One of the great works of Western Literature, Homer's THE ODYSSEY has been told on film many times in many ways. It tells the story of Odysseus's attempt to get back home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. He is beset with obstacles from the beginning in the form of monsters, a sorceress, sirens, lotus eaters, cannibals, etc. The previous versions of this story have focused on the spectacular and sensational elements, most notably 1954's ULYSSES starring Kirk Douglas. (For that film Odysseus was rechristened Ulysses for some unknown reason.) This version is different in that it focuses on the human elements of the story when Odysseus finally returns to Ithaca after 10 hard-fought years, only to find his kingdom in severe decline and his wife at the mercy of hoodlum men trying to marry her to get her money and the kingdom because everyone thinks Odysseus is dead. They are threatening to take her and Ithaca by force if she does not choose one of them for a husband. After 10 years, Odysseus is unrecognizable and needs to assess the situation before planning his strategy to get rid of these vile men who are bleeding his land, and to take his rightful place as king. He disguises himself as a tramp until he can reveal himself and take action.
This is not a film laden with CGI special effects and aimed at teenage boys; it is aimed at intelligent adults with adult emotions and rationality. The literate script by the late Edward Bond, John Collee, and Uberto Pasolini is a joy to hear, especially when spoken by first-rate actors. But a great deal of the film has no dialogue at all. The actors do a lot with "sub-text," especially the brilliant Juliette Binoche as Penelope. She gives a fine, complex performance. Ralph Fiennes gives the best performance I've seen him give to date. Mr. Pasolini is also the director of the film and he does a fine job of keeping it focused and suspenseful. Cinematography is by Marius Panduru, who is aided wonderfully by the gorgeous locales on the island of Corfu. Effective and unintrusive musical score is by Oscar winner Rachel Portman.
In case such things bother you, I will warn you that the film has a lot of blood and violence, and some nudity (including a lengthy full Monty by Mr. Fiennes fairly early in the film).
I'm so grateful to the producers for having the courage to make a film aimed at intelligent adults. I hope it gets enough audience support to encourage others to do the same.
