Homer Goes to Hollywood: Exploring The Odyssey on Screen

Christopher Nolan's film adaptation of the Homeric epic The Odyssey (2026) is one of the biggest films of the year. But it is by far the first attempt to capture the epic cycle on screen.

Interestingly, despite the universality of the Homeric epics there have been remarkable few film adaptations of The Iliad and The Odyssey. Those that have been made however tell interesting stories. Stories of the film's production and creative ambitions; stories of audience responses and recognition and stories of how each film reflects the contemporary world that produced it as much as the world of Bronze Age Greece.

Using clips from some of these films including The Return (2024), Troy (2004), Ulysses (1955) and Ulysses against the Son of Hercules (1962), we will look at the 100 year tradition of telling Homer’s stories on the big screen and will examine how the myths have been adapted as well as placing Nolan’s massive film within a broader context of cinematic storytelling.

From Kubrick to the Coens it is also interesting seeing how other film makers have been inspired by The Odyssey as a concept; just as visual arts and authors have for centuries. We will explore some of the films that were based on The Odyssey without you even knowing it (ahem, The Spongebob Squarepants Movie (2004)).

Speakers Estelle Lazer and Craig Barker are two archaeologists who also love cinema. They really love films – good, bad and B-grade. For years they have enjoyed seeing archaeology and ancient history portrayed in movies.

So grab your popcorn and join them as we explore depictions of Homer in Hollywood!