CHRISTIAN TOTO: Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey Is a Stunning, Frustrating Triumph.

Nolan is working on a different level than every other filmmaker today. His grasp of technology, his eagerness to wow with every shot, is unrivaled. Some of his recent projects have reflected his cool, almost detached approach to character, but Damon’s performance flicks away such concerns.

The actor has never been so invested in a character’s humanity. The film’s anti-war bona fides will grab plenty of attention, but it’s only a small part of his performance.

This is the film that may make us stop taking Damon for granted.

Nolan’s mastery has never been in doubt. So why are the film’s first few moments burdened by sound issues that make deciphering the dialogue a chore? Why tease out the film’s modern anachronisms with a rap-like bard (Travis Scott) and use current profanity to break the movie’s spell?

Earlier reviews, both pro and con of The Odyssey are here, along with this clip from one of Steve Coogan and Rob Bryden’s The Trip miniseries, which reminds us that The Odyssey is far from the first Nolan epic where “deciphering the dialogue” is quite a chore for the audience: