Best Of: ‘Odyssey’ translator Emily Wilson / Actor Jon Bernthal

Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation of *The Odyssey* serves as a focal point for examining the challenges of translating ancient epic poetry and the demands of modern screen acting. Classical scholar Emily Wilson critiques the film for stripping away the psychological and emotional depth inherent in Homer’s original text, arguing that effective translation requires preserving the poem's rhythmic, oral quality rather than domesticating its language. Complementing this perspective, actor Jon Bernthal discusses his role as Menelaus, detailing the physical rigor required for the production and his own career trajectory. Bernthal credits his intense, grounded acting style to his rigorous classical training in Russia, which taught him to find human fragility and empathy within characters often defined by violence and danger. Both discussions underscore the tension between historical source material and contemporary creative interpretation.