Big Screen Views: The Odyssey

During the pig-transformation scene, I almost walked out of the theater. 

Yet watching—that is, experiencing—“The Odyssey” is a commitment one must not abandon, no matter how revolted one might be. Besides, so much has already been written and gushed about this summer’s epic, I had to stick it out and see for myself. 

This isn’t a mere film, after all. It’s a spectacle, a travelogue among multiple countries including Morocco, Iceland, Scotland, Italy and Greece, and it’s a voyage across the wine-dark sea in between. The tale of Odysseus, Penelope, Telemachus, Athena and Calypso deserves a big screen, for heaven’s sake. 

We begin in Ithaca, on the Greek island where Penelope has been waiting too many years for her husband Odysseus, played by a scruffy and muscular Matt Damon. Suitors are surrounding her like mosquitoes. The long-suffering spouse, who some believe must be a widow by now, is portrayed by Anne Hathaway, who with her regal bearing appears to be seven feet tall.

Along with her son Telemachus (Tom Holland), Penelope keeps the suitors at bay—and thus frustrated, they become even more disgusting. At the top of the heap is Antinous, played by Robert Pattinson. He looks a lot like his old role of Edward the “Twilight” vampire, except with every ounce of sexiness sucked out of him.  

This sets up the tale of that “complicated man,” Odysseus, and his journey following the Trojan War. 

Gird yourselves! You’re in for 173 minutes of often-horrendous struggle. Keep in mind that this is much quicker than the 11 hours or so it could take to read Homer’s poem. 

The movie “The Odyssey” is no linear trip, flashing back as it must to the protagonist’s many battles. Odysseus meets gods, monsters, sheep, deer, other predators, sirens and one sorceress, Circe. Samantha Morton portrays her with shiver-inducing subtlety. 

Circe presides over the aforementioned pig scene. This was one of the more horrifying situations I have ever beheld in a movie. Granted, I don’t usually choose violent war epics for my weekend entertainment. I spent some of the goriest passages of “The Odyssey” with my head down and eyes closed. 

Yet I have to hand it to screenwriter and director Christopher Nolan for constructing a gigantic motion picture that still comes down to a human scale. And that cave scene with the naked Cyclops eating humans as if they’re hot dogs! There’s one that will live on in my memory. So will the soundtrack, with its surreal wind, roar and vibration.  

Along with its visual and aural grandiosity, “The Odyssey” gives us plenty to think about. There are several mentions of “Zeus’ law,” which is, essentially, to treat others the way you want to be treated. Is that so hard? Evidently it is. Down through the ages, men have slaughtered one another in wars. Will we ever learn? 

As he travels, Odysseus has provocative relationships with women. Athena, played with grace and understatement by Zendaya, appears to him only; others cannot see her. Athena is not only the goddess of wisdom, but also Odysseus’ guide and protector. He could have used more visions of her by his side. 

I would also have liked to see more of Helen of Troy and her sister Clytemnestra, both portrayed by the magnificent Lupita Nyong'o. She commands the screen during her too-brief appearances. 

Then there is Calypso, the luminous Charlize Theron. During a period of amnesia, Odysseus spends time with her alone on a beach. He’s hooked on the lotus petals that make him feel all mellow. That, of course, can’t last. 

I couldn’t help but notice that the women of “The Odyssey” appear to wear not a stitch of makeup. They are stunning. A Best Makeup Academy Award should be given to them. 

One of the surprising elements of the film—a character who appears at key moments throughout—is delivered to us by John Leguizamo. I won’t tell you which one, in hopes of not spoiling the jolt of recognition. 

In the end, “The Odyssey” is a memorable experience worth its nearly three hours. This picture reminds us that war is hell, and civilization tenuous. And things really should not come down to just one guy against gods, monsters and suitors.