THE ODYSSEY – Review by T.J. Callahan
The Odyssey: A time for apparent magic.
It’s safe to say that in The Odyssey writer/director Christopher Nolan AND quite possibly Matt Damon have killed more people than Cecil B. DeMille did in all of his films. Nolan’s adaptation of the Ancient Greek epic poem by Homer is a masterpiece for the 21st century and years to come.
Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, and Tom Holland, along with Damon, lead an all-star cast that also includes Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Zendaya and a fantastic John Leguizamo as the film recounts the grueling 10 year voyage of the war hero Odysseus who encounters mythological monsters, magic, mayhem and numerous missteps as he sails home to Ithaca after the fall of Troy.
Damon, as the King, exudes heart, honor and silent strength. It’s the expression of his inner qualities, not soley his physical prowess, that makes us root for Odysseus. But make no mistake, Damon takes a lickin and keeps on tickin.
The Odyssey, as its title actully indicates, is a long (a three hour watch!), wandering, eventful journey that’s worth the trip. While Nolan follows the basic outline of the story, he takes liberties with the casting making this version a multicultural mix of sword fights and soap opera. The Greek and the Restless. Search for Odysseus. All My Suitors. As the Trojan Horse Turns.
Coming in at $250 million, The Odyssey is the first feature film to be completely shot on IMAX 70 mm film cameras…and it’s IMAZING. I thought I was going to get splattered with blood. Nolan made sure everything featured in the film was realistic, all the way down to Damon’s beard. It was shot on location in six countries with no green screens or CGI. No orchestra, only Greek instruments. 5300 costumes and 175 artists.
In Nolan’s quest for the best he has outdone all the rest reaching the crest of moviemaking with The Odyssey. He not only put his actors, but himself to the absolute test of stamina, agility, and patience. It’s all done with zest and some jest, lest he’d become a pest for perfection. My husband Ricky gives The Odyssey two 👀s open. It swashbuckles up to an eight on the Teejflixometer.
