Nolan's Odyssey has split the internet. Beyond the debate over black Helens and Viking ships lies a deeper question: what becomes of Homer's epic when claimed by a late-stage civilization?
I think Nolan and many other British directors feel a need to humble admirable figures, Odysseus’s haughtiness is toned down and his guilt is played up to balance his cunningness and status. It totally ruins the original appeal of The Odyssey which is that Odysseus is meant to be admired by the viewer rather than pitied.
Let’s put it that way: The traditional WASP artist landscape is very much enamoured with its universalist claim to everything having to be doom and gloom. Sign of our times, for sure, but fitting for an epic such as the Odyssey? Less so.
Banality is an inevitable side effect of deconstruction. It wears the banner of enlightenment, but ultimately strips characters and stories of their three-dimensonality, only to leave them as single-button issues that pretend to shed a light on something unseen before, while it’s always been there as part of a bigger picture. So yes, I can see how it’s ultimately just banality.
Tbh I liked it I don't get some of this online turf wars stuff I didn't hear about it too much. I just enjoyed the movie. It's not perfect. I would love to see a funnier version but Nolan doesn't really do funny. Not his thing. That's OK by me
As I point out in my review, it’s not about the turf war, but about a responsibility towards the work that will now be associated with this movie probably for years to come.
It's one version dawg not the final one. Nolan was gonna do Nolan things, nobody else can even produce this shit. Alexander ticked all the boxes but sucked
I think Nolan and many other British directors feel a need to humble admirable figures, Odysseus’s haughtiness is toned down and his guilt is played up to balance his cunningness and status. It totally ruins the original appeal of The Odyssey which is that Odysseus is meant to be admired by the viewer rather than pitied.
Let’s put it that way: The traditional WASP artist landscape is very much enamoured with its universalist claim to everything having to be doom and gloom. Sign of our times, for sure, but fitting for an epic such as the Odyssey? Less so.
Great review. I agree, the film's biggest failing is its ultimate banality. But then again, I am a total classics snob.
Thank you!
Banality is an inevitable side effect of deconstruction. It wears the banner of enlightenment, but ultimately strips characters and stories of their three-dimensonality, only to leave them as single-button issues that pretend to shed a light on something unseen before, while it’s always been there as part of a bigger picture. So yes, I can see how it’s ultimately just banality.
I enjoyed the book, and i enjoyed the film, and the world carried on turning.
TL;DR Nolan is a retard
Tbh I liked it I don't get some of this online turf wars stuff I didn't hear about it too much. I just enjoyed the movie. It's not perfect. I would love to see a funnier version but Nolan doesn't really do funny. Not his thing. That's OK by me
As I point out in my review, it’s not about the turf war, but about a responsibility towards the work that will now be associated with this movie probably for years to come.
It's one version dawg not the final one. Nolan was gonna do Nolan things, nobody else can even produce this shit. Alexander ticked all the boxes but sucked
how much did he pay you to do damage control? Or are you doing it for free?