Aside from Ralph Fiennes’ 2024 version, which adapts only the final trials in Ithaca, the greatest movie version of The Odyssey is arguably a musical set in the Deep South during the Great Depression. The film in question is one of my all-time favourites, The Coen Brothers’ 2000 cult classic, O Brother Where Art Thou?
The satirical dramedy stars George Clooney as Odysseus (well, Ulysses Everett McGill), who convinces fellow Mississippi chain gang convicts Pete and Delmar (who represent Odysseus’ soldiers) to escape and go see some buried treasure. In reality, he’s lied to them as he wants to get home to his wife, who, like Penelope, has a suitor. Along the way, they come across a cyclops (one-eyed John Goodman), a Blind Seer based on Tiresias and the three sirens, while being persuaded by a ruthless sheriff who represents Poseidon.
If that wasn’t enough, much like The Blues Brothers, the main trio (the Soggy Bottom Boys) are hit musicians on the run from the law. In fact, the film soundtrack, which is full of country, blues, gospel and folk, went on to win Album of the Year at the Grammys.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? is available to rent and buy on Apple TV.