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Nolan Slams Reviewers After Translator Calls “Odyssey” Abysmal

8/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Director Christopher Nolan criticized amateur film reviewers for dismissing movies after spotting narrative devices.
He made the remarks on a Beijing podcast hosted by Zhong Shu.
His epic The Odyssey, starring Matt Damon, opened on July 17 and has earned $900 million worldwide, nearing $1 billion.
Translator Emily Wilson called the screenplay “abysmal,” prompting novelist Joyce Carol Oates to defend Nolan and rebuke Wilson’s tone.

History

Historical Context

In July 2008 Christopher Nolan released *The Dark Knight*, which Warner Bros. marketed to break box-office norms and earned over $1 billion worldwide, becoming the first superhero film to do so. Its record-setting $238.6 million opening week and Oscar-snub controversy prompted the Academy to expand Best Picture slots, cementing blockbuster comics as studio priorities.

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Story summary

Director Christopher Nolan criticized amateur film reviewers for dismissing movies after spotting narrative devices.
He made the remarks on a Beijing podcast hosted by Zhong Shu.
His epic The Odyssey, starring Matt Damon, opened on July 17 and has earned $900 million worldwide, nearing $1 billion.
Translator Emily Wilson called the screenplay “abysmal,” prompting novelist Joyce Carol Oates to defend Nolan and rebuke Wilson’s tone.

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