Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Carleton University professor Jaclyn Neel joins us to explore the historical and mythological roots of The Odyssey and what Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film adaptation might get right or very wrong. How faithful will this version be to Homer’s epic? What creative liberties is Nolan likely to take, and what should a modern adaptation strive to preserve?
Professor Neel weighs in on the challenges of adapting ancient Greek literature for the screen, what she hopes to see from Nolan’s interpretation, and the deeper cultural legacy of The Odyssey. With behind-the-scenes photos and footage, we dive into the tension between faithful adaptation and cinematic storytelling, offering an expert historian’s take on one of the most iconic journeys in Western literature.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00-00:42 - Introduction
00:42-2:10 - What does a historian expect from Nolan's The Odyssey?
2:11-5:07 - Reacting to behind the scenes photos of Nolan's set
5:08-6:03 - Is Matt Damon the right choice to play Odysseus?
6:04-8:08 - The Odyssey’s Role in Supporting Veterans with PTSD
8:09-11:11 - Faithful and loose Adaptations of The Odyssey in media
11:12-11:41 - Final Thoughts
Visit Carleton University at https://carleton.ca.
Carleton University professor Jaclyn Neel joins us to explore the historical and mythological roots of The Odyssey and what Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film adaptation might get right or very wrong. How faithful will this version be to Homer’s epic? What creative liberties is Nolan likely to take, and what should a modern adaptation strive to preserve?
Professor Neel weighs in on the challenges of adapting ancient Greek literature for the screen, what she hopes to see from Nolan’s interpretation, and the deeper cultural legacy of The Odyssey. With behind-the-scenes photos and footage, we dive into the tension between faithful adaptation and cinematic storytelling, offering an expert historian’s take on one of the most iconic journeys in Western literature.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00-00:42 - Introduction
00:42-2:10 - What does a historian expect from Nolan's The Odyssey?
2:11-5:07 - Reacting to behind the scenes photos of Nolan's set
5:08-6:03 - Is Matt Damon the right choice to play Odysseus?
6:04-8:08 - The Odyssey’s Role in Supporting Veterans with PTSD
8:09-11:11 - Faithful and loose Adaptations of The Odyssey in media
11:12-11:41 - Final Thoughts
Visit Carleton University at https://carleton.ca.
