Professor Emily Wilson, the esteemed classicist whose 2017 translation of Homer’s Odyssey garnered critical acclaim and was even referenced by Christopher Nolan himself, has launched a scathing critique of the director's recent cinematic adaptation of the epic poem. Wilson, who chairs the Department of Classical Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, declared that she would be "ashamed to have written any part" of the film's script, lambasting its perceived lack of depth and conviction.
In a detailed essay for the London Review of Books, Wilson articulated her disappointment, stating that the film "has nothing convincing to say" about crucial themes such as time, memory, history, or war. She further elaborated that Nolan's Odyssey failed to explore the intricate relationship between a warrior's return and the lives of those around him. According to Wilson, the film's narrative suffered from a "gimmicky" structure, abysmal writing, and a general absence of psychological, emotional, political, or ethical profundity. She also noted the lack of believable motivations for the characters' actions and dialogue.
Wilson's criticism extended to what she described as Nolan's characteristic blend of "grandiosity and superficiality." While acknowledging the film's visual spectacle, particularly its "big bangs and big giants," she argued that its vision was too muddled and its characters too underdeveloped to deliver on the promise of deeper ideas. Her remarks echo sentiments shared in an interview with The Sunday Times, where she expressed that the film "didn't land emotionally" for her, attributing this partly to the writing not being as strong as Homer's original.
Despite her significant reservations about the film's artistic merit, Wilson did recognise its broader cultural impact. She hailed the release of Nolan's Odyssey as an "event to celebrate," observing that it is successfully drawing audiences back to cinemas. Furthermore, she noted a surge in sales of Odyssey translations, including her own, since the film's debut. Wilson expressed gratitude to Nolan for his efforts in encouraging the general public to engage with reading and literature, suggesting the film might even sway academic administrators against cuts to humanities departments.
The 2017 translation of Homer's Odyssey by Emily Wilson, notable for its accessible and direct style, was the first complete English translation by a woman. It received widespread praise, contributing significantly to a renewed interest in classical literature. Christopher Nolan's adaptation, a major cinematic event, is currently available to stream in the UK on major platforms, though specific services may vary. The film's reception has been mixed among critics, but its commercial success is undeniable, proving its ability to capture public imagination.