Parthenope

By Joshua Xiang

"Intoxicating, absolutely smouldering, exquisite" "Harmonic, breathtaking..."

From the very first frame, some films gently invite you to experience and enjoy them rather than merely watch them. Such films do not rush toward conclusions or explanations. Instead, they unfold like a melody—slowly, rhythmically, and intimately. Paolo Sorrentino's portrayal of Parthenope and Naples exemplifies this immersive cinematic poetry. Unlike conventional movies driven by sharp dialogue or relentless narratives, this film invites us into a dreamlike state, allowing intoxicating visuals and melodic rhythms to carry them through an atmospheric journey. Its beauty lies precisely in its ambiguity and subtlety. As an artist, I find profound resonance in the way Sorrentino artistically explores themes such as the limitations of language, the quest for self-realization, and existential solitude. Just as Parthenope herself remains wonderfully enigmatic, so too does the city around her—a place that enchants as much as it puzzles, its contradictions mirroring the complexities of life.

The work of Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino, Parthenope, from the very beginning, has been characterized by unwavering indulgences in decadence and hedonism. He observes the absurdity of wealth and freedom, infused with an intense desire to explore life's numerous beauties, particularly, in this new film, extending toward the beauty of women. Sorrentino's films often feature sun-drenched, stylish romps that utilize the staggering beauty of Italy, offering a deeply seductive gaze at lavish surroundings and attractive inhabitants. I saw critics describe his work as extended fragrance commercials, a critique not entirely unfounded.

"Parthe, what are you thinking?"

Set off the coast of Naples, the titular character Parthenope, named after a Greek siren, emerges from the sea in a string bikini, smoking a cigarette, mesmerizing a male onlooker. She spends her days lounging around Naples, reading the works of American writer John Cheever, seemingly indifferent to the disruption her beauty causes. Though admired and objectified by those around her, her true aspirations lie within academia, specifically anthropology, much to the bewilderment of those who view her merely as an object to possess.

The film spans decades, tracing Parthenope's transformations, tragedies, and emotional journeys as she experiences love, family conflict, academia, and carefree summers in Capri. Beneath the extravagant surface of Naples, she discovers solitude and melancholy, brought about by the very beauty and opportunities that isolate her. Parthenope encapsulates this sentiment, reflecting, "Like Naples, where there is room for everything, I was alive and alone." This line captures Naples' essence, depicted by Sorrentino as a city filled with marvels yet deeply isolating.

The recurring theme in Sorrentino's cinema is the facade of grandeur masking profound emptiness. His films explore depravity and opulence in the search for life's meaning, balancing tragedy and comedy, splendor and melancholy. From other critics, Sorrentino's pieces are "Inspired heavily by Federico Fellini's works, particularly the blend of the sacred and profane, "Parthenope" closely relates to "La Dolce Vita" through its picaresque, extravagant imagery and dreamlike narrative. Both filmmakers have faced criticism for glorifying societal excess, yet in "Parthenope," Sorrentino adopts a warmer, nostalgic lens, revealing a deeply personal connection to the depicted milieu."

Celeste Diapora, in her mesmerizing debut performance, brings Parthenope vividly to life, expressing complex emotions with subtlety. Gary Oldman makes a notable cameo as John Cheever, a rare male figure who admires Parthenope without objectification, respecting her youth and potential. These performances enrich a film already abundant in sumptuous visuals and profound insights. "Parthenope" is seductive, drawing viewers in with vivid images of beauty and luxury, but beneath its alluring surface lies profound sadness.

Ultimately, Sorrentino’s palpable affection for his character and Naples shines through every frame, creating a deeply moving exploration of youth, possibility, and the ephemeral nature of life itself.