Christopher Nolan cited Emily Wilson’s 2017 translation of “The Odyssey” as an influence on his interpretation of Homer’s epic poem during the press tour for his latest blockbuster. Wilson, however, is not returning the favor, as she delivered a scathing review of Nolan’s film.

Review Criticizes Lack of Depth

In her negative review published by the London Review of Books, Wilson criticized Nolan’s adaptation for lacking “psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth.” Wilson, a professor of classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania, noted that the film has “nothing convincing to say.”

“I had hoped that Nolan’s affinity with these Homeric themes might push him to new creative heights, and enable him to conjure more believable characters,” Wilson wrote. “But ‘The Odyssey’ features his usual combination of grandiosity and superficiality. The film’s vision is too confused, its characters too underdeveloped, to deliver what it half-promises in terms of big ideas.”

She added that the film is “very good at conveying big bangs and big giants,” but falls short in other aspects. “It has nothing convincing to say about time, memory, history, war, or about the relationship between one warrior’s glorious return and the lives of his family, adversaries, comrades, friends and neighbors,” Wilson wrote.

Strong Criticism of Writing and Structure

Wilson continued her critique by stating that the film “lacks psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth.” She described the narrative structure as “gimmicky” and the writing as “abysmal.” She noted that “none of the characters has convincing motivation for their actions or words” and added that “there are no sex scenes, and all the food looks horrible.”

Nolan praised Wilson during his press tour for “The Odyssey,” telling Empire magazine that he used the opening line of her translation (“Tell me about a complicated man”) as a guide for portraying his character, Odysseus, played by Matt Damon. However, Wilson concluded her review with strong words, stating, “I would be ashamed to have written any part of this script.”

Public Reception and Cultural Impact

Wilson previously expressed her criticisms of the film in a Sunday Times interview. While she noted the film’s shortcomings, she acknowledged its positive impact on the culture’s interest in Homer’s work. “The release of ‘The Odyssey’ is still an event to celebrate,” Wilson said. “This epic is bringing audiences back to cinemas. Translations of ‘Odyssey,’ including mine, are flying off the shelves. Perhaps the film will persuade a few college administrators not to cut their literature, language and history departments.”

Audiences have not shared Wilson’s dissatisfaction with the film. “The Odyssey” received an “A” CinemaScore during its opening weekend and has become one of the year’s biggest blockbusters at the box office. The film earned a massive $90 million in its second weekend domestically.

“The Odyssey” is now playing in theaters nationwide.