Critic: Nolan's 'Odyssey' Made for the Big Screen, Not Streaming

Nolan's Film Demands a Big Screen

Released in Estonian cinemas about ten days ago, Christopher Nolan's 'Odyssey,' based on Homer's poem, is according to critic Lauri Kaare a film that must be seen in theaters. Kaare watched it in an IMAX auditorium, but notes that the true IMAX format with its more vertical screen is not available in Estonia. However, an IndieWire article from last week concluded that differences between formats are not significant.

"Nolan makes big cinema. Sometimes you watch a film and think it could be streamed, saving the trip to the theater. But Nolan is not that kind of director. His inability to make small films is both captivating and fascinating," Kaare said on the Vikerhommik program.

A Modern Take on an Ancient Tale

Despite being based on a poem written 650 years BC, Kaare feels the film feels contemporary. Odysseus is not just a king and general but also a husband and a man pained by the inability to return home. The critic draws parallels to modern conflicts: "In one flashback he tells Penelope that the real reason for the war wasn't Helen's escape but a pretext to control Troy's lucrative trade routes. When you think of wars started by sick old monarchs, whether in Ukraine or Iran, it sounds very modern."

Some viewers are unhappy that Nolan sidelines the gods. Kaare disagrees, arguing that more emphasis on the gods would have confined the film and prevented it from being seen as a veteran's traumatic homecoming.

Practical Effects and Oscar Potential

Nolan avoids CGI, preferring practical effects. For instance, dolphins unexpectedly jumped into the frame during a scene. This requires flexibility from the crew.

Kaare believes 'Odyssey' could be a top Oscar contender. He praises Matt Damon (Odysseus), Samantha Morton (Circe), cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, and composer Ludwig Göransson. "The ensemble Nolan has assembled does truly magnificent work," he concluded.