John Leguizamo opens up about wearing vision-blocking contact lenses for Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey'
Washington, July 24
Actor John Leguizamo has revealed the physical challenges he faced while portraying the blind servant Eumaeus in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, saying he was unable to see for up to 14 hours a day because of the contact lenses required for the role.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, the Golden Globe-nominated actor described how the vision-blocking lenses affected his daily routine during filming.
"Not being able to see for 12 to 14 hours a day, like I couldn't see my phone, I couldn't read, I couldn't call," he said, adding, "My other eye wasn't clear either. I could not see. I had to be taken to the bathroom, I had to be brought back. I had to be taken to eat."
Leguizamo said the experience also had a psychological impact, as the long hours without sight left him alone with his thoughts.
"When I was alone, I just had to be inside my head because that's all I had. Too much time with my own thoughts. It's a dangerous thing," he said, as quoted by Deadline.
'The Odyssey' is Christopher Nolan's adaptation of one of the earliest stories in human history. The film follows Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, as he navigates a series of trials and mythical encounters during his decade-long journey home after the Trojan War to reunite with his wife Penelope, played by Anne Hathaway, and his son Telemachus, played by Tom Holland.
The ensemble cast also includes Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong'o, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page, Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, Samantha Morton, Jesse Garcia, Will Yun Lee, Rafi Gavron, Shiloh Fernandez, Mia Goth, Travis Scott and others.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who works in visual effects, I've got to say this is genuinely concerning. There are so many safer ways to achieve a blind character - CGI, practical effects, even just acting without lenses. But John went all in. His quote about being alone with his thoughts for 12-14 hours is haunting. That kind of psychological toll must be immense. Respect for his craft, but I hope Nolan's team had proper safety protocols.
Yaar, this is both inspiring and scary. Imagine not being able to see your phone for a whole day! I'd go crazy without Instagram for 14 hours 😂 But honestly, this kind of method acting reminds me of our own Indian actors who go to great lengths for roles - like Aamir Khan gaining weight for Dangal. True dedication knows no boundaries, whether it's Hollywood or Bollywood. 👏
I read the original Odyssey in school - it's an epic tale about perseverance and homecoming. Having Nolan at the helm with this incredible cast (Tom Holland as Telemachus? Matt Damon as Odysseus? 😱) is a dream come true. But I do worry about the contact lens approach - isn't there a risk of corneal abrasion or infection? Hope the production team consulted ophthalmologists.
Listening to John describe being led to the bathroom and back, unable to call anyone... it struck me how much we take our senses for granted. In our busy Indian households, we always have someone to talk to, but imagine being completely isolated in your own mind for hours. That's the real challenge here. The psychological aspect is what makes this story so powerful. Can't wait to see his performance! 🤞
K Karthik V