Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Review: Technical Flaws and Structural Issues Noted
12 reported
A review of Christopher Nolan's film "The Odyssey" highlights several technical and narrative shortcomings, according to a single source. The reviewer notes that multiple scenes are out of focus, a problem attributed to the difficulty of pulling focus with a large-format negative, compounded by Nolan's preference for dark lighting. The sound is described as earth-shaking, but the film lacks a song. The reviewer dismisses the "woke casting" controversy as a non-issue and states the film is conservative in temperament. Structural flaws are identified, including flashbacks that make the journey feel shorter and less arduous, and a sequence of set-piece locations that prevent the character of Odysseus from cohering. The reviewer criticizes Matt Damon's performance, stating he does not bring the needed wit and will, and the dialogue is described as lame. Despite these issues, the reviewer concludes the film is better than most and worth the three-hour investment for its scale and ambition.
What’s reported
Several scenes are out of focus on the actor, due to difficulty pulling focus with a large-format negative.
The problem is compounded by Nolan's fondness for darkness, squandering much of what the format offers.
The sound was earth-shaking, but there is no song.
The "woke casting" controversy is a non-issue and barely noticeable; the film is conservative in temperament.
Helen gets some of the best lines, and Nolan's slight disfigurement of her traditional arc is described as exactly right.
The Circe scene is the best in the film.
The reviewer disagrees with Tyler about Calypso, stating Odysseus's seven years with her were among his most enjoyable.
Structural flaws include flashbacks that shortchange the odyssey, making the journey feel shorter and less arduous.
The film is described as a sequence of set-piece locations strung together, similar to Interstellar.
Odysseus as a character never quite coheres; Matt Damon does not bring the needed performance.
The dialogue is described as lame.
The film is not Nolan's best but is better than most films and worth the three-hour investment.
Key figures
Christopher Nolan (director)
Matt Damon (actor, plays Odysseus)
Tyler (referenced as having a different opinion about Calypso)
Sources: marginalrevolution.com
