The Odyssey has been adapted for screen many times, but Joyce Carol Oates recently sparked debate by calling the 1997 TV adaptation the best — even better than Christopher Nolan's upcoming version. While Nolan's blockbuster treatment has generated massive buzz, Oates spent a Thursday night tweeting passionately about Andrei Konchalovsky's two-part Hallmark Channel production starring Armand Assante as Odysseus. Let's examine why this older version deserves a second look.
The 1997 Adaptation: A Closer Look
Konchalovsky's The Odyssey aired in 1997 and ran four hours. It featured Bernadette Peters as Circe and Isabella Rossellini as Athena. The production aimed for a faithful retelling of Homer's epic, blending mythic grandeur with grounded human emotion. Oates praised the scene where Circe rushes towards Odysseus and pushes his thighs apart, calling it a “much more interesting interpretation” than Nolan's approach. She also highlighted Odysseus's portrayal as “so manly, so fully human” and the Hades interlude as “mesmerizing.”
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Critical Reception Then vs. Now
Upon release, the adaptation received mixed reviews. Some critics were harsh: TV Guide called it a “Classics Illustrated adaptation,” while the St. Louis Post-Dispatch said Konchalovsky “couldn't decide whether to make a cheerful comic book or a Greek tragedy.” The Arizona Republic reviewer wrote that even though it was only four hours, they “wasted a fifth stewing over how godawful it was.” Yet Oates's recent enthusiasm shows that time can reshape our perception of a work.
| Aspect | 1997 TV Adaptation | Nolan's Version (Upcoming) |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Andrei Konchalovsky | Christopher Nolan |
| Runtime | 4 hours (TV movie) | TBD (theatrical) |
| Odysseus Portrayal | Armand Assante – “fully human” | Unknown (rumored to be Matt Damon) |
| Critical Consensus (at release) | Mixed to negative | Not yet available |
| Modern Reevaluation | Joyce Carol Oates calls it brilliant | Hype high, but unknown quality |
Key Takeaways
- The 1997 The Odyssey adaptation has aged well in the eyes of some literary figures.
- Joyce Carol Oates's endorsement counters the original negative reviews.
- Nolan's version is still untested, so comparisons remain speculative.
- Classic literature adaptations often benefit from later reinterpretation.
FAQ
Why does Joyce Carol Oates prefer the 1997 adaptation over Nolan's?
Oates found the 1997 version more interesting in its character portrayal, especially the Circe encounter, and praised its expansiveness. She believes Nolan may not have seen it.
Was the 1997 The Odyssey originally well-reviewed?
No. Critics at the time panned it for being tonally inconsistent and overly simplistic, comparing it to a comic book or a Classics Illustrated adaptation.
How can I watch the 1997 The Odyssey adaptation?
The full version is highly discoverable on YouTube, and clips have been circulating on social media recently due to Oates's tweets.
Whether you side with Joyce Carol Oates or the original critics, there's no denying that The Odyssey continues to inspire filmmakers. Nolan's version will surely bring fresh visuals and a new audience, but the 1997 adaptation remains a fascinating piece of television history. Watch it yourself and decide — Oates might just change your mind.
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