The Odyssey

Wow, so many thoughts about THE ODYSSEY, which was excellent. It managed to be both sweeping and intimidate as it explored what war costs, and what happens when you lose your humanity (and yourself) as a result of it. Maybe slightly spoilery ahead.

The non-linear storytelling was perfect, as we circle around and around the heart of the movie (like a certain whirlpool featured) - which was the Trojan Horse itself, and what it represented. This circling also felt like putting off confronting the horror at the heart of this saga, and reflected Odysseus’ mental state so perfectly. I was right there with Odysseus as he finally admitted to himself the harm he had caused and the way he had betrayed his own humanity. It’s only at the end that we see the sacking of Troy, and it is horrific, and I felt shame, too, that I ever thought “oh, how clever” about the Trojan horse and not, “oh, how horrific.” Here, Odysseus has betrayed himself and society and the gods, and this contrasts starkly with Penelope, who remains true to herself and her ideals throughout. (The screen Penelope stands behind serves as a repeated reminder.)

Odysseus’ journey is one of atonement, with his trials (in both senses of the word) each forcing him to reckon with a different aspect of the harm he inflicted as a warrior and general. I cried loads in the final third (if you know me you’ll know I cry easily, but these tears were well earned.)

The casting, accent, and vocabulary choices worked so well collectively, because they made me think that this could be me - this is not some remote myth but the reality of war, and in that situation, any of us would lose part of ourselves forever. Everything felt raw and earthy, especially Circe performing her magic (what a great scene.) Agamemnon is the silent, faceless, unfeeling avatar of warfare itself (a war actually started for economic reasons - sound familiar?!) At the end, we understand that not just the individuals but the society itself has lost its way by engaging in warfare.

Also… most faithful and bestest doggo since Ghost.