From ancient times to the present day, Greeks have always been ready to start a dispute over who alone has the right to the legend of Helen of Troy, who is considered the most beautiful woman in the world, writes Politico.
The release of the new version of The Odyssey directed by Christopher Nolan has sparked controversial opinions in Greece, the homeland of the epic author Homer. In a country where children are introduced to Homer’s work as early as the 7th grade, discussions about the latest interpretation of the epic are heated. How closely Nolan follows Homer’s story, why there is no Greek among the actors, and why Helen is played by a black actress – these are some of the questions that have taken over Greek minds.
The Hollywood masterpiece follows the ten-year, perilous journey of King Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, home from the Trojan War to reunite with his wife Penelope. The film was partly shot in Greece and features some of Greece’s most legendary sights. It has given the Greeks international recognition for their cultural heritage and natural treasures, and allowed them to once again boast that the famous epic is still relevant after 3,000 years. Greece allocated 6.5 million euros to shoot The Odyssey, and the film’s total budget reached 250 million euros.
The first scandal was caused by the choice of the actress for the role of Helen of Troy. American entrepreneur Elon Musk did not hesitate to declare that Nolan had defiled Homer and knelt down to submit to the socio-political awareness (woke) required to win an Oscar. Musk called Nolan a worm.
Greek media have also widely debated the choice of actress,
with critics, historians and directors both defending and rejecting it as unacceptable. Those in favor of the choice point out that Greek epics are part of Western civilization, and therefore belong to everyone. Creative freedom is allowed, especially when it comes to myths. Opponents of the choice have emphasized that Homer’s descriptions leave much to the reader’s imagination (a beautiful dress, beautiful hair and face), but the only thing that is clearly stated is that Helen has white hands. Greece’s small, ultra-orthodox opposition party “Niki” opposed the choice of actors and state subsidies, stating that Greek taxpayers are being asked to pay for the imposition of an ideology of socio-political consciousness on Greek history and cultural heritage. The party leader stressed in a statement that Greece’s so-called patriotic government continues to support any expression of socio-political awareness and seeks to silence any initiative that highlights the Greek national identity.
Meanwhile, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni told Lifo magazine that the state is not obliged to determine how the author of a work of art should interpret a myth, and questioned whether anyone really believes that the state should censor Nolan’s work. Meanwhile, Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis said that he did not oppose the government’s decision to provide funding for the film, but said that he found it difficult to understand Nolan’s choice. The minister told local television that Nolan had gone too far and was unlikely to win an Oscar.
Some believe that Greeks have been completely left out, as there are no Greeks among the actors.
Despite mixed reviews, Nolan’s film is expected to be a box office hit both worldwide and in Greece. It premiered on the 16th of July and has sold out quickly, with bookstores feeling the demand for copies of the epic.
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