Best Of: ‘Odyssey’ translator Emily Wilson / Actor Jon Bernthal
Summary
Classics professor Emily Wilson discusses her new essay collection and her poetic translation of Homer’s Odyssey, critiquing Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation for lacking the original’s depth and divine presence. She explains her method of using iambic pentameter to preserve the epic’s oral performance qualities. Actor John Bernthal also joins the show to discuss his roles in Nolan’s Odyssey and the new Spider-Man film, reflecting on his journey from a troubled youth to a disciplined performer trained in Russia.
Topics discussed
Intro: Emily Wilson's critique of Nolan's The Odyssey
Sponsors: Instacart and The Dog Stars
Emily Wilson's new book: Crossing the Wine Dark Sea
Plot summary and critique of Nolan's film adaptation
Challenges of translating Homer's meter and style
Break and sponsor messages
Reading and analyzing the opening lines of The Odyssey
Performing Homer and translation choices
The meaning of polytropos and modern adaptations
John Bernthal on filming the Trojan horse scene
Bernthal on playing the Punisher in Spider-Man
Break and sponsor messages
Bernthal's upbringing and Quaker education
Family dynamics and early acting experiences
Discovery of acting and training in Russia
Life in Moscow and the seriousness of acting
Credits and closing sponsor messages
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