World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Confused by ‘The Odyssey’? All the Timelines, Monsters and Greek Myths Explained
Christopher Nolan's forthcoming adaptation of "The Odyssey" retells Homer's epic through a non-linear structure, with the story narrated partly by a bard (Travis Scott) as Odysseus (Matt Damon) recounts his journey home after the Trojan War. Given the film's starry ensemble cast and jumbled timelines, Variety has produced a guide unpacking the myths, monsters and chronology underpinning Nolan's roughly three-hour version, aimed at viewers unfamiliar with or confused by the source material.
The explainer traces events from before the story begins, including the abduction of Helen (Lupita Nyong'o) by Paris of Troy, which draws her husband Menelaus (Jon Bernthal) and his brother Agamemnon (Benny Safdie) into the ten-year Trojan War. It details Odysseus's ruse of the Trojan Horse, engineered with the unwitting help of soldier Sinon (Elliot Page), which secures Greek victory, before moving into "The Journey" section covering Odysseus's separate, perilous voyage home to Ithaca, wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and son Telemachus (Tom Holland).
In short
- Variety explains the timeline and myths behind Nolan's new "Odyssey" film
- Covers backstory: Helen's abduction, the Trojan War and wooden horse
- Guide also outlines Odysseus's long, monster-filled journey home to Ithaca
Explained simply
The Odyssey is an ancient Greek epic poem by Homer, written over 2,700 years ago, that tells the story of a warrior named Odysseus struggling to return home after a long war. The work is considered foundational to Western literature and culture, and has been adapted countless times throughout history. It remains popular because it combines adventure, mythology and timeless themes about home, loyalty and perseverance.
The story follows Odysseus's journey after the ten-year Trojan War, which the Greeks won through his cunning military strategy: hiding soldiers in a wooden horse that the Trojans unknowingly brought into their city. After Troy's fall, Odysseus attempts to sail home to Ithaca to reunite with his wife Penelope and son Telemachus. His voyage proves perilous, with encounters against mythological creatures and divine obstacles.
Christopher Nolan's film adaptation of The Odyssey uses a non-linear narrative structure, meaning events are shown out of chronological order rather than from beginning to end. This storytelling approach, combined with a large ensemble cast and jumbled timelines, can confuse viewers who are not familiar with the original epic's plot and characters. Understanding the traditional story's progression and main figures helps audiences navigate Nolan's complex interpretation.
Americas Celebrity Entertainment World