Christopher Nolan Says ‘The Odyssey’s’ Modern English Dialogue ‘Was a No-Brainer’ Even If ‘It Might Bite Me on the Ass’ and ‘I Was Maybe Being Naïve’

By Zack Sharf

Zack Sharf

Digital News Director

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Christopher Nolan‘s “The Odyssey” is based on Homer’s ancient Greek epic, which dates back to around the 8th or 7th century BC. As a result, some moviegoers were surprised when the film’s various trailers let it slip that Nolan’s characters speak contemporary English dialogue in mostly American accents. The creative decision sparked intense discourse on social media, one that Nolan probably wasn’t too surprised by it turns out.

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times ahead of “The Odyssey” theatrical release this month, Nolan said that as the film’s screenwriter he wanted to prioritize “language that has emotional not intellectual meaning to people.” This is why the characters in Nolan’s “Odyssey” speak in contemporary English dialogue and not Homer’s words.

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