When we talk about the greatest director to have ever existed, only one name comes to the minds of cinema lovers: Christopher Nolan. As far as filmmaking is concerned, Christopher Nolan is the biggest brand in the world today.
Christopher Nolan has directed 13 films to date, including The Odyssey, and has delivered 11 classics out of those 13. That is arguably the best ratio among directors when it comes to delivering classics. The Odyssey is not a classic and is Nolan’s weakest film to date (I haven’t seen Insomnia yet), but Nolan’s weakest film is still far better than many directors’ greatest films. The Odyssey misses the classic mark by a slight margin. To describe this feeling for Bollywood fans, before Dunki, Rajkumar Hirani (currently Bollywood’s greatest director) had made five films, and despite being a classic, Sanju was widely considered his weakest film. The same is the case with The Odyssey. There is a huge difference between the words ‘weakest’ and ‘worst,’ which is why I have deliberately used the word ‘weakest’ for The Odyssey.
The Odyssey is the only Nolan film that doesn’t have the signature “Nolan factor,” and that is largely because of its story. It is Nolan’s simplest film in the past few years, yet it remains highly effective. Christopher Nolan is known for thinking outside the box and delivering bold, unconventional films. Here, however, the case is different, as The Odyssey doesn’t quite feel like a typical Christopher Nolan film because of its straightforward storyline.
The Odyssey has everything one expects from a grand theatrical experience: scale, magnificent sets, eye-pleasing visuals, high production values, breathtaking locations, and everything else one could ask for from a big-budget spectacle.
Matt Damon plays the lead role of Odysseus and delivers a near-perfect performance. He is a fabulous actor, and we have already seen his brilliance in classics like Good Will Hunting, Saving Private Ryan, The Departed, The Martian, and Ford v Ferrari. The Odyssey is another feather in his cap. Anne Hathaway is effortlessly natural and does what she does best. Tom Holland could have had a more polished screen presence, but he still does a decent job. Robert Pattinson should take on more negative roles in the future, as he leaves you wanting more every time he appears on screen. Zendaya has limited screen time, but the writing ensures that her character leaves an impression. The supporting cast is equally impressive, and the casting overall is excellent.
The screenplay and writing of The Odyssey are gripping and consistently engaging, making every adventure enjoyable. Despite its hefty runtime of nearly three hours, Nolan never gives you a chance to take a loo break or even think about checking your phone.
Christopher Nolan has created such an immersive world that you genuinely feel like you’re a part of it while watching the film, and that’s the beauty of his direction. This is one of Nolan’s most ambitious projects, and that ambition is evident in every frame.
Christopher Nolan is yet to make a bad film, and The Odyssey marks his 13th very good film in a row. It is the perfect film for those who haven’t watched a Christopher Nolan film before, as its simplicity serves as an excellent introduction to his filmmaking style and brilliance.
Although The Odyssey doesn’t quite achieve classic status, Christopher Nolan’s stamp alone makes it a must-watch on the big screen, and the IMAX experience elevates it even further. A Christopher Nolan film should never be missed, and The Odyssey is undoubtedly one of the finest films to be released this year.
Rating – 3.5/5*
