Homer Translator Critiques Nolan's 'The Odyssey' Script as Shameful

WHO:

Screen Rant - Emily Wilson, a prominent Homer translator, criticized Christopher Nolan.

Variety - Christopher Nolan is the director of the upcoming film adaptation of "The Odyssey."

WHAT:

PhillyVoice - Emily Wilson's review of Nolan's adaptation is a 4,220-word critique published in the London Review of Books, where she described the film as "gimmicky" and "abysmal."

Deadline - Nolan's adaptation of "The Odyssey" has a budget of $250 million.

CBS News US - The film has been described as an IMAX spectacle.

CBS News US - The film is reportedly smashing box office benchmarks.

Kottke - Wilson criticized the film for normalizing the ongoing violence against the indigenous Sahrawi people by filming part of it in the occupied territory of Western Sahara.

Screen Rant - Emily Wilson stated, "I would be ashamed to have written any part of this" regarding Nolan's script.

PhillyVoice - Wilson's review describes Nolan's adaptation as "a family-friendly audiovisual spectacle, like an elaborate Fourth of July fireworks display."

Deadline - Wilson criticized the film for "normalizing the ongoing violence against the indigenous Sahrawi people by filming part of it in the occupied territory of Western Sahara."

CBS News US - The film "The Odyssey" is bringing audiences back to cinemas, with moviegoers also flocking to the original 2,700-year-old source material.

Collider - Universal Pictures confirmed that it initiated immediate takedown measures after discovering pirated versions of "The Odyssey" spread across the internet.

Kottke - Wilson described Nolan's adaptation as "lacking many of the elements that make the poem great."

PhillyVoice - Wilson stated that Nolan's film "has nothing convincing to say about time, memory, history, war, or about the relationship between one warrior's glorious return and the lives of his family, adversaries, comrades, friends and neighbours."

Deadline - Wilson criticized the film for "normalizing the ongoing violence against the indigenous Sahrawi people by filming part of it in the occupied territory of Western Sahara."

CBS News US - The film has been described as "an entertaining way to hide from the high temperatures for a few hours."

BBC - Wilson noted that the film's narrative structure is "gimmicky" and criticized the writing as "abysmal."

BBC - Wilson remarked that the film lacks "psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth."

Collider - Universal Pictures confirmed that it initiated immediate takedown measures after discovering pirated versions of "The Odyssey" spread across the internet.

Deadline - Nolan's adaptation of "The Odyssey" has a budget of $250 million.

Kottke - Wilson described the film's narrative structure as "gimmicky" and criticized the writing as "abysmal."

PhillyVoice - Wilson stated that Nolan's adaptation lacks "psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth."

BBC - Wilson noted that there are more female characters than in most Nolan movies, but none of them has much to say, in contrast to the characterizations in the poem.

BBC News - The film has won rave reviews from film critics, contrasting with Wilson's negative assessment.

PhillyVoice - Emily Wilson's review of Nolan's adaptation is a 4,220-word critique published in the London Review of Books, where she described the film as "gimmicky" and "abysmal."

PhillyVoice - Wilson criticized Nolan's adaptation for lacking "convincing motivation for their actions or words" and noted that "none of the characters has convincing motivation for their actions or words."

PhillyVoice - Wilson stated that Nolan's adaptation has been "smashing box office benchmarks."

PhillyVoice - Wilson described Nolan's screenplay as "abysmal" in her review.

PhillyVoice - Wilson criticized the film for normalizing the ongoing violence against the indigenous Sahrawi people by filming part of it in the occupied territory of Western Sahara.

PhillyVoice - Wilson remarked that characters like Calypso, played by Charlize Theron, were flattened in their portrayal, lacking emotional depth and complexity.

PhillyVoice - Wilson described Damon’s portrayal of Odysseus as "not complicated or wily or artful."

PhillyVoice - Wilson criticized Nolan's script for essentially taking on more than it can handle, overloading "underwritten" characters and "confused" themes with spectacle.

PhillyVoice - Wilson compared the film's narrative depth to "Fourth of July fireworks," stating it has "about the same level of narrative and emotional depth."

PhillyVoice - Wilson criticized the film for lacking convincing motivations for characters' actions and noted that "there are no sex scenes, and all the food looks horrible."

PhillyVoice - Wilson described Theron's portrayal of Calypso as lacking emotional depth, stating she is "never angry, never funny, not skilled in rhetoric and never consumed by lust for her scraggly mortal victim."

PhillyVoice - Wilson remarked that actors like Anne Hathaway and John Leguizamo are "rising above a screenplay that gives them 'nothing to do' or 'nothing to work with.'"

PhillyVoice - Wilson acknowledged her influence on Nolan, stating, "As they say at the awards shows, I was humbled to learn that Nolan has read at least the first line of my translation of 'The Odyssey' into iambic pentameter."

PhillyVoice - Wilson ended her review by commending Nolan for getting audiences into movie theaters and bookstores to read the original tale.

CBS News US - The film "The Odyssey" is bringing audiences back to cinemas, with moviegoers also flocking to the original 2,700-year-old source material.

CBS News US - The film has been described as an IMAX spectacle.

PhillyVoice - Emily Wilson's review of Nolan's adaptation is a 4,220-word critique published in the London Review of Books, where she described the film as "gimmicky" and "abysmal."

PhillyVoice - Wilson's review states that Nolan's adaptation has been "smashing box office benchmarks."

PhillyVoice - Wilson criticized the film for normalizing the ongoing violence against the indigenous Sahrawi people by filming part of it in the occupied territory of Western Sahara.

PhillyVoice - Wilson described Nolan's screenplay as "abysmal" in her review.

PhillyVoice - Wilson stated that Nolan's adaptation lacks "psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth."

PhillyVoice - Wilson remarked that characters like Calypso, played by Charlize Theron, were flattened in their portrayal, lacking emotional depth and complexity.

PhillyVoice - Wilson criticized the film for lacking convincing motivations for characters' actions and noted that "there are no sex scenes, and all the food looks horrible."

PhillyVoice - Wilson described Damon’s portrayal of Odysseus as "not complicated or wily or artful."

PhillyVoice - Wilson criticized Nolan's script for essentially taking on more than it can handle, overloading "underwritten" characters and "confused" themes with spectacle.

PhillyVoice - Nolan's adaptation of "The Odyssey" has a budget of $250 million.

PhillyVoice - The film has been described as "an entertaining way to hide from the high temperatures for a few hours."

PhillyVoice - Wilson's review states that Nolan's film is "a family-friendly audiovisual spectacle, like an elaborate Fourth of July fireworks display."

PhillyVoice - Wilson noted that the film's narrative structure is "gimmicky" and criticized the writing as "abysmal."

PhillyVoice - Wilson's review mentions that the film lacks "psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth."

PhillyVoice - Wilson criticized the film for normalizing the ongoing violence against the indigenous Sahrawi people by filming part of it in the occupied territory of Western Sahara.

PhillyVoice - Emily Wilson's review of Nolan's adaptation is a 4,220-word critique published in the London Review of Books, where she described the film as "gimmicky" and "abysmal."

PhillyVoice - Wilson stated that Nolan's adaptation lacks "psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth."

PhillyVoice - Wilson noted that the film has "nothing convincing to say about time, memory, history, war, or about the relationship between one warrior's glorious return and the lives of his family, adversaries, comrades, friends and neighbours."

PhillyVoice - Wilson criticized the film for having "no sex scenes, and all the food looks horrible."

PhillyVoice - Emily Wilson's review of Nolan's adaptation is a 4,220-word critique published in the London Review of Books.

PhillyVoice - Wilson stated that Nolan's adaptation has been "smashing box office benchmarks."

PhillyVoice - Wilson criticized the film for lacking "convincing motivation for their actions or words" and noted that "none of the characters has convincing motivation for their actions or words."

PhillyVoice - Wilson remarked that actors like Anne Hathaway and John Leguizamo are "rising above a screenplay that gives them 'nothing to do' or 'nothing to work with.'"

PhillyVoice - Emily Wilson described Nolan's adaptation as "gimmicky" and "abysmal," criticizing it for overloading "underwritten" characters and "confused" themes with spectacle.

PhillyVoice - Wilson compared the film's narrative depth to "Fourth of July fireworks," stating it has "about the same level of narrative and emotional depth."

PhillyVoice - Wilson criticized the film for lacking convincing motivations for characters' actions and noted that "there are no sex scenes, and all the food looks horrible."

PhillyVoice - Wilson remarked that characters like Calypso, played by Charlize Theron, were flattened in their portrayal, lacking emotional depth and complexity.

Variety - Wilson criticized Damon’s portrayal of Odysseus as "not complicated or wily or artful" in her review titled "An Uncomplicated Man."

Kottke - Wilson described Damon’s portrayal of Odysseus as "not complicated or wily or artful."

Screen Rant - Emily Wilson stated, "I would be ashamed to have written any part of this" regarding Nolan's script.

Variety - Wilson described Nolan's screenplay as "abysmal" in her review.

WHERE:

Variety - Wilson's negative review was published in the London Review of Books.

WHEN:

Variety - Nolan cited Wilson's 2017 translation of "The Odyssey" as an influence on his interpretation during a press tour.

WHY:

CBS News US - The release of "The Odyssey" is seen as an event to celebrate, as it is reportedly increasing interest in literature and ancient Greek studies.

PhillyVoice - Wilson expressed disappointment in Nolan's adaptation for lacking depth in themes such as "time, memory, history, war, or about the relationship between one warrior's glorious return and the lives of his family, adversaries, comrades, friends and neighbours."

Variety - Wilson's criticism stems from her disappointment with Nolan's adaptation of the epic poem.

HOW:

Deadline - Wilson acknowledged her influence on Nolan, stating, "As they say at the awards shows, I was humbled to learn that Nolan has read at least the first line of my translation of 'The Odyssey' into iambic pentameter."

Variety - Wilson's review was published in a literary journal, indicating her professional critique of the screenplay.

(UPDATED July 28, 2026 17:24 UTC)

Emily Wilson's extensive review of Christopher Nolan's adaptation of "The Odyssey," published in the London Review of Books, labels the film as "gimmicky" and "abysmal," while also criticizing its portrayal of the ongoing violence against the indigenous Sahrawi people due to filming in the occupied territory of Western Sahara. The film, which boasts a hefty budget of $250 million, has been described as an IMAX spectacle and is reportedly smashing box office benchmarks. Despite the mixed reviews, it seems audiences are flocking to see Nolan's latest work.

(UPDATED July 28, 2026 16:29 UTC)

Emily Wilson has expressed her strong disapproval of Christopher Nolan's adaptation of "The Odyssey," stating, "I would be ashamed to have written any part of this," while also describing the film as "a family-friendly audiovisual spectacle, like an elaborate Fourth of July fireworks display." In her review, she criticized the film for "normalizing the ongoing violence against the indigenous Sahrawi people by filming part of it in the occupied territory of Western Sahara," highlighting the serious implications of the setting. Meanwhile, Universal Pictures has confirmed that they are taking immediate action to remove pirated versions of the film that have surfaced online, as audiences are returning to cinemas to experience both the movie and the original 2,700-year-old source material.

(UPDATED July 28, 2026 15:43 UTC)

Critics are weighing in on the new film adaptation of "The Odyssey," with Wilson describing it as lacking the essential elements that make the original poem great and criticizing its narrative structure as gimmicky. He also pointed out that the film fails to address significant themes like time, memory, and the impact of war, while normalizing violence against the indigenous Sahrawi people by filming in occupied Western Sahara. In a separate development, Universal Pictures has confirmed that it is taking immediate action to remove pirated versions of the film that have appeared online.

(UPDATED July 28, 2026 14:44 UTC)

Christopher Nolan's adaptation of "The Odyssey" has a hefty budget of $250 million, but it has faced criticism from Wilson, who described the film's narrative structure as "gimmicky" and the writing as "abysmal." While Wilson acknowledged that there are more female characters than typically seen in Nolan's films, he argued that they lack meaningful dialogue compared to the original poem. Despite Wilson's negative assessment, the film has garnered rave reviews from other critics, highlighting a stark contrast in opinions.

(UPDATED July 28, 2026 10:50 UTC)

Emily Wilson's extensive review of Christopher Nolan's adaptation, published in the London Review of Books, critiques the film as "gimmicky" and "abysmal," highlighting a lack of convincing motivations for the characters' actions. She describes the screenplay as overloaded with underwritten characters and confused themes, comparing its narrative depth to "Fourth of July fireworks." Despite her criticisms, Wilson acknowledges Nolan's success in drawing audiences to both theaters and bookstores to explore the original tale.

(UPDATED July 28, 2026 06:45 UTC)

The film "The Odyssey" is making waves in cinemas, drawing audiences not only to the big screen but also to the original 2,700-year-old source material. Described as an IMAX spectacle, the movie is being celebrated as a significant cultural event. Its release is reportedly sparking a renewed interest in literature and ancient Greek studies among viewers.

(UPDATED July 28, 2026 02:48 UTC)

Emily Wilson's extensive review of Christopher Nolan's adaptation, published in the London Review of Books, delivers a scathing critique, labeling the film as "gimmicky" and "abysmal," while also noting its impressive box office success. She argues that the screenplay lacks depth, with characters like Calypso, played by Charlize Theron, appearing flattened and devoid of emotional complexity, and she highlights the film's failure to provide convincing motivations for its characters. Wilson also expresses concern over the film's portrayal of the indigenous Sahrawi people, criticizing its normalization of ongoing violence in Western Sahara and remarking that Nolan's script struggles under the weight of its own spectacle, leaving many themes confused and characters underdeveloped.

(UPDATED July 28, 2026 01:24 UTC)

Christopher Nolan's adaptation of "The Odyssey" comes with a hefty budget of $250 million and has been described as an entertaining escape from the heat, perfect for a few hours of distraction. However, Wilson's review points out that while the film is a family-friendly audiovisual spectacle akin to a grand Fourth of July fireworks display, its narrative structure is seen as gimmicky, with writing that falls short of expectations. Additionally, Wilson criticizes the film for lacking depth in various aspects and for normalizing violence against the indigenous Sahrawi people by filming in the occupied territory of Western Sahara.

(UPDATED July 28, 2026 00:17 UTC)

Emily Wilson has published a scathing 4,220-word review of Christopher Nolan's latest film in the London Review of Books, describing it as "gimmicky" and "abysmal." She criticizes the adaptation for lacking "psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth," and claims it fails to convincingly address themes like time, memory, and the impact of war on relationships. In a surprising twist, Wilson mentioned her influence on Nolan, stating, "As they say at the awards shows, I was humbled to learn that Nolan has read at least the first line of my translation of 'The Odyssey' into iambic pentameter."

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 23:19 UTC)

Emily Wilson has published a detailed 4,220-word critique of Christopher Nolan's adaptation in the London Review of Books, where she notes that the film has been smashing box office benchmarks. However, she criticizes the movie for its lack of convincing character motivations and emotional depth, particularly highlighting Charlize Theron's portrayal of Calypso as lacking anger and humor. Wilson also points out that actors like Anne Hathaway and John Leguizamo are struggling to rise above a screenplay that offers them little to work with, expressing disappointment in the film's failure to explore deeper themes like time, memory, and the impact of war.

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 22:22 UTC)

Emily Wilson has sharply criticized Nolan's latest adaptation, calling it "gimmicky" and "abysmal," while describing its narrative depth as comparable to "Fourth of July fireworks." She pointed out that the film overloads its "underwritten" characters and "confused" themes with spectacle, lacking convincing motivations for their actions, and noted the absence of sex scenes along with unappetizing food visuals. Wilson also mentioned that characters like Calypso, portrayed by Charlize Theron, were flattened in their depiction, lacking the emotional depth and complexity she expected, and acknowledged her influence on Nolan by sharing that he has read at least the first line of her translation of "The Odyssey" into iambic pentameter.

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 20:22 UTC)

In a recent review titled "An Uncomplicated Man," Wilson criticized Damon's portrayal of Odysseus, describing it as "not complicated or wily or artful." The review was published at 20:22 UTC by Variety. This critique highlights the ongoing conversation about character interpretations in film and literature.

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 19:28 UTC)

In a recent discussion, Wilson described Damon’s portrayal of Odysseus as "not complicated or wily or artful." This commentary highlights a distinctive interpretation of the character in the ongoing adaptation. Such insights continue to shape audience perceptions of classic literature in modern performances.

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 18:28 UTC)

Emily Wilson, a well-known translator of Homer, has publicly criticized Christopher Nolan's upcoming film adaptation of "The Odyssey," stating, "I would be ashamed to have written any part of this" and describing the screenplay as "abysmal." Her negative review was published in the London Review of Books, where she expressed her disappointment with Nolan's interpretation, which he cited as influenced by her 2017 translation during a recent press tour. Wilson's critique highlights her professional stance on the screenplay, reflecting her deep connection to the original epic poem.