Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes Reflect on Their Emotional Reunion for Uberto Pasolini’s Epic Adaptation of Homer’s ‘The Return’

The emotional journey back to Greece for the historical drama “The Return” was profound for Juliette Binoche, Ralph Fiennes, and director-producer Uberto Pasolini. During a press conference at the Thessaloniki Film Festival, Binoche expressed her feelings, stating, “Meeting this dream, this need inside Uberto and his passion for the story… We were really moved,” before she, along with her co-stars, became visibly emotional.

Binoche elaborated on her experience as an actor, emphasizing, “It was moving because that is what you wish for as an actor,” her voice trembling as she spoke. Pasolini, sharing in the sentiment, conveyed that the effort to realize this project, which took years of dedication, left them feeling fulfilled. He noted, “We know how difficult it is [to get a film made]. When we had [Pasolini] go home with the hard drives he could work with and complete this wish, it felt like we were okay. We’re okay.”

The film, which adapts Homer’s “Odyssey,” has been a passion project for Pasolini for three decades, with its release set for December 6 in the U.S. Fiennes stars as Odysseus, who returns to Ithaca after 20 years of war, while Binoche portrays Penelope, his wife, who has been fighting to protect their home.

Pasolini praised the collaboration with Binoche and Fiennes, stating, “Most of the time you say action and you just watch and watch and watch because it is extraordinary.” He further reflected on the artistic moments that make filmmaking special, recalling Bergman’s notion that “the most beautiful thing to look at is the face.” He expressed gratitude for the connection between the two leads, which he considered a blessing.

At the Thessaloniki Film Festival, the actors were honored with the Golden Alexander award for their careers, highlighting their previous collaborations in “The English Patient” and “Wuthering Heights.” Fiennes expressed his gratitude while accepting the award, becoming emotional as he spoke about Binoche’s unique contributions to their partnership, stating, “She gives in a way I have not experienced with any other actor. I love her very much.”

During the press conference, Binoche described their reunion 28 years after their work in “The English Patient” as “destiny.” She highlighted the importance of their shared story in “The Return,” especially considering their long-standing friendship and the potential for this to be their final collaboration. Fiennes echoed her sentiment, emphasizing that their reunion felt destined and right for this narrative about reconnection.

When asked about the relevance of her role as Penelope to modern women, Binoche characterized her character as “a very modern woman even though she is an archetype.” She pointed out that Penelope is not merely a submissive wife; rather, she has her own journey filled with challenges.

Binoche suggested that Penelope’s story resonates with current global issues, where the need for balance between male and female energies is essential. Binoche explained, “You can read the story on so many levels,” asserting that the film’s modernity stems from its classic roots, making it even more relevant today.

An audience member drew a parallel between Penelope and the challenges faced by independent films, noting how her suitors could symbolize those obstacles. Fiennes responded by critiquing the labels of arthouse versus commercial films, suggesting that such categorizations limit the cinematic experience. He expressed hope that future filmmakers could foster an environment where diverse films could coexist.

Fiennes continued, advocating for a new generation of filmmakers to create spaces where arthouse and commercial films are presented together, encouraging a more inclusive dialogue with audiences.

Pasolini later reiterated Fiennes’ remarks while discussing the impact of streaming services, suggesting that storytelling should be viewed as a continuum. He acknowledged that different films appeal to varying audiences and emphasized the importance of cinema being enjoyed collectively in theaters.

Reflecting on his return to Greece, where part of the film was filmed before transitioning to Italy, Fiennes described Ithaca as a “very powerful place” and praised Greece as “an extraordinary country.” He noted the spiritual energy of its landscapes, likening it to the powerful feelings he experiences in Ireland.