Rejected Studio Notes on 'The Odyssey'
Hollywood executives give feedback on Christopher Nolan's film.
Hey Chris,
Just reviewed the latest cut of The Odyssey with some of our team here at Universal. Really excellent stuff, as always. We wanted to share some collected thoughts for you to take or leave. (We notice you “left” many of our earlier suggestions, but thanks for casting John Leguizamo.)
Overall, we’re a bit concerned that the audience won’t make the Odysseus-Odyssey connection. We just want to set clear expectations going in the door. We’re wondering if you might be open to a subtitle — something like The Odyssey: Epic Adventures of Odysseus. Think on it.
Here are a few other notes to review:
We’re noticing a lot of boat scenes. Is this something you’re committed to? Please consider alternatives... Jet skis?
The lighting is really dark inside the Trojan Horse. Might want to add some windows or flashlights in post-production.
Love that we got Tom Holland for this one, but it feels like we’re not taking full advantage just yet. Is there a place Telemachus can swing from webs?
We did a movie involving pigs several years ago and it bombed. We’d prefer it if Circe turned the men into something else. (Raccoons are very popular right now.)
Once they mentioned a journey to hell, we all expected to meet a cartoon devil at some point. It never happens. The audience might be disappointed here.
As suggested earlier, the introduction of the Sirens seems like a missed opportunity for a song. It’s not too late for us to call Idina Menzel.
Odysseus should eat some of the Sun God’s cattle. He looked very hungry. We didn’t understand this part.
Sort of unfortunate that we never get to see Penelope’s completed weaving. Maybe she finishes it in a post-credits easter egg?
We’re just now realizing that the characters aren’t Romans. It’d be good to establish this early on with a very clear phrase like “It’s all Greek to me.” (But feel free to use your own words.)
We can definitely see a whole universe here. Let’s get Homer writing a sequel ASAP.
Editor’s note: I loved this movie! Highly recommend.
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“it’s all greek to me!”