Christopher Nolan has defended his decision to use modern English dialogue in his forthcoming epic The Odyssey.
Speaking to the Los Angeles Times ahead of the film’s release on July 17, the director explained his approach to adapting Homer’s ancient Greek poem.
“I wanted an earthy narrative,” Mr Nolan told the publication. “To me, it was a no-brainer.”
The filmmaker acknowledged the choice sparked considerable debate online after trailers revealed characters speaking in contemporary language with predominantly American accents.
Christopher Nolan has defended his decision to use modern English dialogue in The Odyssey
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As screenwriter, Mr Nolan said he sought “language that has emotional not intellectual meaning to people,” rather than attempting to replicate Homer’s original words.
“I was maybe being naïve, it might bite me on the ass,” he admitted.
The director has also responded to criticism of the film’s armour design, which some social media users compared unfavourably to Batman’s modern Batsuit.
In an interview with Time magazine, Mr Nolan pointed to historical evidence supporting his aesthetic choices.
Matt Damon stars as Odysseus in the film
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“There are Mycenaean daggers that are blackened bronze,” he explained.
“The theory is they probably could have blackened bronze in those days.
“You take bronze, you add more gold and silver to it and then use sulfur.”
Regarding Agamemnon’s distinctive costume, Mr Nolan noted designer Ellen Mirojnick aimed to convey the character’s elevated status through expensive-looking materials that would distinguish him from others.
Lupita Nyong’o portrays Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation
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The casting of rapper Travis Scott as a bard in the film also drew attention when early trailers were released.
Mr Nolan defended the unconventional choice by highlighting the connection between ancient storytelling and contemporary musical forms.
“I cast him because I wanted to nod towards the idea that this story has been handed down as oral poetry, which is analogous to rap,” the director stated.
Homer’s epic, dating from approximately the 8th or 7th century BC, was originally transmitted through spoken performance before being committed to writing, a tradition Mr Nolan sought to acknowledge through Mr Scott’s presence in the Universal Pictures production.
The film boasts an ensemble of major Hollywood talent, with Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o and Jon Bernthal among the cast.
Mr Nolan explained assembling such recognisable names was a deliberate strategy for the adaptation.
“They are mythological figures, iconic in some ways,” he said of the characters. “I wanted to cast it big, get the finest bunch of actors.”
The director believed familiar faces would help modern audiences connect with the ancient material, making the legendary figures feel more accessible.
Tom Holland takes on the role of Telemachus
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Mr Nolan’s comments come after The Odyssey has already faced criticism over several other creative decisions ahead of its release.
Actress Lupita Nyong’o, who plays Helen of Troy, recently sparked debate after questioning Homer’s portrayal of female characters during a promotional interview.
Asked what she would say to the ancient Greek poet, the Oscar winner replied: “So, Homer, how do you feel about the screen time given to these women considering how little you spent with them?”
Ms Nyong’o’s comments came amid a separate casting row, with some critics questioning her portrayal of Helen of Troy, a figure Homer famously described as “white-armed”.