Story perspectives

Nolan's “The Odyssey” Starring Damon Condenses Homeric Epic

7/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Christopher Nolan released the striking film “The Odyssey,” starring Matt Damon as Odysseus.
CUNY scholar Joel P. Christensen praised the visuals but said the movie condenses Homer’s epic.
Christensen said Bill Irwin’s Polyphemus is portrayed more as a monster and Samantha Morton’s Circe loses agency, linking her pig-transformations to sexual assault.
The film reduces divine figures, casts Charlize Theron as Calypso, and includes the Laestrygonians, Sirens, Scylla, Charybdis and Cyclops.

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Story summary

Christopher Nolan released the striking film “The Odyssey,” starring Matt Damon as Odysseus.
CUNY scholar Joel P. Christensen praised the visuals but said the movie condenses Homer’s epic.
Christensen said Bill Irwin’s Polyphemus is portrayed more as a monster and Samantha Morton’s Circe loses agency, linking her pig-transformations to sexual assault.
The film reduces divine figures, casts Charlize Theron as Calypso, and includes the Laestrygonians, Sirens, Scylla, Charybdis and Cyclops.