Unpacking Odysseus

With Christopher Nolan’s new film adaptation of "The Odyssey" arriving at theaters on July 17, educators Harry Campion and John Monaghan embark on their own epic journey to put the history, the original story, and the film in context.

Campion and Monaghan taught Homer’s epic poem for nearly 20 years in the rigorous Advanced Placement English Literature course at Grosse Pointe South High School.

Unpacking Odysseus will run very much like their classes, relying heavily on Campion’s knowledge of Greek art and Mythology, while Monaghan, a film historian and former Detroit Free Press film critic, will discuss the work of director Nolan ("The Dark Knight", "Dunkirk", "Oppenheimer") and how this story aligns with his previous films.

Much like their classes, this will be a discussion as much as a lecture. Spoilers will rain like lotus flowers, so it is strongly recommended that you see the movie first and read the story (Fagles translation preferred) to be an active participant.

And yes, there will be a test, or at least trivia, with film-related prizes, provided by Motor City Cinematheque, a new organization dedicated to the communal film viewing experience.