Navigated to Homer’s Odyssey on Film: “The Return”

Homer’s Odyssey on Film: “The Return”

August 1
36 mins

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Episode Description

“The Return” sticks the landing. Join Emily and Cam as they talk about how the movie adapts and builds on its source material, the Odyssey, to deliver a gripping modern interpretation of Homer’s timeless story.

The Return

  • Released December 6, 2024
  • Starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche
  • Directed by Uberto Pasolini

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00:34 - Introduction: Pasolini’s movie, “The Return”

  • 00:47 - What makes a good movie adaptation of an ancient Greek epic like Homer’s Odyssey?


02:22 - A Summary of Homer’s Odyssey

  • 02:52 - The Telemachy
  • 04:02 - From Calypso’s island to the island of the Phaeacians
  • 04:39 - Odysseus’ narration of his adventures
  • 05:51 - Odysseus’ return to Ithaka


06:56 - Our review of The Return

  • 07:06 - The film’s focus and nods to earlier parts of the Odyssey
  • 08:50 - Familiar beats: Odysseus in disguise; Eumaeus, Argos, and Eurycleia; Penelope’s loom; the confrontation in the great hall
  • 13:19 - Odysseus: a man traumatized by loss and violence
  • 17:19 - Penelope: strong, clever, and determined
  • 21:38 - Antinoos: a fresh take on a one-note villain
  • 24:26 - Odysseus’ bow and the harsh reality of violence and revenge
  • 30:44 - Resolution: Odysseus and Penlope together again, Telemachus seeks to find himself


33:08 - Final thoughts

  • 33:17 - Referencing Cacoyannis: the location, the cinematography, and the soundscape
  • 34:22 - Overall impressions

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