As a Classicist, I’ve Defended Emily Wilson’s <em>Odyssey</em> Translation. I Can’t Defend Her Review of Nolan’s Movie.
Emily Wilson, like Odysseus, is terribly clever. In comments about Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey, and in a provocative new essay for the London Review of Books, she does not come out and tell you that she did not like the film.
Reported by 1 outlet — Slate. See all sources ↓
A classicist wrote an article defending Emily Wilson's translation of Homer's Odyssey. The same writer says they cannot defend Wilson's review of Christopher Nolan's new film adaptation of the Odyssey. Wilson's review gave only faint praise, saying the film is a good way to escape the heat and that her teenagers liked it. The writer argues that such faint praise amounts to a quiet criticism of the film.
Why it matters
It shows how even respected translators can have mixed feelings about modern adaptations, sparking debate about what makes a good film version of classic literature.
- Who is Emily Wilson?
- She is a classicist known for her recent translation of the Odyssey.
- What did Wilson say about Nolan's movie?
- She said watching it is a good way to hide from the heat and that her teenagers liked it, which is faint praise.
- Why can't the writer defend her review?
- Because the writer thinks her faint praise actually criticizes the film.
How outlets are framing the same story
Here's how each outlet is covering the story — compare their headlines and timing at a glance.
Since only Slate's version was provided, all outlets frame the story the same way: focusing on the writer's defense of Wilson's translation but criticism of her movie review.
- Coverage card1 outlet1CoverageScouting report
As a Classicist, I’ve Defended Emily Wilson’s <em>Odyssey</em> Translation. I Can’t Defend Her Review of Nolan’s Movie.
Sources1TypeCoverageSlate