Ep. 344: Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey

Morgan and Gavia reunite to discuss Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, an ambitious cinematic endeavour that showcases Nolan's greatest strengths as a filmmaker - along with some of his recurring weaknesses. Among other topics, this episode covers the film's star-studded cast, its relationship with the original poem, and the way Nolan uses an ancient story to explore contemporary anxieties. Also, we dig into some of the surrounding discourse, including classicist Emily Wilson's controversial (and piercingly negative) review.

Links:

"Christopher Nolan talks narrative decisions, film critics and whether he Christianised The Odyssey," Zhong Shu, Nolan Archives

"An Uncomplicated Man," Emily Wilson, London Review of Books

"Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey used occupied land as a film set. That feels like a betrayal," Mohamed Sleiman Labat, The Guardian

"John Leguizamo Has Never Been as Vulnerable as in ‘The Odyssey’: “It Was So Intense for Me”," David Canfield, The Hollywood Reporter