The Odyssey is undoubtedly one of the greatest stories of our civilisation. This is one of the reasons why Christopher Nolan, one of today’s finest directors, took it on, using his characteristic epic scope to tell the story of one man’s unwavering desire to return home from an interminably long war.
Odysseus (Matt Damon) was king of the Greek island of Ithaca, who, according to legend and the poet Homer, devised the famous Trojan Horse, which played a significant part in outwitting the defenders of Troy and thus bringing an end to the gruelling siege of the city. Once the fighting had ended, Odysseus longed for nothing more than to return home to his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and his son Telemachus (Tom Holland). However, according to legend, his daring deeds had angered the gods, who decided to make his return as difficult as possible. This is one reason why the word ‘odyssey’ has become synonymous with a journey full of obstacles that lead the traveller away from his goal, rather than bringing him closer to it. Whilst Odysseus defies the gods, giants, the seductive sorceress Circe and other dangers, his wife Penelope defies the men who seek to capture her – and with her, the entire kingdom of Ithaca.
Director Christopher Nolan is renowned for his preference for shooting his films on location, favouring effects that can be “conjured up” directly on set over digital effects. “When I’m writing, I try to visualise my film, to see it through the eyes of its future audience. And when I’m filming, I want that audience to find themselves right inside the film. To be inside that horse, to find themselves on board Odysseus’s ship,” explains Nolan.
His latest work – without exaggeration, one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year – will be available for audiences to enjoy not only in standard digital projection, but also on classic 35mm film and in 70mm IMAX format. In addition to the subtitled version, a dubbed version of the film will also be available.
