Los Angeles: Professor Emily Wilson, whose 2017 translation of 'The Odyssey' was cited by Christopher Nolan as an influence on his film, has criticised the director’s adaptation, saying it lacks many of the elements that make Homer’s poem great.
In an essay for the London Review of Books, Wilson said Nolan’s 'The Odyssey' lacked “psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth” and had little to say about time, memory, history, war or the impact of Odysseus’ return on those around him.
She described the film as a family-friendly audiovisual spectacle in which “every second is jam-packed with incident, lights and noise”, arguing that its spectacle overwhelms the story and leaves its characters without convincing motivations.
Wilson also criticised the film’s casting, saying several non-white actors were given roles that primarily support the white protagonist. She also objected to Nolan’s decision to shoot the film in Western Sahara, which angered indigenous Sahrawi people.
While Wilson said adaptations need not closely follow their source material, she took particular issue with Nolan’s portrayal of Odysseus, played by Matt Damon.
“In at least one interview, he cited my version of the first line of the poem: ‘Tell me about a complicated man.’ But I would be ashamed to have written any part of this script. Sadly, Damon’s Odysseus isn’t complicated or wily or artful,” she wrote.
Despite her criticism, Wilson said the film’s release should be celebrated for bringing audiences back to cinemas and encouraging interest in ancient Greek literature.