Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleShahana YasminMonday 03 August 2026 11:10 BSTMatt Damon shared Ben Affleck's reaction to The OdysseyChristopher Nolan has criticised a "fundamental flaw" in amateur film criticism, arguing that identifying storytelling mechanisms does not invalidate their effectiveness.Nolan clarified that his comments were aimed at amateur critics, stating that professional reviewers generally understand the necessity of cinematic mechanisms and the evolving language of film.His film, The Odyssey, an adaptation of Homer's Greek epic, stars Matt Damon as Odysseus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope, among an ensemble cast.The film sparked debate after Emily Wilson, whose translation of The Odyssey influenced Nolan, described the screenplay as "abysmal" in a review for the London Review of Books.Despite the controversy, The Odyssey has received rave reviews, with The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey calling it Nolan's "best film to date".In fullChristopher Nolan says amateur film criticism has a ‘fundamental flaw’More bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in