The Odyssey (Review)

[WillBrink]

Anyone seen it? Planning to see it? Reviews so far range from good to very good. Below is a review from a popular reviewer, and he's generally pretty balanced. It sounds like this one needs to be seen on the big screen to fully appreciate the epic nature of the film. I don't go to theaters very often these days (between 0 and 2 times per year maybe) but I suspect seeing this in full screen glory is the way to see it:

 

[staticV3]

"Nolan believes you're an idiot so he can reaffirm his genius", read a comment on YouTube.

I thought that was fitting.

 

[Timcognito]

It better be good because it is among the top 5 of the classics I've read, a real favorite. It has fantasy, sensation, destiny, duty all rapped up in action packed epic journey. If you wait to see it or it gets mediocre reviews definitely read the book.

 

[Petrushka]

Heh.

Which book?

The translations are more contentious than the movie.

It better be good because it is among the top 5 of the classics I've read, a real favorite. It has fantasy, sensation, destiny, duty all rapped up in action packed epic journey. If you wait to see it or it gets mediocre reviews definitely read the book.

 

[Timcognito]

Heh.

Which book?

The translations are more contentious than the movie.

 

[WillBrink]

"Nolan believes you're an idiot so he can reaffirm his genius", read a comment on YouTube.

I thought that was fitting.

He generally makes good to excellent movies. Seems people making definitive comments about a movie they have not bothered to see.

 

[pablolie]

Stephen Fry is a genius. I loved his Greek mythology books, written in modern, super witty language:

1. Mythos: origins of the universe and the Greek gods
2. Heroes: Perseus, Hercules, Jason, Theseus etc
3. Troy
4, Odyssey

 

[Gorgonzola]

I certainly intend to see the new flick. I'm no student of ancient literature but did read the the Odyssey many years ago as part of an early Western literature course. I loved the read. Incidentally much more than Virgil's Aeneid read back then too, and also the Iliad more recently.

I remember very fondly the 1968 Odyssey by Dino De Laurentiis which will be a benchmark for me.

 

[Petrushka]

The Aeneid was the first heterodox version.

 

[Redacted]

I'm sure it's a good film. It'll be on the telly at some point.
Nothing would drag me into a cinema these days, being crushed in with people munching, slurping and nattering when they can't follow the plot! And having that sweaty 29 stone person half flopping onto your seat.

 

[Sokel]

No doubt Nolan tried, I say it without watching yet, just by the trailer.
And no doubt he made an epic of an epic.

Where's the poem though?
The genius of Homer (whoever they are) is not just the story, the plot, etc.
Is that he made a literal poem after it. Yes, an epic poem, it reads and it's spoken like it, the original flows like liquid.

The old European scholars were proud to brag about they could recite it by heart (along with the Iliad) .
@Petrushka is right, no translation and no film can reach this (collective) genius.

 

[Redacted]

I'm sure it's a good film. It'll be on the telly at some point.
Nothing would drag me into a cinema these days, being crushed in with people munching, slurping and nattering when they can't follow the plot! Or doom scrolling on over-bright phones. And having that sweaty 29 stone person half flopping onto your seat.
For similar ticket money I can walk into town and see a live band, sit at a table or dance about, and drink locally brewed real beer in actual glass for £5.20, and talk to people I see regularly. And no popcorn, which has to be a good thing!

 

[Timcognito]

No doubt Nolan tried, I say it without watching yet, just by the trailer.
And no doubt he made an epic of an epic.

Where's the poem though?
The genius of Homer (whoever they are) is not just the story, the plot, etc.
Is that he made a literal poem after it. Yes, an epic poem, it reads and it's spoken like it, the original flows like liquid.

The old European scholars were proud to brag about they could recite it by heart (along with the Iliad) .
@Petrushka is right, no translation and no film can reach this (collective) genius.

Okay but it's a stunner when one reads it. Unbridled fantasy from 10 30 centuries years ago.

 

[Sokel]

Okay but it's a stunner when one reads it. Unbridled fantasy from 10 centuries years ago.

(closer to 30 centuries ago)

Agreed, the plot is probably the mold for a gazillion books, films, etc.
Nothing close to the artistry of combining those to a poem though, that's what I'm saying.

 

[Timcognito]

(closer to 30 centuries ago)

Agreed, to plot is probably the mold for a gazillion books, films, etc.
Nothing close to the artistry of combining those to a poem though, that's what I'm saying.

You are right, will correct that

 

[kemmler3D]

I thought the trailer with the Trojan horse was pretty compelling and the reviews seem good enough to give it a go. The hard part is justifying the low 3-figure outlay it would take to get a babysitter and go see it in 70mm...

 

[Timcognito]

I thought the trailer with the Trojan horse was pretty compelling and the reviews seem good enough to give it a go. The hard part is justifying the low 3-figure outlay it would take to get a babysitter and go see it in 70mm...

I don't know, I think about that day I came home in 1968 after seeing 2001 A Space Odyssey in 70mm and how much I was moved. Wait for more reviews you might change your mind. Not sure of your situation but probably not a chick flick so go with a friend.

 

[kemmler3D]

I don't know, I think about that day I came home in 1968 after seeing 2001 A Space Odyssey in 70mm and how much I was moved. Wait for more reviews you might change your mind. Not sure of your situation but probably not a chick flick so go with a friend.

If I go to the theater I'll try and go for the 70mm IMAX, won't really bother seeing a lesser version. May or may not try and talk the wife into it, good point... in that case the major expense is the babysitter, tickets would run a hair over 60 for 2 people for the top-of-the-line IMAX showing here. She doesn't hate "guy" movies though, she actually liked the Dune flicks and even 28 Years Later: Bone Temple (if you can believe that.)

However, I just checked and showings are booked up way in advance, check it out:

Speaking from experience (Project Hail Mary) you don't want to be in the first 5 rows or so, it's like trying to watch a movie projected on a skyscraper from the sidewalk in front of it.

 

[Timcognito]

If I go to the theater I'll try and go for the 70mm IMAX, won't really bother seeing a lesser version. May or may not try and talk the wife into it, good point... in that case the major expense is the babysitter, tickets would run maybe $50-60 for 2 people for the top-of-the-line IMAX showing here. She doesn't hate "guy" movies though, she actually liked the Dune flicks and even 28 Years Later: Bone Temple (if you can believe that.)

You are lucky man. My son is coming down from Oregon for a friend's wedding in a few weeks. I'll get shot then and will start pimping him now not to see it up there.

 

[kemmler3D]

I'll get shot then and will start pimping him now

Uh, yikes - well if you two survive that I hope you like the movie.