There are movies that are made to ‘look’ realistic. And there are some which are made to be ‘felt’ realistic. Back then in the early 00, Gladiator & Troy were able to achieve the latter. CGI, No CGI, Doesn’t Matter! Because, you’ve LOTR with CGI in the same level of Gladiator; what at that time, Alexandar couldn’t achieve! Even honestly, 300, didn’t feel realistic, as it just looked realistic!
Now what does this ‘being realistic’ even mean? It means you’re engrossed in those two – three hours which can create another reality for you -> of that era, those surrounding, which would feel, as if some sort of Portal has been opened for you! The ODYSSEY is one such film that opens a portal of ‘being realistic’ for you.
You’re the Greeks in it! You’re the Gods! You’re the Monsters! You’re Sorcerous! You’re The Queen, The Prince. And You’re -> The Odysseus. And His Pain! As you can feel the Real Real in them, when diving into that Era!
There are Four things that makes a movie -> an epic masterpiece! Direction, overall Cinematography, the Protagonist’s or the Antagonist’s Performance, and, the Background Score! What made The Dark Knight different from other Batman series? It was the Heath Ledger’s Performance & Nolan’s Direction! What made Kill Bill different from Charlies Angels? It was Uma Thurman’s authentic expressions! And what makes The Odyssey today different from the other Epic tales being told? It is Matt Damon’s Performance, & Above All, Original Masterpiece Direction of -> Christopher Nolan!
Now, I’ve read that some people online have COMPLAINED about Hélène de Troie is being shown as a Black Girl, or, Sinon from the LGB community. Now tell me one thing! For how long they’ve been shown in the entire movie which stretches to around 3 hours? Hardly for 5 Mins! Correct? And let us say, as per the HOMER’s literature, you wanted to depict Hélène de Troie -> as a White Girl, and I’m not refuting your Claims! You are Correct, as, History should be shown on ‘AS IS’ basis! BUT, can’t you all accept few artistic modifications or upgradations while evaluating a MASTERPEICE Movie like The ODYSSEY?
Look, anything followed in verbatim brings chaos! So goes for the Literature! There should be some flexibility been given! And thus, your Complaints Cannot Overshadow -> The ODYSSEY. It’s an exceptionally made Masterpiece of our time, and one must dive into it & feel Realistic!
This is a movie that should be considered to be watched even as part of your College Curriculum. About the Odysseus’s dilemmas, his betrayals, his regrets, his exile, his wrong judgements, his sacrifices, and finally, his surrender to the Fate!
All said and done, The ODYSSEY is an exceptional brilliant masterpiece artistic work of Christopher Nolan. Go and Watch Near your Theatres!
© Pranav Chaturvedi