Emily Wilson Critiques Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Script as Abysmal

Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ has emerged as one of the most talked-about films of the year, but not everyone is impressed with his interpretation of Homer’s timeless epic. Emily Wilson, the classicist and translator whose 2017 version of ‘The Odyssey’ inspired Nolan’s adaptation, has offered a scathing review, claiming that the film overlooks the essence of the original narrative.

In her review for the London Review of Books, which was later covered by The Guardian, Wilson acknowledged the ambition behind Nolan’s project but contended that the final product fails to convey the emotional and philosophical depth inherent in Homer’s work.

Wilson argues that Nolan’s adaptation prioritizes spectacle over substance, resulting in characters and themes that feel hollow. She criticized the film for not addressing the profound questions surrounding family, war, memory, and human nature that have kept Homer’s poem relevant for millennia.

“I had hoped that Nolan’s affinity with these Homeric themes might push him to new creative heights, and enable him to conjure more believable characters,” Wilson expressed. She further stated that the film instead showcases “his usual combination of grandiosity and superficiality.”

Continuing her critique, Wilson noted that the film struggles to delve into the significant themes of the ancient story. “Nolan’s ‘Odyssey’ lacks many of the elements that make the poem great,” she remarked, adding that the film offers “nothing convincing to say about time, memory, history, war, or about the relationship between one warrior’s glorious return and the lives of his family, adversaries, comrades, friends and neighbors.”

Her most pointed criticism was directed at the screenplay, which she described as “abysmal”, asserting that the characters lack credible motivations for their actions. Wilson also took issue with the film’s handling of certain details, arguing that it fails to capture the human elements that make Homer’s original tale unforgettable.

This critique is particularly significant given that Nolan has previously praised Wilson’s work. During the promotional tour for ‘The Odyssey,’ he revealed that he used her translation as a creative reference while crafting his interpretation of Odysseus, portrayed by Matt Damon.

Nolan specifically mentioned the opening line of Wilson’s translation, “Tell me about a complicated man,” explaining that it influenced his understanding of the legendary Greek hero. However, Wilson ultimately felt that Nolan’s adaptation did not fulfill that potential, stating, “I would be ashamed to have written any part of this script.”

Despite Wilson’s critical response, the film has resonated with many audiences. ‘The Odyssey’ received an A CinemaScore from viewers during its opening weekend and has emerged as one of the year’s major box office successes, raking in $90 million domestically in its second weekend.

Interestingly, Wilson has also acknowledged that Nolan’s film has sparked renewed interest in Homer’s original work. In a prior interview with The Sunday Times, she mentioned that the film’s popularity could inspire more people to delve into the epic poem and foster an appreciation for classical literature.

“The release of ‘The Odyssey’ is still an event to celebrate,” Wilson remarked, noting that translations of the poem have garnered increased attention since the film’s debut.

While Wilson’s review has ignited discussions among fans and scholars alike, Nolan’s adaptation continues to attract large audiences globally. This contrast underscores the complexities of adapting a narrative that has endured for nearly 3,000 years, with viewers and critics holding vastly different expectations for this modern retelling.

‘The Odyssey’ is currently screening in theaters worldwide.

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