The Odyssey and The Contemporary

 They don't make 'em like this anymore.

If you grew up watching the epic Hollywood productions of the 1950s and 60s, Christopher Nolan's epic rendition of "The Odyssey" will transport theatergoers completely in a way unlike anything in recent decades. Aspects of the film can feel unbalanced or repetitive, but the plot confidently carries audiences through the gauntlet of challenges to a satisfying culmination.

With inventive story structure (a Nolan trademark) and overflowing with technical wizardry onscreen and in the soundtrack, this is one to see on the biggest screen you can find. Honestly, I pity those who will inevitably stream this on their home TV or (gods forbid) smartphone... because the sprawling journey of Odysseus should be experienced on a grand scale, or not at all.

But most importantly after 2023's "Oppenheimer" confronted a world on the brink of total annihilation: why did Nolan make this film, and why now? What can we learn from the notion of 'the law of Zeus' - imploring us to treat strangers as though they are potentially the gods among us, to regard every human with hospitality, worth, and dignity? Moreover, what happens to a society that breaks the bonds of our common humanity and descends into wanton violence, gluttony, greed, and warfare? Perhaps this is precisely the retelling of an ancient monomyth we need to see and discuss widely...