Paolo Sorrentino’s 'Parthenope' Explores Naples Through Myth, Beauty, and Contradictions
The acclaimed Italian filmmaker returns with a poetic and visually stunning portrait of his hometown and a complex heroine, releasing in France on March 12.
- Parthenope, named after the mythical siren tied to Naples' origins, follows the life of a woman born in the 1950s, weaving her personal journey with the city's vibrant history and contradictions.
- The film, described as a modern epic, reflects Sorrentino’s signature blend of melancholy, beauty, and excess, capturing Naples as a character in its own right.
- Celeste Dalla Porta stars as the enigmatic Parthenope, with Stefania Sandrelli and Gary Oldman delivering notable supporting performances.
- While receiving mixed reviews internationally after its Cannes premiere, the film was a massive success in Italy, drawing over 1 million viewers and earning widespread acclaim domestically.
- Sorrentino’s work continues to explore themes of love, freedom, faith, and identity, using evocative imagery of Naples and a rich, vintage soundtrack to deepen the narrative.
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