Renowned classicist Emily Wilson has publicly criticized Christopher Nolan's new film adaptation of Homer's Odyssey, calling it “abysmal” and lacking psychological, emotional, and ethical depth. In a scathing essay for the London Review of Books, Wilson argues that Nolan's blockbuster fails to capture the complexity of the original epic. She notes that despite Nolan citing her translation in early publicity, the film “has nothing convincing to say.”
Why Wilson Condemns Nolan's Odyssey
Wilson, who is department chair of classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania, wrote that Nolan's film “lacks psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth.” She criticizes the narrative structure as gimmicky and the writing as abysmal. The characters, she says, do not have the convincing motivation found in Homer's work. Wilson also lamented the absence of sex scenes and described the food shown as “horrible.”
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Comparison: Homer's Odyssey vs. Nolan's Adaptation
| Aspect | Homer's Odyssey | Nolan's Film |
|---|---|---|
| Psychological Depth | Rich inner lives, moral complexity | Superficial, underdeveloped |
| Writing Quality | Poetic, layered | Abysmal, gimmicky |
| Character Motivation | Clear, multifaceted | Unconvincing |
| Emotional Impact | Deep, enduring | Lacks emotional landing |
Key Takeaways from Wilson's Critique
- Wilson believes Nolan's film fails to deliver on big ideas about time, memory, and war.
- The adaptation prioritizes spectacle (“big bangs and big giants”) over character development.
- Even the opening line from Wilson's translation—“Tell me about a complicated man”—was admired by Nolan, but the script does not live up to it.
- Wilson stated she would be “ashamed to have written any part of this script.”
Reactions and Implications
The critique has sparked debate among classicists and film enthusiasts. Many note that Wilson's deep expertise lends weight to her assessment. Nolan has not publicly responded, but the film remains a commercial success despite the negative scholarly reception.
FAQ
Who is Emily Wilson?
Emily Wilson is a professor of classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania, best known for her 2017 translation of Homer's Odyssey, which became a bestseller and influenced modern interpretations of the epic.
What did Wilson say about Nolan's film?
She called it superficial, poorly written, and lacking in depth. She specifically criticized the characters' motivation and the narrative gimmicks, saying the film “has nothing convincing to say.”
Did Nolan use Wilson's translation?
Yes, Christopher Nolan cited Wilson's translation in early publicity and admired her opening line. However, Wilson found the film's script disappointing compared to the original poem.
Where did Wilson publish her critique?
Her detailed essay appeared in the London Review of Books, and she also gave an interview to the Sunday Times expanding on her views.
Wilson's criticism underscores the challenge of adapting ancient epics for modern audiences. While Nolan's blockbuster dazzles with visual effects, it apparently falls short of the emotional and intellectual richness that makes Homer's Odyssey timeless.
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