Critic Awards Nolan's 'The Odyssey' Near-Perfect Score, Praises Visuals and Music

Film critic Ida Östenberg offers a glowing, albeit nuanced, review of Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," awarding it a near-perfect score of "ten out of five cyclops." She describes the film as "epic" despite acknowledging some reservations, framing her critique with a mix of "consciously low and at the same time sky-high expectations."

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Ten out of five cyclops go to: Photo and scenography.

Östenberg lavishes praise on the film's technical and artistic achievements. Cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema is lauded for blending grandiosity with intimacy, capturing the visceral impact of Polyphemus's cave and the terrifying reality of sailing through storms. The music, composed by Ludwig Göransson, receives exceptional acclaim, particularly his use of recreated ancient Greek double flutes and lyres, which Östenberg believes warrants an Oscar.

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And the music, composed by Ludwig Göransson. Outstanding.

Specific performances are also highlighted. Anne Hathaway's portrayal of Penelope earns five out of five cyclops, with Östenberg falling "like a pine tree" for her queenly demeanor. Agamemnon receives four cyclops for his imposing presence and "cool helmet," while Samantha Morton's "anachronistic" yet "wonderful" feminist take on Circe, transforming men into pigs, is also commended.

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If Göransson doesn't get an Oscar, I'll eat my sandal.

Nolan's faithfulness to Homer's text, particularly in the depiction of the "nekyia" (summoning the dead) rather than a descent into the underworld, is appreciated. Östenberg notes the chilling effect of hands emerging from the ground and the spectral appearance of the dead. However, she observes the curious absence of Achilles among the shades, suggesting he might have fit Nolan's "anti-violence message."

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Five out of five cyclops go to: Anne Hathaway as Penelope.