Samantha Morton's eyes must have sparkled like a siren's call when she heard Christopher Nolan's offer – a chance to unleash her acting prowess as the enchanting sorceress Circe in his epic adaptation of Homer's 'The Odyssey'. The Nottingham-born star's face lit up at the mere mention, and Variety insiders revealed that she "cried" with joy upon receiving the initial call. It was no ordinary phone call – a nod from one of the industry's titans, acknowledging her talent and dedication over the years.
Morton's career has been marked by numerous critically acclaimed performances in independent cinema and television, earning an Oscar nomination for 'In America' alongside another for 'Sweet and Lowdown'. Yet, securing roles like Circe are as rare as a golden apple – a significant opportunity for women to shine on the big screen. Speaking candidly about ageism in the industry, Morton highlighted that while she continues to work consistently, these blockbuster parts don't come around often.
For her, this role is a "second chance" – an opportunity to be seen by the wider world and showcase her abilities on a grander scale. Her raw talent has caught the eye of critics and audiences alike, with Christopher Nolan himself hailing her performance as nothing short of phenomenal. Drawing comparisons to Heath Ledger's Joker in 'The Dark Knight', Nolan praised Morton for bringing depth and boundless energy to Circe, earning an ovation from the crew – a rare occurrence he last witnessed during Ledger's iconic turn.
'The Odyssey' is already shaping up to be one of Nolan's most accomplished films yet, with NME lauding it as "a big story made impossibly huge". The ensemble cast boasts some of Hollywood's biggest names, including Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as Telemachus, and Anne Hathaway as Penelope. UK audiences can catch the film in cinemas nationwide, with streaming availability set to follow on major platforms soon.