Odyssey translator writes scathing review of Nolan film adaptation
Academic Emily Wilson has published a harsh critique of Christopher Nolan's film adaptation of 'The Odyssey,' calling the script 'gimmicky' and 'abysmal.' Despite her disapproval of the film's quality, she acknowledges that the movie has successfully renewed public interest in Homer's classic work.
Why it matters
The intersection of high-brow literature and blockbuster cinema often sparks debate regarding the adaptation of classical texts for modern audiences.
Image source, Universal Pictures By Emma Saunders Culture reporter Published 30 minutes ago Sir Christopher Nolan's latest film, The Odyssey, may have won rave reviews from critics and done storming business at the box office - but one person is definitely not happy.
Emily Wilson, the academic whose 2017 translation of Homer's Odyssey was cited by the director as an influence on his adaptation of the poem, has written a scathing review of the movie.
Published in the London Review of Books , external , Wilson said she "would be ashamed to have written any of this script", describing the film's narrative structure as "gimmicky."
"The writing is abysmal," she said. "None of the characters has convincing motivation for their actions or words. There are no sex scenes, and all the food looks horrible."
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