Emily Wilson on Translating The Odyssey and Nolan's Film
Originally published Jun 23, 2026
By Jason P. Frank · Vulture — Movies
AI-generated summary based on Vulture — Movies · Aggregated by Filmarian · Human-reviewed and approved on Jun 23, 2026
Key points
- Emily Wilson's translations of The Odyssey and The Iliad have made her a prominent and controversial figure in classical literature.
- Christopher Nolan's adaptation of The Odyssey has drawn backlash over casting decisions and modern interpretations.
- Wilson emphasizes the difficulty of translation, aiming for deep equivalence without using the same words as the original.
- Critics of the film and Wilson's work often stem from a misplaced sense of ownership over ancient texts.
- Wilson's new book, 'Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea,' explores her philosophy and approach to translating Homer.
Emily Wilson, the first woman to publish an English translation of Homer's The Odyssey, has become a central figure in the ongoing debates surrounding Christopher Nolan's upcoming film adaptation. The movie, which has already sparked controversy over casting choices and creative liberties, has drawn ire from online critics, including Elon Musk. Wilson's translations are known for their clarity and accessibility, and she has faced both praise and backlash for her approach. In an interview, she discusses the challenges of translating ancient texts and the political tensions that arise when adapting classical works for modern audiences.
Read the original story: Vulture — Movies — by Jason P. Frank
