Behind the scenes of 'The Odyssey': Anne Hathaway's daily helicopter rides, Matt Damon's female stunt double and more
A behind-the-scenes look at Christopher Nolan's film adaptation of 'The Odyssey' highlights the director's commitment to practical effects and challenging filming conditions. The report details anecdotes from lead actor Matt Damon regarding the immersive, large-scale production process.
Why it matters
It provides insight into the evolving production standards of major Hollywood blockbusters and the collaborative relationship between high-profile directors and actors.
Matt Damon in The Odyssey. (Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pictures/Everett Collection) Christopher Nolan knew that adapting Homer's The Odyssey for the screen would be a challenge, but it was one he was up for. The Oscar-winning filmmaker has crafted an illustrious career out of his preference for practical effects, shooting on location and often subjecting his cast and crew to treacherous, real-life circumstances. His approach to The Odyssey was no different.
"By embracing the physicality of the real world in the making of the film, you do inform the telling of the story in interesting ways," Nolan told Empire magazine . "Because you're confronted on a daily basis by the world pushing back at you."
For Matt Damon, who portrays Odysseus, the King of Ithaca in the swords-and-sandals blockbuster , Nolan's approach to filmmaking is singular.
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