Parthenope

Paolo Sorrentino's Parthenope, recently acquired by A24, left viewers baffled after its screening at Cannes. The film, often described as empty and flat, is more like a glamorous advertisement interspersed with falsely philosophical musings. The plot follows Parthenope (Celeste Dalla Porta), reputed to be the most beautiful woman in the world, born in the sea off Naples in 1950. The story explores her youth, her quest for happiness, her love for Naples and her academic success. However, Sorrentino's message remains ambiguous.

Gary Oldman makes an appearance as John Cheever, an alcoholic writer, reminiscent of his character in Mank. Many characters covet Parthenope, including her brother, who commits suicide because of his unattainable desire for her. Although Celeste Dalla Porta's beauty justifies her central role, the overemphasis on her attractiveness becomes unbearable, turning Sorrentino into a parody of himself. Lush photography, an obsession with beautiful people and a plotless narrative characterize the film. Despite vibrant images, the 136 minutes lack depth, rendering Parthenope typical of Sorrentino but devoid of substance.

Reminiscent of Giuseppe Tornatore's Malèna, Parthenope tells the story of an incredibly beautiful woman who turns heads. Unlike Tornatore's film, Sorrentino spares his heroine humiliating experiences, although her life is marked by tragedy. Born in 1950 in the Neapolitan sea, Parthenope shares an unhealthy bond with her older brother Raimondo (Daniele Rienzo), whose tormented feelings could stem from latent homosexuality or incestuous desire.

Aware of her charm, Parthenope manipulates men, including Sandrino (Dario Aita), although her heart belongs to the unattainable John Cheever (Gary Oldman). Parthenope's experiences are dreamlike and sometimes grotesque, reflecting a Lynchian influence. Flora Malva (Isabella Ferrari), disfigured by a botched surgery, mentors Parthenope and introduces her to Greta Cool (Luisa Ranieri), a fallen star. The film culminates in a series of bizarre encounters, creating a surreal atmosphere.

Despite some unconvincing interactions, particularly with Roberto (Marlon Joubert), Dalla Porta shines in his performance. Paolo Parthenope is a visual spectacle, with haunting images of Naples and Capri by Daria D'Antonio and a jazzy score by Lele Marchitelli. The film ends in 2023, highlighting Parthenope's academic success and his bond with his mentor, Marotta. However, the lack of self-reflection trivializes the journey, offering little insight into the lessons Parthenope learns.

Parthenope is a visually stunning but shallow film. Despite D'Antonio's photography and Carlo Poggioli's costumes, the film lacks emotional depth. The protagonist, named after the legendary mermaid, becomes a bewitchingly beautiful woman, stirring up trouble all around her. The film, with little coherence, drifts through episodic and often salacious events. The dialogues and philosophical reflections fail to capture attention, making the film repetitive and analytical.

Celeste Dalla Porta delivers a convincing performance, but the script rarely allows her to react meaningfully to her surroundings. Oldman and Orlando are outstanding, although their characters are under-exploited. The female-centric narrative, a novelty for Sorrentino, falls into the trap of excessive fetishization. Despite its visual appeal, Parthenope seems to recycle Sorrentino's previous themes, lacking the emotional resonance to leave a lasting impact.

Parthenope is also a solemn essay on the power and tragic destiny of beauty. Set in Naples between 1968 and 1975, with a prologue in 1950 and an epilogue in 2023, the film focuses on Parthenope, whose stunning beauty causes devastation to those around her. Despite her talent and intelligence, her beauty becomes a burden, leading her to a life of solitude. Gary Oldman's portrayal of John Cheever and Stefania Sandrelli's portrayal of the older Parthenope add depth, but the film's superb visuals are marred by clumsy dialogue and heavy-handed conflict. The arbitrary inclusion of scenes of Napoli fans celebrating the 2023 scudetto underlines Paolo Sorrentino's capricious style.

Parthenope is Paolo Sorrentino's second consecutive homage to Naples, following The Hand of God. Despite exquisite craftsmanship, the protagonist becomes increasingly distant and enigmatic. The film begins with an opulent sequence and ends on a poignant note, with Stéfania Sandrelli rediscovering the joy of enchantment. However, the story becomes increasingly obscure and less captivating as it progresses. Paolo Sorrentino's penchant for extravagant images and flowery dialogue often overshadows the emotional heart of the story. Despite the visual splendor, Dalla Porta struggles to build an endearing character from a script that's too focused on aesthetics. The film's emotional resonance is only regained in its final moments, but by then it's too late.

Parthenope
Written and directed by Paolo Sorrentino
Produced by Lorenzo Mieli, Ardavan Safaee, Paolo Sorrentino, Anthony Vaccarello
Starring Celeste Dalla Porta, Stefania Sandrelli, Gary Oldman, Silvio Orlando, Luisa Ranieri, Peppe Lanzetta, Isabella Ferrari
Cinematography : Daria D'Antonio
Edited by Cristiano Travaglioli
Music by Lele Marchitelli
Production companies : The Apartment Pictures, Pathé
Distributed by PiperFilm (Italy; through Warner Bros. Entertainment Italia), Pathé Distribution (France)
Release date : 21 May 2024 (Cannes)
Running time : 136 minutes

Seen May 26, 2024 at Gaumont Opéra Premier, room 1

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