Peneflix MOVIE REVIEWS BY PENEFLIX
A magnificent feat of filmmaking that will resonate with viewers regardless if one is familiar with the Greek poet, Homer’s iconic tale; it is a visual masterpiece, director Christopher Nolan’s films are about time hence there is a timelessness pulsating throughout his movies; from “The Dark Knight Rises” franchise, “Dunkirk”, “Interstellar” (starring Nolan’s choice for Odysseus, Matt Damon), “The Prestige”, and my incomparable “best in play” “Oppenheimer”, narratives weaving lifestyles, politics of the age, educating viewers and unveiling his personal philosophy and purpose behind his creations.
“The Odyssey”, Trojan War, permeated my childhood; my father a master of languages, lover of literature embraced “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey”, naming me after “Helen of Troy’s”, first cousin, “Penelope”. The actor Penelope Cruz has been crucially influential in today’s popularity of the name.
Casting of the film has been controversial: Damon’s (Kirk Douglas, had better physiology) scope of acuity gains monumental respect as a remorseful man, aching to appease gods he has wronged, men he has slain, the Trojan horse is a metaphor for disaster; Anne Hathaway is sublime as the deserted, faithful, feisty wife, Penelope; Tom Holland, disappoints as “Telemachus” Odysseus’ meandering son; Robert Pattinson as duplicitous “Antinous” is inimitable and glories in the role; Zendaya, perpetually perfect as Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war.
The obstacles, on the return to Ithaca enhance the landmark legitimacy of the movie: The Cyclops’s blinding, The Sirens, Circe, (deliciously evil Samantha Morton) Calypso (mesmerizing Charlize Theron).
Odysseus stated “my name is nobody”, Christopher Nolan’s name will forever be engraved in the laurels of foremost filmmakers.
FOUR & ½ STARS
Peneflix
