, these are adventures that have been passed down and rewritten countless times. Now, Nolan can be added to the list of those of have attempted to adapt THE ODYSSEY in their own unique way. Forgoing the original language and dialogue, he has presented a magnificent screenplay that is delivered in modern tongue, yet captures the essence of what has made the work such a timeless treasure.

Nolan has already been at the helm of some of the greatest films of this generation. MEMENTO, THE PRESTIGE, THE DARK KNIGHT, INTERSTELLAR and INCEPTION are all productions that transcend their genres and dazzle their audience no matter how many times they’ve been viewed. Each one of his productions is a unique and thrilling excursion into the power of filmmaking. He is an artist that does not confine himself to one particular style of movie, and is constantly pushing himself and his crew. His vision and attention to detail is unmatched, taking blockbuster filmmaking to an entirely new level.

The journey of Odysseus (Matt Damon) has been documented for literally thousands of years, so getting into the finer plot points seems hardly necessary. If you don’t remember the story and you do go in relatively clueless, you won’t be at a disadvantage. Familiarity with the original material is by no means necessary and perhaps would even benefit you in the long run. Nolan has deftly crafted a narrative that can be enjoyed by fans and newbies alike.

The cast boasts an unfathomable amount of A-list talent. Leading the way is Matt Damon, who, as the intrepid Odysseus, is powerful and profound. The actor shows his greatest range to date by portraying a flawed hero who is both sympathetic and savage. As Odyssey’s son, Telemachus, Tom Holland is equally transcendent. Though he will be slinging his way across the screen as Spider-Man as this article goes to print, his turn in the Odyssey is amongst his career best. His journey from naïve prince to destined king allows him to flex his chops in a way he has yet to do in other projects. Playing Telechmachus’s nemesis Antinous, Robert Pattinson is equally spectacular. The versatile performer continues to dazzle with each performance he gives. As a suitor of Odyssey’s wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway), he teeters on the edge of cordial and cunning. One moment he will be whispering soft words to his potential queen while in the next, he is plotting the demise of her son. Equally impressive is Hathaway, who embodies the tortured queen with grace and rage. Committed to remarry if Odysseus never returns, she continuously puts off the inevitable while holding out hope that her beloved king will return. Other stand out cast members include Zendaya, Jon Bernthal, Charlize Theron, Jonn Leguizamo, and Samantha Morton.

Paired with the performances, Nolan’s stunning visuals make THE ODYSSEY the must-see film of the year. Every sequence is memorable in its own individual way, and leaves the viewer thinking about them for days. When viewed in the IMAX format, the beautiful and larger-than-life set pieces are breathtaking. To see giant vessels toiling on the open sea, men biding their time inside the infamous Trojan Horse, the brutal burning of Troy, or the sinister entrance to hell itself, each scene seems more impossible than the one that preceded it. Audiences may have grown accustomed to green screen adventures, but filmmaking of this caliber proves that there is no replacement for realism. Perhaps it is our collective reliance on modern technology that allows THE ODYSSEY to be such a towering achievement. It feels authentic in a way that I can’t ever recall seeing on this scale. Though I never lost focus of what was unfurling on the screen, I couldn’t help but constantly ponder how Nolan and his crew were executing what I was seeing. In IMAX, it doesn’t just feel like you are watching a movie, it makes you feel like you are attending an event. And, at this point, that’s exactly what each one of Nolan’s films have become.