Monaco Times

Sustainability, Heritage, Exclusivity.
Saturday, Jun 21, 2025

Paolo Sorrentino Explores Beauty and Identity in 'Parthenope'

The filmmaker returns to Naples with a narrative intertwined with mythology and personal reflections.
Three years after the autobiographical film _La Main de Dieu_, director Paolo Sorrentino revisits his hometown of Naples with his latest film, _Parthenope_, a nuanced portrayal of femininity that also serves as an allegory for the city itself.

The protagonist, named Parthenope, refers to a siren from Greek mythology as well as the ancient name of Naples.

Sorrentino shared insights into his creative choice to depict the character as an anthropologist, allowing the narrative to traverse various facets of Naples, including its maritime influences, religious culture, and even its criminal underbelly.

The film is presented through Sorrentino's distinctive visual style, characterized by steady-cam sequences and a graphic representation of characters, delivering a sensory experience that is both subtle and impactful.

The filmmaker elaborates on his influences, citing an admiration for Peter Greenaway and the Coen Brothers, whose stylized approaches have significantly shaped his own cinematic language.

In _Parthenope_, Sorrentino critically examines the concept of beauty, a recurring theme in his work, including the Academy Award-winning _La Grande Bellezza_.

He describes beauty as a form of surprise, positing that film should possess the ability to astonish audiences.

He notes, "Beauty is not limited to faces or landscapes, but exists in everything that can touch us unexpectedly." This perspective is embodied in the character of Parthenope, portrayed by Celeste Dalla Porta, who exudes both strength and sensuality.

Throughout her narrative, Parthenope is drawn to the forbidden and the rejected, engaging with varied characters, including a disfigured woman and an obese priest.

Sorrentino suggests that life encompasses attractions to diverse individuals, enabling exploration beyond conventional norms.

The film is punctuated with moments of grace, such as a poignant scene featuring a trio dancing to _Era già tutto previsto_ by Richard Cocciante, which transitions the film from innocence to maturity.

Sorrentino's work remains embedded in his long-standing themes, such as the rich idleness of wealthy individuals, a fascination with beauty, and elements of vulgarity.

_Parthenope_ intricately dissects its heroine through close-up shots, portraying a visually lush narrative marked by complexity.

The film navigates an initiatory journey where Parthenope is encouraged to "let go," as audiences witness her evolution against the backdrop of the city’s storied landscape.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
EU Proposes Ban on New Russian Gas Contracts
Trump Reports $57 Million Earnings from Crypto Venture
64th Monte-Carlo Television Festival Opens with Global Talent and Premieres
HSBC Accelerates Chairman Succession as Mark Tucker Prepares Departure
UK and EU Reach Agreement on Gibraltar's Schengen Integration
Israeli Finance Minister Imposes Banking Penalties on Palestinians
U.S. Inflation Rises to 2.4% in May Amid Trade Tensions
Trump's Policies Prompt Decline in Chinese Student Enrollment in U.S.
Global Oceans Near Record Temperatures as CO₂ Levels Climb
Trump Announces U.S.-China Trade Deal Covering Rare Earths
Smuggled U.S. Fuel Funds Mexican Cartels Amid Crackdown
Italian Parents Seek Therapy Amid Lengthy School Holidays
Europe Prepares for Historic Lunar Rover Landing
Bezos's Lavish Venice Wedding Sparks Local Protests
Germany Moves to Expedite Migrant Deportations
US Urges UK to Raise Defence Spending to 5% of GDP
Dutch Government Collapses Amid Migration Policy Dispute
British Fishing Vessel Seized by France Fined €30,000
UK Commits to 3.5% GDP Defence Spending Under NATO Pressure
Man Group Mandates Full-Time Office Return for Quantitative Analysts
JPMorgan Warns Analysts Against Accepting Future-Dated Job Offers
Builder.ai Faces Legal Scrutiny Amid Financial Misreporting Allegations
Japan Grapples with Rice Shortage Amid Soaring Prices
Goldman Sachs Reduces Risk Exposure Amid Market Volatility
HSBC Chairman Mark Tucker to Return to AIA as Non-Executive Chair
Israel Confirms Arming Gaza Clan to Counter Hamas Influence
Judge Blocks Trump's Ban on International Students at Harvard
Majority of French Voters View Macron's Presidency as a Failure
China Accuses US of Violating Trade Truce
Panama Port Owner Balances US-China Pressures
Europe's Strategic Push to Challenge Dollar Dominance
Macron Lightheartedly Addresses Viral 'Shove' Incident in Indonesia
France Implements Nationwide Outdoor Smoking Ban to Protect Children
Bangkok Ranked World's Top City for Remote Work in 2025
Foreign Tax Provision in U.S. Budget Bill Alarms Investors
Trump Accuses China of Violating Trade Agreement
U.S. Goods Imports Plunge Nearly 20% Amid Tariff Disruptions
Italy Faces Population Decline Amid Youth Emigration
Russia Accuses Serbia of Supplying Arms to Ukraine
Alcohol Industry Faces Increased Scrutiny Amid Health Concerns
OpenAI Faces Competition from Cheaper AI Rivals
Gerry Adams Wins Libel Case Against BBC
EU Central Bank Pushes to Replace US Dollar with Euro as World’s Main Currency
Vatican Calls for Sustainable Tourism in 2025 Message
France Detains UK Fishing Vessel Amid Post-Brexit Tensions
Critics Accuse European Court of Human Rights of Overreach
Spain Proposes 100% Tax on Non-EU Holiday Home Purchases
Geert Wilders Threatens Dutch Coalition Over Migration Policy
Denmark Increases Retirement Age to 70, Setting a European Precedent
Any trade deal with US must be based on respect not threats', says EU commissioner
×