ExlibrisJessica

 The form of the myths change with the passing of time. To remain relevant to the culture they’re part of, they must evolve, adapt and transform as the world continually changes- Joseph Campbell.

The thing that has always made Greek Mythology so interesting to me is that it has always been fuelled by creativity and interpretation.

Before Homer’s Odyssey was ever written down, it existed for centuries as word of mouth, passing from travelling storytellers, to poets, to performers; like a big game of ‘telephone’. They didn’t memorise it word for word but remixed the plot, hyped up different characters, and changed it based on the audience.

When you read books like ‘Pandora’s Jar’ by Natalie Haynes (the author and modern-day GODDESS of classical history) you realise that what we consider the ‘definitive myth’ is actually a mosaic pieced together over centuries of archeological fragments, ancient pottery, and shifting historical contexts. Even the famous debate over whether Pandora opened a box or a jar proves that these stories are not set in stone and actually one translation change can alter the way the story is remembered.

I don’t think myths have ever been about strict accuracy and they evolve and are meant to be interpreted through different artistic lenses.

So do I think that Christopher Nolan’s new ‘Odyssey’ will be completely historically and mythologically accurate? No, I don’t. But I do hope that it shines a real light on some beautiful Mediterranean history and stories that we all know (or think we know) and love!

Do I wish that we saw more Mediterranean and Greek actors as a part of these massive epics? Yes, I think this could’ve been a great opportunity to involve people who grew up with these stories. However, I also like a lot of the casting decisions around who HAS been chosen for the film. I’ve seen a lot of these actors in other roles and been impressed by their skills so I’m very willing to see their takes on these characters.

Lupita Nyong’o especially has had a lot of negative press surrounding her casting as Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra. My memories of Helen are that she is stunning (check) and is a mythological figure so captivating that men are willing to go to war over her (also check; we’re watching an online war over her just for being in the role), if that doesn’t make her the face to launch a thousand ships then I don’t who is.

The full trailer isn’t even out yet so I think we should wait to see the movie before we deliver our final verdict.

And even if we all collectively decide we don’t like this Odyssey, this will not be the final version of Homer’s Odyssey. It’s just one more interpretation of a 3,000-year-old story.

If you want to read some other reimagining to see what I mean about enhancing and adding to tales over time, then may I recommend checking out the books of Natalie Haynes, Madeline Miller, Stephen Fry, Jennifer Saint, and Bea Fitzgerald. All of these authors do different things and are inspired by the texts in different ways, but you can feel the love for the source material in their writing.

What are your thoughts about the new Odyssey movie? What do you hope to see in the set? The Acting? The Story?