Emily Wilson, the academic whose 2017 translation of Homer’s Odyssey influenced Sir Christopher Nolan’s adaptation, has written a scathing review of the film; Published in the London Review of Books, Wilson criticized the script and narrative structure, describing them as ‘gimmicky’ and ‘abysmal.’

Disappointing Narrative and Characters

Wilson stated she ‘would be ashamed to have written any of this script,’ pointing out that ‘none of the characters has convincing motivation for their actions or words.’ She added, ‘There are no sex scenes, and all the food looks horrible.’

Despite her criticism, Wilson acknowledged that the film has sparked renewed interest in Homer’s classic. ‘The release of The Odyssey is still an event to celebrate,’ she noted, adding that translations of the Odyssey, including hers, are ‘flying off the shelves.’

Hope for Educational Impact

Wilson expressed hope that the film might persuade college administrators not to cut literature, language, and history departments. ‘Nolan… is doing his best to get the general public reading again, and I am grateful,’ she wrote.

However, she was disappointed by the film’s execution. ‘I had hoped that Nolan’s affinity with these Homeric themes might push him to new creative heights,’ she said, but ‘the film’s vision is too confused, its characters too underdeveloped, to deliver what it half-promises in terms of big ideas.’

She also noted the film’s focus on visual spectacle over substance. ‘It’s a family-friendly audiovisual spectacle, like an elaborate Fourth of July fireworks display – and with about the same level of narrative and emotional depth,’ she said.

Reception and Cast

During his press tour for the film, Sir Christopher told Empire magazine that he used the opening line of Wilson’s translation (‘Tell me about a complicated man’) as a guide for his character, Odysseus, played by Matt Damon.

In contrast to Wilson’s take, the latest adaptation has received rapturous reviews from film critics, though it is the director’s first movie since 2023’s Oppenheimer, which won the Academy Award for best picture.

The Telegraph declared The Odyssey the ‘film of the year,’ while Metro added that the movie would ‘change cinema forever.’ The Times described it as ‘a masterpiece in every way,’ and The Standard praised the film as a ‘colossal piece of cinema.’

The film. Which was released earlier this month. Stars Zendaya, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron alongside Nyong’o and Damon. It follows Odysseus (Damon). The Greek king of Ithaca. On his long and perilous journey home from the Trojan War to return to his wife and son (Hathaway and Holland).