Christopher Nolan’s latest film is a real rollercoaster adventure from start to finish – never once feeling its nearly three hour running time.
While I was expecting Christopher Nolan’s film to be filled with thrilling action sequences and strong story telling in retelling this famous story, what I was not expecting was the sheer emotional force of the film at the same time.
At its basic, it is the story of Odyssey trying to make his way home from the Trojan war, but on a deeper level it is also a story of a family trying to find their way back to each other once the war is over. You have Penelope trying to hold the palace against her suitors including the coldly charismatic Antinous, Telemachus trying to discover what has happened to his father, while Odyssey himself attempts to get home while trying to protect his men (which he doesn’t do a great job of it has to be said).
Aside from the action sequences involving monsters of all shapes and forms, the film really shines in the quiet moments – such as when Telemachus discovers the return of his father, Penelope and Antinous’s conversation in which he urges her in a charismatic way to choose a suitor and even the unfolding horror of the events when Odyssey and his men run into Circe. There is poignancy in the moments in which Odyssesy is speaking with Calypso, feeling completely lost (although there is a reason for that…) and the way in which Telemachus engages with Menelaus adds extra richness.
Perhaps the way in which the film jumps from different times and character’s perspectives can be a little bit disconcerting to begin with, once it settles down, the audience really gets into the rhythm of the story and the way in which it unfolds. This is a film that really keeps you on your toes from start to finish.
Every shot has been chosen for ultimate effect, increasing the tension and sense of thrill in every scene to ensure that the drama of what is unfolding in a way that really captures the tragedy of what unfolds. The battle scenes in Troy, the crew’s meeting of Scylla, and the climate scenes of the film are really vividly realised – enhanced by Ludwig Göransson’s brilliantly unique score, which by rejecting a traditional orchestral sound offers a rougher but more in keeping sound that highlights the uncertainty that the characters face throughout.
There has already been so many arguments about the accuracy of Nolan’s film, but this is certainly a story that is open to as many different interpretations as ever since it has been around for thousands of years. In my opion, everyone working on this film has done it justice. It is powerful, raw with plenty of thrills along the way – it truly feels like an epic film.
The casting has been really well thought out. Although I was initially uncertain of Matt Damon being cast as Odyssey – but he really does prove worthy of bringing this character to life. He delivers in terms of showcasing the character’s increasing burden of feelings of grief and guilt (particularly in deceiving his own comrade and cousin Sinon) – it is raw and unflinchinging every way.
Elsewhere, Anne Hathaway offers a really steely and gut wrenching performance as Penelope, desperate to find out what has happened to her husband and trying to hold the kingdom together. Samantha Morton as Circe also is worthy of mention – wonderfully brittle and emotionally raw – it is extremely powerful when she is on screen.
Robert Pattinson as Antinous is cool, calculating as the subtle villain, offering a different side later on as more than slightly cowardly in the climatic scenes. Pattinson wonderfully responds to each change in tone in the scenes that he is in. Tom Holland as Telemachus really grows into the role as the character develops across the story.
Overall, The Odyssey is a triumphant film that showcases the power of film making in telling stories such as these.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️