Christopher Nolan is all set to bring one of the greatest stories ever written to the big screen with The Odyssey. Homer’s ancient Greek epic had already inspired generations of writers, filmmakers and artists across the world. Now, the Oscar winning director is giving the timeless tale his own cinematic treatment with an impressive ensemble cast.
The film is based on The Odyssey, an epic poem believed to have been written by Homer around the eighth century BC.
What Is The Odyssey About?
The Odyssey follows the events after the Trojan War which began after Paris, the prince of Try, who took Helen, the wife of Spartan king Menelaus, to his city. The kind is left outraged and he, along with his brother Agamemnon, unite the several kingdoms to launch a war against Troy.
Among the warriors is Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, who has little interest in war and only wants to remain with his wife Penelope and their young son Telemachus. But duty forces him to join the war.
After ten years of fighting, the Greeks finally break into Troy by using Odysseus’ brilliant Trojan Horse strategy.
Odysseus’ Real Battle Begins After The War
Defeating Troy does not bring Odysseus peace. Instead, his journey back to Ithaca turns into an adventure that lasts another decade.
His troubles begin after he blinds the Cyclops Polyphemus while trying to save himself and his crew. Since the giant is the son of Poseidon, the god of the sea vows revenge. Powerful storms, shipwrecks and endless obstacles leave Odysseus stranded far from home.
During his voyage, he encounters several mythical figures and dangerous creatures. He escapes the Lotus Eaters whose magical fruit makes people forget their homes. He then outsmarts the enchantress Circe after she transforms his men into pigs, sails past the deadly Sirens, survives the terrifying sea monsters Scylla and Charybdis and spends years trapped on the island of the nymph Calypso.
What Happens While Odysseus Is Away?
Back in Ithaca, everyone believes Odysseus has died. His palace is soon taken over by more than a hundred powerful suitors who hope to marry Queen Penelope and claim the throne.
They waste the kingdom’s wealth and even begin plotting against Telemachus who has grown into a young man during his father’s absence.
With the guidance of the goddess Athena, Odysseus finally returns home disguised as a beggar. After secretly assessing the situation, he reveals his true identity, reunites with his family and defeats the suitors. He reclaims his kingdom.
Christopher Nolan’s Take On The Ancient Epic
Like The Iliad, The Odyssey is divided into 24 books and has been translated into English more than a hundred times over the years. For his film, Nolan has chosen to adapt Emily Wilson’s celebrated 2017 translation which is known for making the ancient poem more accessible to modern readers.
Who Is Playing Whom In The Odyssey?
Matt Damon leads the film as Odysseus, the King of Ithaca whose long journey home forms the heart of the story. Tom Holland plays his son Telemachus while Anne Hathaway stars as Penelope, the queen who spends years waiting for her husband’s return.
The ensemble cast also includes Zendaya as the goddess Athena, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, one of Penelope’s most influential suitors and Charlize Theron as the nymph Calypso who keeps Odysseus on her island for years.
Lupita Nyong’o will portray Helen of Troy while Jon Bernthal takes on the role of Menelaus and Benny Safdie plays Agamemnon. The cast also features Samantha Morton as Circe, Himesh Patel as Eurylochus, Elliot Page as Sinon and Bill Irwin as Cyclops Polyphemus.
