The Odyssey

Yesterday, I went to see one of the most anticipated movies of the year, The Odyssey, and I have to admit that my expectations were not only met, but heavily exceeded.

 I saw the film in IMAX (not the 70mm version, as I happen to not live near one of the 41 cinemas that can show this exact version). Although there has been a lot of criticism online about the choice to film the movie in this format, I am pleased to say that seeing the film in normal IMAX provides a very enjoyable experience, and a more accesssible one. The shots are not cropped, so that you notice, unlike in most other movie theatres and the audio and visual quality are very incredible.

The movie focuses on the journey of Odysseus back home to Ithaca, after the end of the Trojan war, and explores the trauma and impacts the war had on him, more than the challenges of overcoming the beasts and gods along the way. This creates a slightly grittier, more cynical protagonist than what is expected of the witty, tactical strategic mastermind that Odysseus is known as.

It was interesting to see that perhaps one of the main emotions of the movie was guilt. Nolan approaches the classic epic from a slightly different perspective, showing the impacts of the journey back home on the people that stayed behind, through plots, fear and paranoia, making an almost tragic, existential hero? of Odysseus.

Matt Damon is brilliant in the role, and it will be a very interesting awards season, with Damon, Tom Cruise, Ryan Gosling and Timothee Chalamet all trying to win their first Oscar (for acting). Anne Hathaway also had a masterclass perfomance in the role of Penelope and will most definetely also be in contention for Best Actress in a Leading role. The standout for me was Robert Pattinson, who manages to steal the show everytime he is on screen, playing the role of Antinous, one of the plotting suitors.

As far as the internet outrage for Eliott Page and Lupita Nyong’o, I found it completely unfounded and most likely from people who haven’t actually seen the whole film, as they both deliver solid performances for the VERY reduced screentime they receive.

Overall, a must see film with very strong cinematography and acting from the whole cast.

Cinematography 8.5/10

Acting 9.5/10

Overall 9/10