The legendary Trojan War is the subject of one of the first major epics of western literature comprising two books: ‘The Iliad’ and ’The Odyssey.’ The Return, directed by Uberto Pasolini, deals with the latter book which details the return home a decade after the war of its Greek hero Odysseus, the King of Ithaca.
When Odysseus (Ralph Fiennes) returns to Ithaca after so many years, he is largely unrecognisable to his subjects. He avoids revealing his identity because he is a demoralised man struggling to come to terms with his part in a devastating war. The tragedy is that Odysseus has to face the result of the protracted Trojan War which destroyed that city but in the process took a heavy toll on the victorious Greeks.
Posing as an anonymous beggar he discretely observes the perilous state of his kingdom. Due to his long absence, many presume he has died. As a result, a number of ruthless contenders are seeking control of the kingdom through marriage to his queen Penelope (Juliette Binoche). These potential candidates will stop at nothing for the hand of the supposedly widowed queen and to eliminate her son prince Telemachus (Charlie Plummer).
Clinging to the hope that her husband still lives, the queen delays making a commitment to any of these unsavoury characters for as long as possible. Her husband’s prolonged absence has led to her current predicament and to friction within her own family as her son sees her indecisiveness as detrimental to the kingdom.
The Return, 2024. Directed by Uberto Pasolin.
Life was harsh three thousand years ago, even for the ruling elite. For example, the royal palace in this film is sparsely furnished and lit by torches and simple oil lamps. Furthermore, Odysseus is not presented as some middle-aged glamour boy but as a dejected and broken man stressing the tragedy of the original work. Additionally, the film was shot mostly on the Greek island of Corfu and the rustic scenery further enhances the realism of the piece.
The script, performances and location scenery all combine to produce an authentic version of this ancient story. There is no Hollywood hype, no glitz and glamour. This royal family lives in a rather austere existence: we don’t see lavish sets or sumptuous costumes. The ancient Greeks of this period would not have been running around in glamorous outfits but very basic clothing. Even Queen Penelope wears rather plain monochrome garments and no ornate jewellery. Overall, this emphasis on historical accuracy does not detract from the story; in fact it enhances it.
For millennia Greek tragedies have demonstrated a lasting appeal due to their universal themes, specifically the human frailties of the high and mighty. In this instance, a once famous war hero becomes a tragic and even pitiful figure. Fiennes excels in this portrayal to the point that we feel the anguish expressed by his face and in his words.
A quality script, competent actors and authentic scenery bring new life to this ancient tale. It does not need the showy expense of a big screen epic. The extravagance of previous screen adaptations is replaced with a stark and gritty realism which renders it more accessible to a modern audience.
The Return is the latest version of a story first recorded nearly three thousand years ago. From the original work of Homer to the plays of Sophocles and Euripides many centuries later right down to the present day, this ancient classic continues to entertain and captivate a modern audience.
This film effectively illustrates that classic Greek drama, imaginatively re-enacted, never really goes out of fashion.