10 Major Performances In ‘The Odyssey’ Ranked, From Worst To Best
10. Tom Holland (Telemachus)
As a son longing for his father to come back home from the Trojan War, Tom Holland fails to convey the depth and emotional suffering of Telemachus in most of his lines in Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey.' The young man's development into a true hero in the final scene with the suitors seems to be missing. The actor only starts to connect emotionally with the audience towards the very end of the film when his eyes well up at the sight of his lost father.
9. Jon Bernthal (Menelaus)
With a bald-and-bearded look that does not fit into the context of modern hair trends and the actor's natural voice, Jon Bernthal does not manage to make you believe in the king of Sparta. The directorial decision to make all characters speak with unaccented American voices undermines his performance, since Menelaus sounds far more streetwise than a regal Greek monarch. Despite the intensity that Jon always brings to screen, the role is more grounded in reality rather than in mythology.
8. Himesh Patel (Eurylochus)
As a second-in-command officer constantly arguing with his captain because of his pride, Himesh Patel delivers a robust performance in 'The Odyssey.' He matches Matt Damon's Odysseus point for point every time the two characters disagree about the next course of action. Patel adds significant value to the film by bringing out the flaws in the leader's character and conveying the frustration of the exhausted troops. Too bad he wasn't part of the movie's promotional tour, given his siginificant screen time.
7. Zendaya (Athena)
As a source of guidance, conscience, and inspiration, Zendaya conveys the power of the goddess of wisdom and warfare in 'The Odyssey.' Nolan's late-game creative twist makes you look at her part in a completely different light. With little dialogue, Athena manages to make an emotional connection to the viewers in every scene she appears. It is a subtle and memorable performance that holds the emotional core of the movie.
6. John Leguizamo (Eumaeus)
Whatever initial skepticism about John Leguizamo's participation in an ancient Greek film may exist is completely erased once you watch Nolan's adaptation. The actor shows great range playing the loyal swineherd. In the film, the character is portrayed as a wise and blind prophet reminiscent of Homer himself. John adds a gentle vulnerability and warmth to his performance in a way we did not see before. It is a surprisingly soulful performance that adds a lot of depth to the story.
5. Elliot Page (Sinon)
Playing the part of a shepherd boy recruited to participate in the Trojan War and forced to sacrifice his life for the sake of a strategy behind the Trojan Horse, Elliot Page delivers a wonderful performance. The character comes to visit Odysseus in the Underworld to confront him regarding the betrayal. In the course of a tense and memorable scene, Elliot Page gives a sharp and unforgettable performance.
4. Anne Hathaway (Penelope)
Nolan's Penelope is a lot more rebellious and defiant than her classical counterpart, putting her son in his place and cursing the men who invaded her house. Anne Hathaway adds incredible energy to the role of the woman holding her household together. She commands the screen and the camera frame with authority, showing us a fierce character surviving in her home for twenty years and fending off suitors.
3. Robert Pattinson (Antinous)
Inspired by classic sleazy cinema villains, Robert Pattinson delivers such a fine performance that you would badly want to hate his character. He uses his character-actor skills to make the most corrupt suitor of Penelope absolutely believable and evil. It is an entertaining and captivating performance that makes him an excellent villain to root against. The scene when he almost runs after learning Odysseus's identity in the end shows how pathetic and cowardly Antinuos is.
2. Matt Damon (Odysseus)
As a traumatized man bearing the heavy burden of war, losses, and the long journey back home, Matt Damon perfectly suits Odysseus. The actor brings a realistic, everyday quality with a touch of optimism that adds to the humanity of his character's long struggle. One can see every single emotion and weariness in Damon's facial expressions in almost every scene of the film. It is an emotional and powerful portrayal of a broken leader who still hopes to see his family.
1. Samantha Morton (Circe)
Taking the top spot, Samantha Morton delivers an amazing and chilling performance in 'The Odyssey.' She perfectly captures the female rage in the form of a sorceress. Her famous scene of transforming the men into pigs is undoubtedly one of the most memorable and horrifying parts of the movie. She brings eerily energy to the role, making Circe the center of attention. Her exchange with Damon on the dining table can easily leave you terrified.
