JEANNE’S REVIEW

Merriam-Webster defines the noun ‘epic’ as “a long narrative poem in elevated style recounting the deeds of a legendary or historical hero”, using Homer’s “Odyssey” as an example. As an adjective, ‘epic’, “extending beyond the usual or ordinary especially in size or scope” certainly applies to Christopher Nolan’s latest effort, THE ODYSSEY, the first feature film shot entirely with IMAX cameras.

Starring Matt Damon in the herculean role of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and Anne Hathaway as Penelope, his wife, director Nolan, who adapted his screenplay from Homer’s poem, has assembled a cast that proves an embarrassment of riches. Among them are; Tom Holland as Telemachus, son of Odysseus and Penelope; Robert Pattinson plays Antinous, an Ithacan suitor trying to convince --- among hordes of others --- Penelope to marry him; Samantha Morton as Circe, a resourceful witch; John Leguizamo as Eumaeus, a blind swineherd and ever-loyal servant to Odysseus; and many others.

Nolan’s script includes all the spectacular elements in The Odyssey, such as the Trojan Horse, and the invasion of Troy, which was filmed at night, the Cyclops (Bill Irwin), a one-eyed giant, and even the Sirens, nymphs whose song causes sailors to run aground. But most importantly, Nolan wanted a movie that is relatable for audiences --- and with that, he has achieved great success.

Odysseus and his faithful soldiers have been gone from Ithaca, his island kingdom, for 20 years. In that time, Telemachus has grown into a man while his mother Penelope continues to fend off greedy and predatory suitors who have taken up residence in her castle. They are convinced Odysseus is dead --- she is not.

Telemachus sails to the Ionian islands seeking news of  his father. There he meets with Menelaus (Jon Bernthal), king of Sparta, and his wife, Helen of Troy (Lupita Nyong’o). Bernthal and Nyong’o are both superb.

Meanwhile, Odysseus and his men have been desperately trying to return to Ithaca, while experiencing one deadly adventure after another. At one point in his journey, Odysseus spends a long period of time on the island of Ogygia, home of the beautiful Calypso (Charlize Theron), daughter of Atlas.

Upon Telemachus’ return to Ithaca, all hell breaks loose as the suitors pressure Penelope to make a choice. But a lowly beggar thwarts their plans with the help of Eumaeus, Odysseus’ most faithful servant.

THE ODYSSEY is definitely the ‘epic’ Nolan imagined when he first conceived the idea. At two hours and 52 minutes, it does not disappoint. The action is almost nonstop, though a few of the battles could have been shortened to tighten the runtime by 20 minutes.

For the fifth time, Nolan has collaborated with director of photography Hoyte van Hoytema, and, as one would expect, the cinematography is utterly astounding, as are the production designs from another frequent collaborator Ruth DeJong. Filmed in six countries, Morocco, Greece, Italy, Iceland, Scotland and the United States over 91 days, Nolan and his cast and crew endured some exquisitely harsh weather and treacherous terrain.

But, in the end --- and after viewing the final production --- the director has achieved his goal of pushing the boundaries in filmmaking. And because THE ODYSSEY was shot using new and improved IMAX film cameras, it begs to be seen on an IMAX screen.

In Theaters July 17

OPINION: STRONG SEE IT NOW!

DAVID’S REVIEW

Director Christopher Nolan has had a storied career with major movie hits like OPPENHEIMER, INTERSTELLAR, TENET and THE DARK KNIGHT series, to name a few. Now with his extraordinary adaptation of Homer’s “Odyssey”, Christopher Nolan has cemented his standing as one of the all-time great directors.

Nolan says that as a kid in elementary school he was fascinated with Greek mythology. What child growing up wasn’t completely intrigued by the Cyclops Polyphemus, the terrifying naked giant with a single eye in the middle of his forehead who eats humans as part of his diet?? In THE ODYSSEY, as portrayed by Bill Irwin, the Cyclops sequence where Odysseus and his men encounter Polyphemus in his cave could stand alone as a short film all by itself.

THE ODYSSEY is spectacular entertainment on so many levels. The all-star cast is sensational and many of the actors should expect major award recognition next year.

Let’s start with Matt Damon as Odysseus, the intrepid king of Ithaca. This is likely Damon’s signature portrayal in an illustrious career. As the leader of warriors, he must exhibit strength and dominance, but he also has been away from his wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and son Telemachus (Tom Holland) for 20 years. So the emotional toll for Odysseus is huge, and Damon is spellbinding.

Hathaway demonstrates all the skills of a true queen, including the fortitude necessary to stave off a bevy of suitors even as she tearfully holds out hope that her husband will return. Holland is also remarkable as the son who will not accept that his father has perished. Robert Pattinson plays Antinous, the most sinister suitor trying to convince Penelope to marry him.

The rest of the supporting cast includes Charlize Theron as the enchanting Calypso who has Odysseus all to herself for seven years, partially by feeding him lotus blossoms so he cannot regain his memory of Ithaca. Samantha Morton is Circe, the witch who shows her disdain for men in shocking fashion. Lupita Nyong’o is quietly effective in a duel role as Helen of Troy and her twin, Clytemnestra, while Zendaya is Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom who frequently advises Odysseus. John Leguizamo portrays the blind man Eumaeus and Jon Bernthal has a pivotal role as Menelaus, king of Sparta.

Virtually all these actors have had past collaborations with Nolan, as has most of the talented crew. This includes the amazing director of photography, Oscar winner Hoyte van Hoytema, who was challenged by the fact that THE ODYSSEY was shot in six countries, completely in IMAX.

Certainly the movie hums along seamlessly at nearly three hours, yet the editing could have resulted in perhaps 15 minutes of running time reduction, if only to shorten the many battle scenes. The visual effects are astonishing, like the whirlpool in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and the Trojan Horse being dragged on its side through the sand.

Nolan, like Homer’s “Odyssey” itself, includes constant flashbacks as we watch scenes unfold in real time. Kudos to Oscar-winning editor Jennifer Lame as well as triple Academy Award winner Ludwig Goransson, the Swedish composer who has now worked on three Nolan films.

THE ODYSSEY is truly an epic adventure with great performances bringing Nolan’s wonderful adaptation to life. It’s a film capable of sweeping all the major awards next year. 

                         In Theaters July 17

OPINION: STRONG SEE IT NOW!