Homer vs. Hollywood: Discussing Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey

In this special hour-long edition of NYRSeminars recorded July 29, 2026, Daniel Mendelsohn, Editor-at-Large of The New York Review and author of the most recent translation of Homer’s epic, discusses Christopher Nolan’s polarizing blockbuster adaptation of the Odyssey. Mendelsohn outlines his judgment of the film, which he reviewed at length for the Review, and then opens the floor to questions from audience members. Among the topics addressed are the debate over the fidelity of the film’s sets, ships, and costumes; the film’s handling of its female characters; and the question of whether the director’s vision of Odysseus represents a betrayal of the epic’s values.For a limited time, we are offering a special 25% discount code toward purchase of the recordings of Mendelsohn’s six-part Odyssey seminar as well as his classics-related books Three Rings, Ecstasy and Terror, and Waiting for the Barbarians, published by New York Review Books. Use the links above or the code “odysseyevent” at checkout in our shops to receive the discount.About Daniel MendelsohnDaniel Mendelsohn is an award-winning author, critic, essayist, and translator. His eleven books include the international bestsel...