As a cinephile with decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that Ralph Fiennes‘ transformation in “The Return” is nothing short of astounding. Known for his enigmatic roles and piercing gaze, Fiennes has once again proven his versatility – this time, by showcasing a physique that would make Channing Tatum blush.
The renowned English actor Ralph Fiennes is garnering attention not just for his exceptional acting skills, but also for his athletic physique in his latest role as Greek hero Odysseus in ‘The Return’. This transformation may come as a shock to viewers who last saw Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence in Edward Berger’s ‘Conclave’, where he was often seen in modest robes. However, the two-time Academy Award nominee is now stripping down to bare chests and loincloths in Ancient Greece, leaving the internet captivated by the man from ‘Maid in Manhattan’.
Although his work often showcases him excelling as a villain, the actor known for portraying Voldemort appears to flawlessly embody the legendary hero Odysseus in “The Return”. This highly anticipated TIFF film is the brainchild of Uberto Pasolini, who also released “Nowhere Special” this year. Fiennes teams up with Juliette Binoche, portraying Penelope, Odysseus’ wife, in this retelling of mythology. You can watch the new trailer and read the official synopsis for “The Return” below:
Twenty years later, Odysseus (Fiennes) arrives on the shores of Ithaca, worn and unrecognizable. Although he’s the king who returned from the Trojan War, his kingdom is not as he left it. His wife Penelope (Juliette Binoche) is essentially held captive in their home, surrounded by suitors trying to claim the throne. Their son Telemachus is threatened by these suitors, seen merely as an annoyance on their path to power. Odysseus too has changed – marked by the horrors of war, he’s no longer the powerful warrior of old times – but he must find his strength once more to reclaim all that was taken from him.
Ralph Fiennes Explains His Costume, or Lack Thereof, in The Return
As a passionate cinephile, I shared my personal journey of donning the loincloth of the legendary Greek hero, Odysseus, with IndieWire. This grand tale, brought to life by Bleecker Street, centers around Odysseus’ homecoming following his long and perilous voyages. Given its focus on the story that unfolds after Homer’s timeless epic, The Odyssey, it is fittingly titled. Upon his return, my character no longer embodies the noble king he once was before embarking on his journey.
The play omitted the presence of monsters, marking the conclusion of ‘The Odyssey.’ Unlike earlier depictions, there’s no goddess Athena to aid Odysseus by enhancing his appearance or providing him with wisdom. Instead, we accept that he is a man who has endured 20 years of travel, 10 years at war, and 20 years of being lost. He appears on stage, bare and destitute, only covered by a single piece of red cloth, which I adapt to wear in various ways, and a loincloth.
In order to portray a more authentic and rugged interpretation of the king of Ithaca’s conclusion, the filmmakers aimed to depict Ralph Fiennes’ character as worn and weathered upon his return. To achieve this, they decided he should appear without proper attire, enhancing the visibility of Fiennes’ physical transformation into a battle-hardened, world-weary warrior on the movie screen, showcasing his muscular physique.
The Return
hits theaters December 6.
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2024-11-12 16:31