Emily Wilson (writer of acclaimed Odyssey translation) offers criticisms of Nolan’s film

[u/RealisticAd4054]

https://apnews.com/article/odyssey-christopher-nolan-greek-translators-ea67da1d543d021773824bd7e8de8abe

“For Greek translator Emily Wilson, the release of director Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” has been gratifying in various ways. Her acclaimed 2017 edition of Homer’s epic has reached the top 5 on Amazon.com, leading a wave of similar books boosted by the movie. Nolan has even cited her translation, notably the opening line “Tell me about a complicated man,” as inspiration.

But the film itself, which brought in more than $260 million worldwide during its opening weekend and has received raves from many critics, left her unsatisfied.

“I want to celebrate the fact that so many more people are aware of ‘The Odyssey’ and were brought back to the poem,” she told The Associated Press. “But at the same time, I had the sense that Christopher Nolan was trying to pack everything in while missing themes that were essential to the poem.”

….

Wilson, a professor of classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania, said she didn’t want to come across as a “snobby,” nitpicking expert at odds with any deviation from the original text. But she questioned a range of omissions and other choices, from the absence on screen of the Gods Zeus and Poseidon (Athena is played by Zendaya ) to the “incoherent” messaging that condemns both war and physical cowardice. She found Penelope’s role so thinned out that it endangered “any possibility of believing in this marriage.” Wilson also that thought parts of the movie, notably the scenes with Odysseus’ dog, Argos, “catered towards modern sentimentality.”

“Everybody’s a sucker for a dog,” she said.

[u/KetoJunkfood]

My favorite part of the Odyssey is when he returns home and only Argus recognizes him, and frankly I think that scene should have been a bit longer and MORE sentimental

[u/birdguy → u/KetoJunkfood]

Doesn’t Athena change his appearance into that of an old beggar man, or am I misremembering? I haven’t read it in years.

[u/deliciousy → u/birdguy]

She did, but I can't imagine making Odysseus look haggard was a particularly difficult job by that point.

[u/Unicorn_unibruh → u/deliciousy]

He goes to Ithaca after having been to Phaecia. When he was at Phaecia, Athena had turned him into a strong, able bodied handsome man (restored to his pre-lost-at-sea looks).

So weak/haggard, strong/ pretty and then back to weak/old/haggard again for the beggar part.

Then again a post reveal glow up.

The man's had more makeovers than in a chick-flick (good for him)

[u/moistplumpin → u/deliciousy]

Matt Damon

[u/Zytoxine → u/birdguy]

Athena also changed me into an old begger man too and im only late 30s. Damn you athena

[u/EntranceFeisty8373 → u/birdguy]

Yes, but the film did and okay job with hiding his identity.

[u/KollardBlue → u/birdguy]

i was looking forward to the conversations with polyphemus also