Summary:
Parthenope is an Italian-French film that is set to release in 2024 which is a coming of age drama directed by Paolo Sorrentino. Sorrentino is known for his signature poetic style and visually emotional narratives. Here, he presents a personal take that intertwines mythology with reminiscence alongside sensuality. The film follows Parthenope Di Sangro, a daughter of 1950s Naples whose life story is an a lyrical odyssey of coming-of-age, beauty and self-realization. Her name, one she shares with the siren fable who is said to have given birth to the Naples, sets the mythic undertone for the story that stretches beyond personal experiences to cultural identity and legacy.
The movie does not adhere to a traditional story howevor it revolves around the singular theme of fragmented narratives. Rather, it progresses through a blend of episodes—pieces of Parthenope’s life which, when merged, form a composite of a woman who has blossomed contextually with the people around her. We see Parthenope from her teenage years to adulthood as she juggles complex relationships, immerses herself into her creative drives, and ponders life’s profound questions.
Incorporating the spectacular views of Naples and Capri, the film ‘Parthenope’ intelligently places these locations as not only the backdrop but as a character incorporating the sea. The streets, and several forms of architecture present in the town of Naples act emotionally in the weave of Parthenope’s inner world, it’s sad yet beautiful, sensual, sentimental and ageless all at once.
Cast & Characters:
Young Parthenope is portrayed by Celeste Dalla Porta who plays the role of a curious feminine figure while capturing the sheer force of beauty with grace and strength. Since this is her debut role, her energy coupled with a genuine feel to it displaysabsolute realness to the character.
Stefania Sandrelli has the role of elder Parthenope tenderly suffering from Penelope’s everlastingly difficult memories of her youth. Somewhat nostalgically wiser than the weaver, Sandrelli supplements the film with the thoughtful hindsight that Parthenope is no longer here.
In this masterpiece Gary Oldman plays a version of an American writer never known to Parthenope who for her artistic twitch would inspire mutual reflections with Parthenope. And her conversations with him, grim and highly poetic in nature would discuss the various aspects of aging, punishment, abandonment and art.
Another important character in the life of Parthenope is the learned Signore Marotta in possession of all the tools required to ignite her interest in learning. This character is played by Silvio Orlando.
Luisa Ranieri, Isabella Ferrari, and Peppe Lanzetta complete the secondary team in the supporting cast, portraying people who in one way or another, shape Parthenope as a person during different time periods of her life, including mentors, lovers, and rivals.
Every addition in Parthenopes life encounters her ideals and desires as well as challenge her vulnerabilities further adding to her evolution.
Direction & Aesthetic:
Sorrentino’s direction in Parthenope is alongside his others like The Great Beauty and Youth; it is visually stunning and has a strong underlying emotional impact. Sorrentino is known as a mood filmmaker and not surprisingly so, this film is no exception. Daria D’Antonio who worked as the cinematographer for this film captured the cities of Naples and Capri in golden light. The beaches are vibrant and full of sunlight as well as the dark interiors presenting a striking imbalance of beauty and the conflict within.
The camera lingers, captures a face, a statue, or even a slow-moving cloud giving the audience a chance to contemplate on the scenes with the characters and not simply race through their journey. It is slow as such it is bound to challenge days like these where thrill seekers are abundant, however, those willing to give in gradually find themselves in a surrounding that has layers of beauty and the essence of immersion.
The music for the film composed by Lele Marchitelli adds even greater depth to the emotional experience. The score which includes classical pieces as well as notes from contemporary music highlights joy, longing and contemplation in a gentle manner so as not to overpower the scenes.
Themes & Symbolism:
The primary focus of Parthenope is pondering over the reflection of beauty alongside the meditation on the ephemeral and temporal nature of time. The central character, Parthenope, is a muse and symbol of ideal beauty that is powerful and elusive. The film strives to deconstruct the traditional notions of a muse by delving deeper into what lies underneath the surface of the image which creates a complex figure. Therefore, she is central to the story, but rather a symbol than a fully fleshed out character.
A vital element of the film is exploring how female identity is perceived, revered, and at times weaponized and as it intersects with beauty. Many people admire Parthenope throughout the film, yet, it does not revolve around her being desired. Instead, the focus revolves around her choices of how she responds, engages with that attention, and what meaning she assigns to her actions.
Mythology and memory are intertwined and important. The name “Parthenope” connects the character to an enduring legend of sirens, lure, and creativity. Sorrentino seems to use this myth to reflect upon Naples: a city as tragic, layered and sensual as the protagonist.
Also, time and aging is central to the narrative. The dual performance captures both sides of the dialogue — younger and older Parthenope. In a way, the film encourages the audience to reflect not only on their younger selves but how the fragments of those selves influence their present.
Reception:
Parthenope was first showed at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Palme d’Or. It received extensive applause for its stunning cinematography and visual poetry. Daria D’Antonio drew attention for her extensive work, arguing the images in the film were as significant as the script itself.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, as some praised the artistic and visual elements while others claimed it was needlessly extravagant and emotionally uninvolved. Though many viewers struggled to engage with the film’s pacing, philosophical elements, and personal nature, many appreciated Sorrentino’s return to Italian storytelling.
Familiar audiences will immediately notice trademarks such as long takes, surreal pauses, and incredibly deep yet idiomatic dialogues that borderline on absurd. For devoted fans, Parthenope provides a fulfilling addition to the exploration of the filmmaker’s ideas, while unfamiliar audiences will need time to adjust to the more metaphorical and unconventional style of storytelling.
Conclusion:
This is not a film centered around plot driven narratives filled with twists and traditional resolutions. Parthenope delves into the intricacies of memory, myth, identity, and the allure of beauty. Sorrentino captures the character—and symbol—of the woman and through her gaze the audience is left with a contemplative view of Naples and its fantastical inhabitants.
This is a film sculpted by emotion and not plot, woven together with sunlight, sea foam, old photographs, and quiet wishes, and whispered regrets. It is a new kind of film that does not focus on the action but on myself and oh how it makes me feel.
In Parthenope, Sorrentino does not simply narrate a story. Rather, he invites the viewers to reminisce.
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