Emily Wilson, the renowned classicist whose acclaimed 2017 translation of Homer’s Odyssey was cited in early promotional material for Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster film adaptation, has launched a blistering critique of the movie, describing it as lacking emotional, psychological, and ethical depth.
In a sharp essay published in the London Review of Books, Wilson expressed deep disappointment with the cinematic spectacle. While acknowledging Nolan's skill in executing grand visual sequences, "big bangs and big giants," she argued that the film ultimately suffers from a combination of grandiosity and superficiality. According to Wilson, the narrative fails to capture the core themes of the ancient epic poem—offering nothing convincing to say regarding time, memory, war, or the complex human relationships surrounding a warrior's return.
The University of Pennsylvania professor was equally unsparing regarding the screenplay and character development. Speaking with the Sunday Times, Wilson noted that despite Nolan previously expressing admiration for her translation's famous opening line—"Tell me about a complicated man"—she would be "ashamed to have written any part of this script." She pointed out that the film's characters lacked the psychological depth that makes Homer's original work so enduring, leaving viewers with little emotional reason to care whether the protagonist succeeds in returning home.
Despite her sweeping criticism of the film's artistic execution, Wilson conceded that the blockbuster release has provided an undeniable boost to classical literature. The movie's massive audience reach has sparked renewed interest in ancient texts, driving sales of Odyssey translations and potentially persuading university administrators to preserve literature, language, and history departments. In that respect, Wilson admitted gratitude for Nolan's role in getting the general public to read ancient literature once again.