Christopher Nolan brings Homer’s epic poem to life through a perilous homeward journey of war, monsters and lost time in “The Odyssey.” Themes of fatherhood, family bonds and time lost with loved ones give “The Odyssey” an emotional weight that marks a departure from Nolan’s typical filmmaking. Known for favoring practical effects over computer-generated imagery, Nolan gives the film a tangible sense of scale. Puppetry brings the terrifying Cyclops to life, while actors of different heights help create the illusion of men confronting giants. At its core, “The Odyssey” belongs to a mythological tradition shaped by centuries of retelling and reinterpretation.