17/42
Parthenope is a woman who bears the name of her city. Is she a siren or a myth? In the Greek myth, Parthenope is a siren who committed suicide after failing to charm Odysseus. Her body was brought by the tide to the place where Castel del Ovo is now built, and for this she gave the name to the city, which later became Naples, Naples. Parthenope is the embodiment of the city of Naples in the film. Warm Screenplay by Peter Gregson Performers: Peter Gregson, Warren Zelinski, Magdalena Filipczak, Laurie Anderson, Ashok Cloud. Somewhat disappointed by his last film È STATA LA MANO DI DIO, with PARTENOPE, I remembered what moved me so much in Sorrentino’s films. Everything is beautiful, from the city of Naples and its purest water to the still unknown goddess Celeste to Porto. Add to this Fellini-style shots and a wonderful jazz soundtrack by Lela Marchitelli: you get perfection. The beauty of life is in its insignificance… You might think that he is filming another GRANDE BELLEZZA, but that is not the case at all. Sorrentino again manages to surprise us with a new way of looking at what is ultimately the same subject. The film asks questions without answering them, as if to say that you just need to stop looking for answers and start observing the beauty of the world as it is. As a result, the viewer leaves the cinema not with answers, but with an interesting look at life and, ultimately, death… Oh, and I almost forgot, Gary Oldman stars in the film. Although his screen time is limited, he manages to deliver a beautiful performance. Then he enters, as if urging us to enjoy the film he has convinced us (by his presence in the cast) to watch. So I know that not everyone will like it – some of the scenes are quite strange, I must admit – but as far as I’m concerned, this movie gave me everything I expected (and didn’t expect) when I went to the cinema. I sincerely hope/think that he will receive the Palme d’Or. Thanks Paolo 😉