In Homer’s “The Iliad,” Achilles and Patroclus (not cousins or related in any way) are clearly portrayed as two men with an intense bond. When Patroclus dies, Achilles is so grief-stricken that he refuses to bury the body, cradles it for hours, and then demands that their ashes be mixed so they can be united forever. As beautiful as that is, can we agree that it sounds pretty gay? Even ancient Greek scholars, after the story was written, were clear about their assessment. Don’t get me started on how Achilles was dressed in drag half his life.

I talk about this because American director Chris Nolan's “The Odyssey” will be coming out soon. He has made some pretty bold, and I dare say, brave casting decisions for this project. They include Elliot Page as Achilles, Zendaya as Athena, Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy, and others. The blowback has been pretty harsh on this issue. From race to sexual identity to hyper wokeness (I so hate that word), everything has been said. To be honest, I am taken aback. Since many people conflate Greek history with Greek mythology, we should examine other films based on these ancient myths. All of them feature main and supporting characters who are not Greek, and clearly some with deep homosexual undertones. Yet we celebrate those films without question. So why the hate on this? I can speculate on many reasons, but I will let my silence speak.

So, the takeaway (which I have said in a past blog posting) is to watch movies based on Greek mythology. That includes Clash of the Titans, 300, Troy, Spartacus, Jason and the Argonauts, and others. They are wonderful films that excite and spark imagination. Then watch Christopher Nolan's “The Odyssey.” Give it the same chance you gave those movies.

“ Oh Taki, he looks Greek!” - Aunt Voula