Nolan's 'The Odyssey' Film: Moral Ambiguity and Timeless Themes

Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" has become one of the most anticipated films of the year, already breaking ticket sales records. The story, which has endured for 3,000 years, continues to resonate with each generation, offering new interpretations and understandings. Ryan, an expert in Stoicism and Greek philosophy, shares his insights on the film and the timeless themes of Homer's epic.

The Odyssey: A Timeless Narrative

The Odyssey is a complex narrative where the line between good and bad is often blurred. Odysseus, in his journey, reflects the human experience of undergoing an ordeal, embodying both the best and worst aspects of humanity. This duality is central to the story's enduring appeal.

Ryan, while not a classicist, approaches the Odyssey from the perspective of a layperson fascinated by its connection to Stoic philosophy. He emphasizes that Greek myths, including the Odyssey, served not only as art and entertainment but also as a means of communicating ancient wisdom and timeless moral truths. Unlike much modern fiction, which often questions moral truths, the Odyssey aims to teach them.

Each generation interprets the Odyssey differently, and each new medium—from oral tradition to written text, and now to film—reshapes the story, allowing for fresh perspectives. This constant reinterpretation is a core aspect of the Odyssey's longevity.

Nolan's Interpretation and the Cyclops Episode

Nolan's film, influenced by Emily Wilson's translation, presents a unique interpretation. The discourse surrounding Wilson's mixed review of the film highlights the excitement and debate inherent in reinterpreting such a foundational text.

A significant point of contention for Ryan is Nolan's portrayal of the Cyclops episode. In the traditional poem, Odysseus, driven by hubris, reveals his true identity to Polyphemus after blinding him, thus incurring the wrath of Poseidon. This act of ego is a crucial catalyst for Odysseus's prolonged suffering.

Nolan's version, however, simplifies this. Odysseus and his men are portrayed as victims, with the Cyclops indisputably the monstrous villain. In the original, Odysseus and his men first violate the law of hospitality by slaughtering Polyphemus's sheep, making Polyphemus's rage somewhat righteous. This simplification, Ryan argues, removes the moral ambiguity that is central to the Odyssey's complexity and Odysseus's character arc.

Unreliable Narrators and Modern Relevance

The film's opening chyron, "This is a time of apparent magic," suggests a narrative of unreliable narrators. Nolan's use of time and narrative structure, with Odysseus recounting his story to Calypso and Menelaus sharing his memories with Telemachus, encourages questioning the veracity of these recollections. Odysseus's convenient omission of his hubris in the Cyclops encounter could be seen as a way to confront his own guilt and trauma, which Nolan seems most interested in exploring.

This focus on trauma and PTSD resonates with modern society, connecting an ancient story to contemporary issues. The degradation of moral centers, as seen in the house of Ithaca with its self-serving suitors, serves as a metaphor for current political and societal challenges.

The Collapse of Old Ways and the Depth of Greek Mythology

Nolan's film effectively portrays the collapse of old ways, extending even to the interpretation of the Trojan Horse as a violation of the laws of war. Greek mythology, with its layered narratives, offers deeper understanding the more one delves into it. Just as one might rewatch "Arrested Development" to catch new nuances, the Odyssey benefits from multiple readings, translations, and explorations of related myths and interpretations. This process reveals different perspectives on characters like Odysseus, Helen, and Agamemnon, prompting fundamental questions about human nature and morality.

The "trolley problem," a modern philosophical dilemma, finds an ancient parallel in Odysseus's choice between Scylla and Charybdis. This decision, where Odysseus must choose to sacrifice six men or risk losing all, highlights timeless moral questions. Nolan's film, however, depicts Odysseus abdicating this moral choice by tricking his men, a departure from the original where Odysseus makes the difficult decision himself.

Truth, Leadership, and the Nature of the Gods

The film also explores themes of transparency in leadership, particularly Odysseus's relationship with the truth. The character of Sinon, who confronts Odysseus for not trusting him with the truth about the Trojan Horse, underscores this recurring theme.

The concept of "Zenia," the law of hospitality, is central to the Odyssey. The violation of this natural law carries severe consequences. Odysseus, in his hubris, believes he can defy the gods and escape consequences. However, his denial and internal conflict are evident, particularly in his contrasting actions: his just use of the bow for hunting versus the deceit of the Trojan Horse. This act, he realizes, has "broken the world," ushering in a dark age where stories will only be preserved through song, leading to potential misinterpretations and a repetition of past mistakes.

Quibbles with Cinematography and the Brightness of Antiquity

Ryan expresses a minor quibble with Nolan's visual representation of the Bronze Age. While the film portrays a somber and dark aesthetic, historical evidence suggests that ancient Greece was vibrant, with brightly painted buildings and statues. This artistic choice, Ryan believes, might not fully capture the "apotheosis of the moment" that the Bronze Age represented.

Odysseus: Hero, Villain, and the Human Condition

Odysseus is a contradictory figure, both the best and the worst, a trickster capable of great feats and terrible actions. This duality, Ryan argues, reflects the human capacity for both good and evil within ourselves. His megalomania and hubris, believing he can "break the world," are central to his character. Yet, he also possesses the capacity for guilt and responsibility, distinguishing him from figures like Agamemnon.

The Ending: Restlessness, Succession, and Surrender

Nolan's ending, where Odysseus sails off into the sunset, differs from traditional interpretations. In many retellings, Odysseus, a restless "striver," cannot remain still. He leaves Ithaca again, sometimes even abandoning Penelope for new adventures. This portrayal aligns with the "addict's dilemma," where there is never enough, and stillness is unbearable.

However, Nolan's ending also offers an interesting take on succession. Odysseus, upon returning, quickly cedes power to his son, Telemachus, and goes into voluntary exile. This could be interpreted as a statement on the peaceful transition of power and the need for a new, less implicated generation to lead, especially in an aging democracy. Telemachus, initially portrayed as whiny and insecure, undergoes a coming-of-age journey, emerging as a rising hero ready for leadership.

The Gods and the Power of Storytelling

A fascinating point raised is the nature of the Greek gods. Unlike the omniscient Judeo-Christian God, the Greek gods were often depicted as fallible, feuding, and not always aware of every human action. Odysseus's bragging to Polyphemus, rather than the act itself, is what incurs Poseidon's wrath, highlighting that even the gods needed to be informed. Nolan, however, seems to imbue the gods with a degree of omniscience, aligning more with a Judeo-Christian understanding.

The Odyssey's enduring power lies in its ability to explain the present through the literature of the past. Concepts like the "siren song" of social media, as explored by Chris Hayes, demonstrate how ancient myths provide frameworks for understanding contemporary phenomena. Odysseus's use of a "commitment device" to resist the sirens—tying himself to the mast—contrasts with his men's failure to resist the sun god's cattle, illustrating the difference between a mere promise and a true commitment to avoid temptation.

Perseverance vs. Persistence and the Path to Surrender

Ryan distinguishes between perseverance and persistence. Persistence is the relentless pursuit of a goal, like fighting in the Trojan War. Perseverance, however, is a deeper, more soul-level endurance, like Odysseus's journey home, his acceptance of punishment, and his efforts to make amends. This involves confronting humiliation, failure, and mortality.

Ultimately, Odysseus's journey home is achieved through surrender. After years of striving, he must relinquish control and place his fate in the hands of the gods. This act of surrender, seemingly a weakness, requires immense willpower and discipline. It mirrors the "12-step" journey of addiction recovery, where one must accept powerlessness and turn to a higher power. Odysseus's "fearless moral inventory" and "making amends" to Penelope and the dead further align with this recovery narrative.

Celebrating Nolan's Achievement

Despite minor quibbles, Nolan's "The Odyssey" is a fantastic achievement. The attention to detail, the scale of the production, and the commitment to rendering the story in a visceral and authentic way are commendable. The film has sparked widespread conversation about the timeless themes of the Odyssey, encouraging audiences to wrestle with its meaning and apply it to their own lives.

The Odyssey, like other ancient myths, provides a shared language and story that helps us understand fundamental human themes, the origins of our institutions, and the costs of violating societal norms. Nolan's film, by bringing this ancient story to a modern audience, performs a crucial service in a world that often undervalues these foundational narratives. The ongoing discourse, even the "culture war" debates on social media, ultimately serves to keep these important stories alive and relevant.