172 minutes of 'Odyssey's' anguish captured in 70mm IMAX

Director Christopher Nolan's latest cinematic endeavor, 'Odyssey,' offers a modern and humanistic reinterpretation of the classic Greek epic. Instead of portraying Odysseus as a triumphant war hero, Nolan delves into his psyche, presenting him as a man burdened by guilt following the decade-long Trojan War. The film, which runs for 172 minutes, distills the vast narrative of the original three books and 24 volumes into a compelling cinematic experience.

'Odyssey' marks a significant technical achievement, being the first film ever shot entirely from beginning to end on 70mm IMAX film. This ambitious undertaking reflects Nolan's commitment to pushing cinematic boundaries, with the colossal IMAX cameras requiring the development of specialized soundproofing to overcome the challenge of capturing dialogue during filming. The resulting visuals boast an overwhelming scale and exceptional quality, bringing to life epic scenes of battles against colossal waves and mythical creatures with vivid detail.

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The film's IMAX screen focuses on the faces of the characters rather than flashy action. In particular, Odysseus's face, bewildered as he watches buildings burn and Troy's people die miserably in the midst of the Trojan War, appears repeatedly.

Nolan's interpretation significantly reduces the presence of gods, who play a substantial role in the original work. Instead, the film focuses on a humanistic perspective, with Athena appearing as a significant character, acting as an internal mirror that provokes and develops Odysseus's inner turmoil. This approach draws parallels between Odysseus's arduous journey and the complex, often bleak, political realities of the 21st century, echoing themes explored in Nolan's previous film, 'Oppenheimer.'

The film's score, composed by Ludwig Göransson, further enhances its immersive quality. Göransson utilized ancient Bronze Age instruments and even used bronze itself as percussion, creating a sense of mystery and tension. Despite initial casting controversies, such as the inclusion of a Black actress as Helen and a transgender actor as Sinon, the film's release has seemingly silenced these debates, underscoring the power of its artistic merit and directorial vision.

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Nolan interprets the original work, where gods and humans coexist, from a humanistic perspective, largely deleting the appearance of gods who occupied a large part of the original work.