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Ralph Fiennes’ The Return: Why Did It Stray So Far From The Odyssey’s Core?

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Upon learning about “The Return“, Uberto Pasolini’s adaptation of Homer’s “The Odyssey“, I eagerly anticipated seeing Ralph Fiennes portray an aged Odysseus returning home after the Trojan War, longing to be reunited with his wife and son. However, when I eventually watched the film using my Paramount+ subscription, I was taken aback to find a significant element from the original text conspicuously absent in the movie.

While the fundamental storyline of Odysseus returning home to reclaim his throne after years away and battling suitors to protect his wife Penelope (portrayed by Juliette Binoche) remains unchanged, what’s peculiar is that this modern adaptation seems devoid of the mythical and magical aspects usually associated with the tale. I find myself questioning its purpose…

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The Return Completely Omits All The Mythology From The Odyssey

In recent times, numerous films have significantly altered their source materials. Among the more recent examples is “_The Return_”, which surprisingly strays far from the original storyline. Initially, I was unaware that this adaptation of “_The Odyssey_” by Pasolini would abandon all the mythological elements inherent in the ancient tale about a king yearning to return home.

In the movie, I anticipated it to delve into the latter part of Homer’s work, meaning scenes with sirens, cyclops, and lotus eaters were not on my radar. Yet, I assumed characters like Athena, who guides Odysseus, or Poseidon, his main adversary, would make an appearance. Remarkably, neither character is featured in the film, which seems quite unusual to me.

While This Does Make A More Grounded Movie, I Don’t See The Point

Removing the supernatural aspects from “The Odyssey” transforms “The Return” into a more relatable and realistic film. Instead of being manipulated by gods following the Trojan War, the movie suggests that Odysseus’ prolonged absence was due to his emotional turmoil – guilt over leading men to their deaths and severe PTSD resulting from the brutal war, which lasted for a decade, kept him away.

Although I acknowledge the contemporary twist given to the original text, and admit that it does intensify the narrative’s atmosphere, I can’t help but ponder: Why make these alterations? Isn’t the essence of a timeless work like this preserved for those who have already read The Odyssey, or risking confusion by omitting some fundamental aspects, or for new readers who might find themselves lost amidst the plot gaps?

Ralph Fiennes Is A Great Odysseus, So At Least There’s That

In discussing “The Return,” I’ve encountered some challenges, however, I feel compelled to praise Ralph Fiennes’ outstanding performance in this film. His portrayal of a tormented and guilt-ridden king, who has led his nation’s mightiest warriors to their doom and left his realm on the edge of turmoil, is truly captivating. It may not rank among his finest performances or reach the heights of his role as Cardinal Lawrence in “Conclave,” a standout film from 2024, but it’s undeniably impressive nonetheless.

In a similar vein, Juliette Binoche, who starred alongside Fiennes in both Wuthering Heights and The English Patient, also delivered an impressive performance as Queen Penelope. A particularly gripping scene where they ultimately meet again leaves me yearning to rewatch it.

Instead of labeling “The Return” as a bad movie, I wouldn’t say that. It has its flaws and some questionable decisions, yet it remains captivating enough to make me want to watch Odysseus fight off those greedy and amorous suitors every week, if given the chance.

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2025-06-01 01:08

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