The Odyssey - Zeus's Law

The Odyssey 

2026

Genre: Fantasy

Director: Christopher Nolan

Stars: Matt Damon, Tom Nolan, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron  Himesh Patel, John Leguizamo, Zendaya

Mohan's Measure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It is not at all surprising or unexpected that Hindus would find hints of their own mythic stories in this film. Stringing a bow, godlike men battling to be reunited with their only love, all the while fending off demons and fighting for the eternal order; this could have walked straight out of our itihasas and puranas.

But Zeus' Law is hardly Sanatana Dharma, and Odysseus is no Ram.

Christopher Nolan has something he wants us to draw from this timeless tale, however, and it is a very powerful observation of our times. The message is strongest in the gratuitous scenes. Just what is in the nature of males that makes little more than Rosen chimps, their hedonist passions giving them courage even to defy the gods? And how does their misogyny, animal appetite, and lustful intentions qualify them to be called heroes?

That question haunts Odysseus in his conversations with the very goddess whose temple he destroyed. It is in trying to understand the predicaments that hit the soldiers and Odysseus' reckless actions that we come face to face with ourselves, and the ego that seems to feed only itself, even at the cost of others. 

And all the while, we find a lonely wife waiting patiently for Odysseus' return, and much like Sita, fending off the advances of lecherous men who like, robots, operate exactly the same way. 

The acting for such an epic has to be, and is, phenomenal. Matt Damon is gruff and brooding, Ms. Hathaway is poised and committed, while Mr Nolan, as the lead among the suitors for Penelope's hand, anchors us with a predictable, but convincing villain. And yes folks, we Indians are in the thick of things, with Mr. Patel offering much deserved criticism of Odysseus' fairy tale bravado.

I am reminded of my own college days, when questions of honor and dignity were put to test in a world where most gave them lip service. This has brought us, much like Ithaca, to the end of civilization. Perhaps, as in the Odyssey, a hint of introspection gives solace and meaning, along with a sense of loneliness.