In Homer’s “Odyssey,” Penelope waits 20 years for her husband, Odysseus, to return home after the Trojan War. Similarly, actress Juliette Binoche has waited even longer to reunite with Ralph Fiennes, her co-star from the 1996 film “The English Patient.”
Their latest collaboration is “The Return,” directed by Uberto Pasolini, which reimagines Homer’s epic and is a project the filmmaker has developed over the past 30 years.
Binoche expressed her enthusiasm for Pasolini’s vision of the film, describing it as a stripped-down landscape featuring actors wrapped in cloth instead of traditional costumes. “There was something bare about it. He tried to really go to the core of the dialogue,” she stated during a video call from Paris. “He made those characters very human.”
At this stage in her life, Binoche noted that she resonated with themes of abandonment and the patience required to understand the male perspective of anger and conquest. She reflected, “An archetype like this, it’s a gift actually — and to be chosen means you have to really get ready and go for it.”
During the conversation, Binoche also touched on various topics, including the importance of silence in her life, her relationship with spirituality, and a humorous anecdote about Johnny Depp discarding a gift she had given him.
She emphasized the significance of silence as a foundation for her creativity, stating, “If I don’t have the space of silence, I feel that any movement, any acting is not related to a place that is intimate.”
Regarding self-discovery, Binoche remarked on the challenges of overcoming personal projections and fears, noting that acting, especially with a coach, can facilitate this journey. “If you have somebody who can see you and help you see you, it’s wonderful,” she said.
Binoche shared her preparation process for roles, recalling her experience on “Chocolat,” where she learned to make chocolates for her co-stars. She humorously recounted her surprise when Depp discarded the chocolates because he did not like them.
She also conveyed her growing awareness of the impact of personal choices on the world, stating, “Something I’m more and more aware of is that what you do is your participation in the world. So watch what your choices are.”
Even while working abroad, Binoche prioritizes visiting farmers’ markets, expressing a deep connection to fresh vegetables. She has frequented the same organic market in Paris for 35 years.
Binoche highlighted the importance of family in her work, stating that she needs to ensure her family is well to perform effectively. She makes it a point to see her mother every Sunday afternoon.
She also discussed her appreciation for theater, particularly mentioning the play “Square Root of the Verb to Be” by Wajdi Mouawad, a Lebanese director whose work she admires. She plans to bring Christian Louboutin to see it, praising its artistic value.
Additionally, Binoche has been influenced by spiritual literature, particularly “Talking With Angels” by Gitta Mallasz and Hanna Dallos, which she has read since her twenties. She finds it a source of connection and understanding of her purpose.
Three years ago, Binoche purchased a farm in southwest France, a place tied to her family history. She described it as a retreat that provides her with perspective and a sense of stability, something she had not experienced before.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Binoche credited her mother for nurturing her love for the arts and encouraging her to express herself creatively. Despite financial hardships, her mother's support made a significant impact on her life.