The Oscar-winning actors are in Thessaloniki Binos Juliette and Ralph Fiennes in the context of the 65th Film Festival, which awarded them the “Golden Alexander” yesterday for their total contribution to the 7th art.
The two great actors received the Golden Alexander of the Festival at the screening of Anthony Minghella’s masterpiece The English Patient (1996), which was their second collaboration and brought Juliette Binoche the Oscar for Best Actress, as well as Oscar nomination for Best Actor. A role for Ralph Fiennes.
On Saturday, November 2, the audience of the 65th FKTH will enjoy the new film with Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes, entitled “The Return”, in a screening attended by the two protagonists of the film and the director Umberto Pasolini.
Speaking to journalists today, as rthess.gr wrote, they described their collaboration as the main characters of Umberto Pasolini’s new film entitled “The Return”, based on the Homeric epic of the Odyssey, as a happy moment.
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“I spent a long time thinking and preparing for the creation of the film. I felt that I stepped into the shoes of Odysseus for a while,” said the director of the film.
“I believe in destiny. So, I was hoping that we would reunite with Ralph to make a new film after ‘The English Patient’. Plus we were always looking for a new opportunity to work with together and over the years we stayed friends and talked constantly,” said Juliette Binoche.
“We love and respect each other’s work. When I was offered to tell this story with Juliette I thought it was the right time for us to come back and do it together. . We’re all on a journey, that’s why The Odyssey is such a powerful story,” said Ralph Fi
“You can read the story on many levels. I find the film modern and today,” said Juliette Binoche.
But it’s more complicated than that in the movie. She was angry with Odysseus for not being responsible in terms of what he should fix. I found the script writing and dialogue very nice. I liked the idea of working with Rafe. It was the idea of being with this old-new family again,” he noted.
Juliette Binoche lived for a week in Corfu for the needs of the film and she noticed how important it was to get closer to the location of the story.
“I was lucky to come to Corfu for a week. It was very important for me to see the scenery, the trees, the sea. I felt the passion and the horror. We work with our reality and our memory. I gave visited all the places I could.
Juliette Binos for Agios Paisios
The surprise came from Juliet Binos who mentioned her visit to the monasteries, the Byzantine churches, even referring to Saint Paisios, as rthess.gr writes.
“Your sky, your sea is an inspiration to me,” he said, referring to Sophocles and Homer and Saint Paisius. “They show me the way and fill me with a feeling of upliftment,” he emphasized.
She herself spoke about the monasteries she visited. He said he tasted special dishes there and admired the Byzantine icons. “Thank you for everything you gave us,” he told us, referring to Sophocles and Homer.
“Today is a great day because we share the prize and we are lucky to have a common planet which is a cinema and a place to transform and show that trauma can become joy and fear in a windless house,” he said.
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Interview: The Timeless Collaboration of Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to our interview, where we explore the magic of cinema and its creators. Today, we’re joined by film expert Dr. Maria Kostas, who has been following the 65th Thessaloniki Film Festival closely. Maria, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Maria Kostas: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such profound artists and their work.
Editor: Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes were recently honored with the “Golden Alexander” award at the festival. What do you think made their collaboration so significant?
Dr. Kostas: Well, both actors have remarkable careers and have previously won Oscars. Their reunion for “The Return” not only highlights their personal friendship but also their artistic chemistry. The festival setting adds a celebratory context that enriches this moment.
Editor: They received this honor during a screening of The English Patient, which is a classic. How do you believe their roles in that film influenced today’s audience?
Dr. Kostas: The English Patient is a beautifully layered film that explores themes of love, loss, and war through its intricate characters. Fiennes and Binoche’s performances left a lasting impact, making their reunion in a new project even more poignant. The audience can now reflect on their respective growth over the years.
Editor: Speaking of growth, their latest project, The Return, is based on Homer’s Odyssey. How do you think this classic tale resonates with contemporary themes?
Dr. Kostas: The Odyssey is a timeless exploration of human experience—journey, purpose, and relationships. Juliette mentioned that she found the film very modern, which speaks to its universality. The core struggles of Odysseus—identity, responsibility, and love—can easily be connected to today’s societal challenges.
Editor: Juliette and Ralph both expressed a sense of destiny in reuniting for this film. How does this perspective influence their performances?
Dr. Kostas: Their belief in destiny likely brings a deeper layer of authenticity to their roles. Juliette emphasized their ongoing friendship and mutual respect, which creates an environment of trust. When actors feel connected, it enhances their ability to portray complex emotional landscapes. This connection can be felt by the audience, making their performances more impactful.
Editor: Ralph mentioned the idea of everyone being on a journey, which aligns closely with The Odyssey. How does that theme translate to their characters?
Dr. Kostas: In The Return, both characters navigate their own emotional journeys. Juliette’s character feels a strong sense of responsibility and frustration towards Odysseus, which reflects a modern understanding of human relationships—balancing love and duty. This dynamic allows the audience to engage with their characters on multiple levels, enriching the narrative.
Editor: Juliette remarked on the beauty of the writing and the dialogue in the script. What role do you think storytelling plays when such seasoned actors come together?
Dr. Kostas: Storytelling is at the heart of every great film. When talented actors collaborate with skilled writers, they breathe life into the script through their interpretation. The depth of the dialogue allows them to explore and express their characters’ complexities, making the experience all the more captivating for viewers.
Editor: With themes stretching from fate to contemporary relevance and rich storytelling, what can audiences anticipate when seeing The Return?
Dr. Kostas: Audiences can expect a beautifully crafted narrative that weaves the timeless elements of The Odyssey into a modern context. With Binoche and Fiennes’ performances, they’ll likely experience a film that resonates emotionally and intellectually, inviting them to reflect on their journeys within the human experience.
Editor: Thank you, Maria, for sharing your insights on this fascinating reunion of two cinematic legends. We look forward to seeing The Return and experiencing their artistry once again.
Dr. Kostas: Thank you! It’s an exciting time for both actors, and I can’t wait for audiences to witness their magic on screen.