Cannonball with Wesley Morris Cannonball with Wesley Morris

Nolan’s Been Making ‘The Odyssey’ All Along

Jul 23, 2026 · 51m

Summary

Wesley Morris and Sean Fennessy discuss Christopher Nolan’s epic adaptation of Homer’s *The Odyssey*, starring Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Tom Holland. They analyze Nolan’s distinct visual style, the strategic casting choices, and how the film blends classical storytelling with contemporary themes. The conversation also reflects on Nolan’s career evolution, contrasting his original works like *Inception* with his recent success in adapting source material like *Oppenheimer*.

Topics discussed

Intro and Apple Card advertisement Introduction of Sean Fennessey and The Odyssey adaptation themes Nolan's transgressive style and editing techniques Editor Jennifer Lame and narrative coherence in Tenet Matt Damon as Odysseus and the all-star cast Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's roles Elliot Page's character and trans representation Horror elements and Circe sequence analysis Commercial break and ads Nolan as an adapter of classic material Critique of Nolan's depth and Oppenheimer's impact Nolan's commercial instincts and audience trust Nolan's lineage with Michael Bay and Spielberg comparison Nolan's unique status and closing remarks
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