Ralph Fiennes & Juliette Binoche Reunite for Epic ‘Odyssey’ Retelling

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Among the upcoming movies slated for release in the coming years, none stir as much excitement as Christopher Nolan’s interpretation of The Odyssey.

As a film enthusiast myself, I can’t help but be thrilled about the prospect of a renowned and audacious filmmaker, fresh off an Oscar win, taking on such a legendary piece of literature with a staggering budget and an all-star cast. The anticipation among cinema lovers like me is palpable; we eagerly await to see how this iconic poem will be transformed into a grand, blockbuster spectacle on the IMAX screen by none other than this visionary director.

However, prior to that, you may find it intriguing to know that an alternative, notably distinct, portrayal of the tale is already being shown in cinemas at present.

As a captivated viewer, I found “The Return,” skillfully directed by Uberto Pasolini, a profoundly moving experience that immerses us in the somber narrative of Homer’s epic tale. This film is a poignant journey, focusing on the latter chapters of the text, as we accompany Odysseus, returning to his homeland, Ithaca, after an extended absence due to war.

In this version of the story, there are no sirens, cyclops, or any other mythological figures; instead, you’ll encounter two outstanding performances by the talented actors Ralph Fiennes as Odysseus and Juliette Binoche as Penelope, who have reunited nearly 30 years after their award-winning collaboration on The English Patient (1996).

As a passionate cinephile, I can assure you that you’ll uncover plenty of intriguing reflections on thought-provoking themes like grappling with the consequences of war and reconnecting a family long torn apart, which Pasolini believed to be the most captivating aspects of Homer’s epic, rather than any supernatural elements.

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We’re focusing on a family torn apart by conflict, struggling to reunite after the traumatic effects of war. As an adult, this theme resonates deeply and universally, transcending time in a powerful manner, more so than the fantastical elements like the cyclops or adventurous tales we may have enjoyed during our youth.

At a tender age, Fiennes was initially acquainted with The Odyssey, and he recalls fondly a particular collection titled “Greek Myths and Heroes” which his mother used to read aloud to him during his early years.

It’s worth noting that a significant amount of time has elapsed, not quite as much, since he was initially approached by Pasolini to make this film. Originally, it was planned for the actor not only to star but also to direct the project.

According to Fiennes, we embarked on an adventure to potential destinations. We visited Ithaca, the Turkish coast, and Majorca, scouting the coastal landscapes for our upcoming exploration. It turned out to be a fantastic, deeply connecting journey.

However, it’s important to note that Uberto wasn’t just familiar with The Odyssey, but specifically with his own cinematic adaptation of the epic. It quickly became evident that he had a clear vision for the movie, much like a director does when planning their production.

Initially, the idea was for me to both direct and portray Odysseus. With some past experiences, particularly playing Coriolanus, I must admit that it can be quite challenging, almost mind-boggling, to direct oneself when taking on a significant role.

Back then, Fiennes came to understand that he wasn’t able to undertake the project at the given moment. However, Pasolini remained determined and eventually reached out to him again in 2021, proposing that Fiennes would now star in the film, but not serve as director this time around.

He countered my frequent remark of being too old with a reassuring response, ‘But you’re just the right age now!’ We then mutually confirmed that the character in question was not me, but rather Juliette Binoche, who goes by Penelope.

For Binoche, who cherished the script and looked forward to collaborating with Fiennes once more, it was a straightforward affirmative.

Upon encountering Uberto, I watched his movies and was thoroughly captivated by them. Our meeting sparked a desire in me, thinking ‘I must join in on this exciting journey.’

In my humble opinion, this film stands out from the crowd due to its epic narrative filled with timeless archetypes. However, it’s Uberto’s unique perspective that truly captivated me as I delved into Penelope’s tale. She’s not just a strong, faithful, and patient woman; she’s a complex character grappling with doubts and desires, her inner turmoil a battlefield unto itself. This portrayal of a strong female character, torn between loyalty and personal struggle, is what makes this movie a must-watch for anyone seeking depth in storytelling.

It made me incredibly joyful to discover another perspective on that ancient figure, who is usually viewed as the ideal woman, Penelope. However, she’s far more than a paragon; she’s battling and persevering, proving herself to be a hero. Yet, unlike the traditional notion of a hero as someone venturing outside Ithaca, hers is an internal struggle, a quiet heroism in her unwavering devotion.

Considering their past successful collaborations, as seen in The English Patient and Peter Kosminsky’s 1992 adaptation of Wuthering Heights, it could be suggested that the prospect of featuring Fiennes and Binoche on screen together again was an enticing factor for Pasolini.

However, the director mentioned that this idea hadn’t initially occurred to him during the audition process, though it proved beneficial in hindsight.

He clarifies that these two actors are exceptionally talented, and coincidentally, they’ve collaborated before. After their initial collaboration, they found joy in teaming up yet again. However, he expresses eagerness to work with them independently at some point down the line as well.

However, what intrigued us and the team was a palpable excitement during our initial filming of the scene where Ralph and Juliette worked together for the first time on set. The energy was electric, as if we were capturing something truly extraordinary.

In that dimly-lit room illuminated by the fire, the distinctions among Odysseus, Ralph, Penelope, and Juliette seemed to blur slightly. It became unclear who was who, as it wasn’t certain if Penelope was truly Penelope or perhaps Juliette, and if Ralph indeed was Ralph or possibly Odysseus.

The team was left utterly spellbound and awestruck. It was an incredibly moving, unforgettable experience in my life – a moment of cinematic magic that I will cherish forever.

Beyond the reunion, one striking feature of the movie is the demanding physical nature of Fiennes’ role. To prepare for this part, he underwent an extensive fitness regimen.

Despite the fact that, as a passionate actor, the deepest part of the project was what truly captivated him, he acknowledges that the opportunity to perform in the swords-and-sandals genre was equally enticing for him.

He expresses his desire for making an action movie, where he would portray a boy engaged in combat, using a pretend sword for emphasis. Admittedly, there’s a part of him that yearns for such a role, he acknowledges.

In simpler terms, “He resides in a warm, Mediterranean-like environment, much like a warrior who is also a sailor. His diet appears meager, and this physical state seems to reflect his lifestyle. I want the portrayal of him to convey this idea, so when I look at him, I can truly believe it.

I really enjoy that part of the movie; it has a distinctly western feel, like a climactic confrontation. He appears brandishing a pitchfork, facing off against two adversaries. In a way that reminds me of Akira Kurosawa’s style, he swiftly overpowers them.

Naturally, if you’re around eight or nine as a boy, you might engage in such activities on the playground. Regrettably, the realities of war are harrowing, but I can’t think of any male actor who wouldn’t find some appeal in a more intense experience.

He emphasizes: “However, it must be authentic. I believe this line, ‘Will I kill again?’ was in the script. It’s as if he’s been disemboweled by unyielding violence, so to speak, it raises the question of whether you’ve survived such experiences, witnessed men fall, faced horrors, and possibly even contributed to those horrors in the heat of passion and fury.

Upon slaying that suitor, I found myself grappling with the harsh reality of taking a life – a reality that starkly contrasted my childhood fantasies. This brutal confrontation with the truth became a significant motif in the storyline.

In the script, he appears to be reluctantly pulled back into the scene where the suitors are being killed, a situation that feels reminiscent of his past. However, it seems as though he thought he had moved on from this, but can’t seem to escape it. Essentially, he believes he has left it behind, but in reality, it still holds him.

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2025-04-11 18:10