The Odyssey Review: Christopher Nolan Redefines Cinematic Viewing Yet Again

Christopher Nolan's Storytelling

Surprisingly, one would think that despite appearing 'heavy', for the lack of a better word, it is actually a pretty linear form of storytelling, which isn't Nolan's signature style because, as famously or infamously one terms it, Nolan is known for his complex narratives. That isn't the case here. That left me especially surprised and then pleasantly surprised by how he was able to manoeuvre that as well. Because, let's be honest here, there isn't scope for Nolan to go crazy just like we know he can at times (exhibit: Tenet) because here we have witches, shapeshifters, nymphs and so much more.

This could have been bonkers territory for Nolan to play with, but he restrains himself from indulging in these aspects excessively. One of the best scenes, interestingly, involves Samantha Morton as Circe when she literally transforms men into pigs, and the scope for puns, wordplay and analogies is immense here. But this is the kind of wonderful control the director has over his material where he stays true to the core story, the longing and the raw emotions, making Odysseus' odyssey feel deeply personal, ensuring you're with him through every trial and tribulation.

An IMAX Experience Like No Other

The film is shot entirely on IMAX cameras and, for anyone who doesn't necessarily understand cameras and cinematography per se, it might simply seem like an enhanced experience. But there are so many technicalities involved and, as someone who understands it to an extent, the difference is massive and breathtaking. Allowing the actors and their performances to feel raw and immersive while capturing the towering persona they carry as these characters feels incredibly authentic and majestic because you are not merely transported into that environment, you become a part of it.

Those winds and breezes hitting the long grass, the abandoned deserts, those wide shots, the sheer chaos and madness that unfolds when Odysseus and his men embroil themselves in a raging storm at sea, everything makes you feel like you're right there with them. That dopamine rush and rising heart rate elevate the experience manifold.

There are films that come along and recommend an IMAX viewing without truly being worthy of it, and then there's this film, which justifies every bit of that recommendation and then some. Let's be honest here, spending thousands of rupees on a movie experience isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea, but if there is one movie that deserves it more than anything else, it surely is this one.

The Holy Trinity Delivers Yet Again

The holy trinity continues its latest collaborative streak in blissful harmony yet again. Nolan himself, music maestro Ludwig Göransson and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema understand each other so well, and that chemistry translates beautifully on screen. Nolan's possibly demanding vision is met by Hoyte with remarkable precision, where, despite operating these gigantic IMAX cameras, he captures some of the most beautiful, breathtaking, even gut-wrenching and visceral frames imaginable.

It is equally fascinating how now three-time Academy Award winner Ludwig Göransson delivers yet another banger of a soundtrack and musical score. Göransson's music during the climactic sequences, the rousing build-up in battle scenes and even the silences is majestic. This is a trinity that should never break. How wonderfully Nolan has transitioned from Hans Zimmer to Ludwig Göransson is fabulous indeed.

A Cast That Lives Every Character

And then, of course, comes the entire cast. Damon lives and breathes Odysseus. He doesn't merely act him, and that translates in the most beautiful ways. Damon is sensational indeed. Tom Holland surprises with a wonderfully restrained performance as Telemachus and unleashes wrath exactly when needed. Anne Hathaway beautifully embodies Penelope and perfectly conveys the frustration and longing for her husband. Robert Pattinson is deliciously evil as Antinous, while a surprising standout is Samantha Morton as Circe, making an unforgettable impact with the one major scene she has. Sensational.