Consider This from NPR: Episode Summary – "The Return"

Release Date: December 6, 2024

In the December 6, 2024 episode of NPR's "Consider This," host Mary Louise Kelly delves into the recently released film "The Return," an evocative adaptation of Homer's ancient epic, The Odyssey. This episode, titled "The Return," explores how the timeless story resonates in contemporary cinema, highlighting the reunion of esteemed actors Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes after 28 years since their collaboration in The English Patient (1996).

Introduction to "The Return"

Mary Louise Kelly opens the discussion by setting the stage with a dramatic reenactment from the film:

Mary Louise Kelly [00:00]: "Here's a story for you. A warrior king has just washed up on a beach. He's been gone for 20 years. His wife, the queen, has been waiting, pining for his return. And this is all unfolding on the island of Ithaca. Yes, we are talking about the Odyssey, the epic poem by Homer."

This introduction immediately ties the ancient narrative to the modern cinematic interpretation, emphasizing the universal and enduring nature of the story.

Plot and Character Exploration

Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche embody the iconic characters of King Odysseus and Queen Penelope, respectively. The film picks up at the culmination of Odysseus's arduous journey home from the Trojan War, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll of his prolonged absence.

Ralph Fiennes provides a deep dive into the character's transformation:

Ralph Fiennes [04:04]: "He's been at war for 10 years initially, and then a further 10 years traveling, all kinds of adventures... But what the director, Alberto Pasolini, wanted to emphasize was the cost on his soul of being away for so long."

This insight reveals that the film focuses not just on the physical journey but also on the internal battles faced by Odysseus, portraying him as a "wreck of a person" grappling with his past actions and their repercussions.

Juliette Binoche discusses Penelope's multifaceted role:

Juliette Binoche [05:15]: "Penelope is somehow different. It's not just the waiting wife being a saint. She's a woman with feelings, with needs and fighting those, you know, feelings of anger and feelings of feeling abandoned."

Binoche emphasizes Penelope's complexity, highlighting her struggle to maintain sanity and leadership amidst turmoil and uncertainty. This modern portrayal moves beyond the traditional depiction, offering a nuanced character that audiences can deeply relate to.

Climactic Reunion Scene

A pivotal moment in both the film and the episode is the long-awaited reunion between Odysseus and Penelope. The actors recreate the tension and emotional depth of this encounter:

Juliette Binoche [06:22]: "Did you hear of my husband in your travels? He must be dead. The man who left would never have stayed away from his son, his wife, his people."

Ralph Fiennes [06:44]: "Perhaps she's afraid."

The scene is meticulously crafted to leave the audience questioning whether Penelope recognizes Odysseus. The director's intentional ambiguity allows viewers to project their interpretations, making the moment both suspenseful and emotionally charged.

Juliette Binoche reflects on the portrayal of recognition:

Juliette Binoche [07:13]: "It's not very clear in the book, is it, whether she recognizes him or not. But I think, how could she not recognize him? They were married. She knows his voice."

She credits the director and the editing team for maintaining this deliberate uncertainty, enhancing the dramatic effect.

Ralph Fiennes adds depth to their interaction:

Ralph Fiennes [07:29]: "When I played it, I think I knew you had seen me. I knew it and I knew... There's a sort of weird thing holding us back because the distance... it's a wonderful piece of writing, that we are held back."

This exchange underscores the emotional restraint and unspoken recognition between the characters, reflecting the profound impact of their separation.

The Challenge of the Bow

The bow serves as a critical symbol in both The Odyssey and "The Return." Mary Louise Kelly elucidates its significance:

Mary Louise Kelly [08:28]: "The bow is this giant bow that only Odysseus in his youth could string and shoot through. What is it? 12 arrowheads, 12 axe heads. The perfect shot."

The challenge of the bow represents Odysseus's enduring strength and legitimacy as king, questioning whether a battle-worn warrior can still embody the prowess of his youth.

A Reunion After Decades

One of the episode's highlights is the heartfelt reunion between Fiennes and Binoche:

Ralph Fiennes [09:14]: "We've been friends over the years, but when this project brought us together, I think we both recognized there was a kind of it felt inevitable."

Their chemistry and shared history enrich the film, adding layers of authenticity and emotional resonance to their on-screen characters.

Juliette Binoche recounts the casting process:

Juliette Binoche [09:16]: "Don't say no. Please say yes. It was your idea."

Their playful banter reveals the ease and camaraderie that underpin their professional relationship, further enhancing their performances.

Behind the Scenes

The collaboration between Fiennes and Binoche extends beyond acting. Ralph Fiennes shares insights into the creative process:

Ralph Fiennes [09:55]: "Sometimes you can't see the thing that's in front of you, and that's just human blindness. So I couldn't see that Juliet Binoche had to play Penelope with me. That was a door opened, a crack in a window by our director."

This statement highlights the organic development of their partnership, guided by director Alberto Pasolini's vision, which eventually led to a serendipitous casting decision that benefits the film immensely.

Conclusion and Reflections

As the episode wraps up, Mary Louise Kelly reflects on the significance of the actors' reunion and the film's impact:

Mary Louise Kelly [10:24]: "Well, it was the right call. Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, this has been a great pleasure. Thank you both so much."

The conversation not only celebrates the film's artistic achievements but also underscores the enduring bond between the actors, making "The Return" a compelling addition to both their careers and the legacy of The Odyssey.

Production Credits and Acknowledgments

Mary Louise Kelly concludes the episode by acknowledging the production team and inviting listeners to support NPR:

"This episode was produced by Katherine Fink. It was edited by Sarah Handel and Jeanette Woods. Our executive producer is Sami Unigan."

She also highlights the importance of listeners' support in maintaining the quality and independence of NPR's journalism.

Supporting Content and Segments

Towards the end of the transcript, the episode transitions into sponsor messages and promotions for other NPR content, including personal finance coverage and the popular podcast "This American Life." These segments are integral to NPR's programming but were excluded from the main summary as per the request to focus solely on content-rich sections.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Mary Louise Kelly [00:00]: Introduction to the story akin to The Odyssey.
• Ralph Fiennes [04:04]: Discusses the internal toll on Odysseus's character.
• Juliette Binoche [05:15]: Explores Penelope's complex emotional landscape.
• Ralph Fiennes [07:29]: Describes the unspoken recognition between characters.
• Juliette Binoche [09:16]: Shares insights on the casting process and camaraderie.
• Ralph Fiennes [09:55]: Reflects on the creative realization of their on-screen partnership.

Final Thoughts:

"The Return" episode of "Consider This" masterfully bridges ancient literature with modern storytelling, offering listeners an in-depth look at how classic narratives are reimagined in today's cinematic landscape. Through engaging dialogue with Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes, the episode not only promotes the film but also celebrates the enduring power of storytelling and the profound connections forged through artistic collaboration.