I think most of my qualms with this movie are just with the source material, which I feel is far too episodic and focuses more on plot rather than characters, resulting in a story that’s epic but also rather shallow. However, the changes Nolan made reintroduce some depth into the story:
- Using Zeus’ Law as a common thread between various episodes in the story, such as to connect the destruction of Troy and the suitors’ takeover of Odysseus’ castle in his absence as two instances in which Zeus’ Law was violated.
- Emphasizing the PTSD Odysseus experiences from the destruction of Troy.
- All the changes made to Sinon.
The end product is a solid and visually spectacular film (my favorite shot was one where Matt Damon is walking alone of Calypso’s island) but, in my opinion, still doesn’t reach the emotional (Interstellar), thrilling (The Prestige), or mind-boggling (Tenet) heights of Nolan’s other films.