Joyce Carol Oates Defends The Odyssey and Slams Translator For Review

Author Joyce Carol Oates is publicly defending Christopher Nolan’s new film, The Odyssey. Her comments come in direct response to a viral review written by classicist and translator Emily Wilson, which Oates described as unprofessional and inflammatory.

Wilson’s original critique appeared in the London Review of Books. In her assessment, she argued that the film failed to convey psychological or emotional depth. She characterized the writing as abysmal and stated that the characters lacked convincing motivations for their actions.

Oates took to social media to push back against these claims. She specifically criticized Wilson for what she labeled the crude language of MAGA folks, noting that such a tone is inappropriate for a scholarly or professional debate. Oates further suggested that a translator in service to a text should maintain a level of thoughtfulness and respect toward others working in good faith.

This public disagreement highlights the tension surrounding Nolan’s interpretation of Homer’s work. Interestingly, Nolan had previously cited Wilson’s 2017 translation of The Odyssey as a significant influence during the film’s development. He specifically pointed to her description of Odysseus as a complicated man as a key inspiration for Matt Damon’s portrayal of the lead character. Despite this earlier professional nod, the critical reception of the finished movie has sparked a heated exchange between the two parties.