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Review: A master sensualist returns with an alluring star and not much else in ‘Parthenope’

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In simpler terms, Paolo Sorrentino, who made “The Great Beauty,” remains a creative visionary, even when his style is more subdued. This means that many viewers can enjoy the dreamlike allure and leisurely appeal of his latest film, “Parthenope,” as they immerse themselves in the enigmatic beauty of Neapolitan landscapes and people. However, at other times, while the visuals are lovely, the narrative lacks clarity and feels more like a hazy memory than something solid enough to carry significant meaning.

The film, titled “Parthenope,” revolves around the life of an intelligent, strikingly attractive yet unfulfilled woman. However, the movie seems to focus too much on aesthetics, resembling more of a perfume commercial than a deep narrative exploration. This is a letdown for a director known for his exceptional sensual storytelling abilities. At times, his unique, free-flowing storytelling approach can diminish the intensity of the profound emotions he aims to portray. Unfortunately, in “Parthenope,” the suppression of most of his Fellini-like tendencies in favor of a seductive Michelangelo Antonioni ambiance does not yield consistent results.

Born in the waters of Naples, named after the legendary siren but truly brought to life for us as an 18-year-old bikini-clad goddess stepping out from the sparkling sea, Parthenope (Celeste Dalla Porta) contradicts her stunning beauty. Despite her alluring appearance, she harbors a mischievous defiance – even the gardener gets an unexpected show of her robe falling. With a hint of mockery and a touch of puzzled caution, she struts about under the sun’s summer rays like a vibrant, glittering, cigarette-smoking temptress, causing rowing teams to pause in their tracks (much less harmful compared to what actual sirens were known for). She also indulges in playful flirtations with the handsome young men surrounding her. And Naples certainly has no shortage of those.

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Apart from being a dedicated reader and eager student, Parthenope skillfully challenges people’s assumptions about her identity and thoughts by subtly countering them with a playful grin. In contrast to these somber narratives, she finds solace in the melancholic tales of John Cheever, where Gary Oldman portrays a transient tourist-friend, delivering liquor-laced philosophies on the fleeting nature of youth. Within her academic circle, Parthenope captivates her cynical anthropology professor (Silvio Orlando) with her insatiable curiosity.

Despite yearning for an academic path, she refuses to be confined and instead dives into various experiences that span diverse themes in Sorrentino’s work: an enigmatic meeting with a disfigured acting mentor, a romantic evening under the stars with a wealthy admirer in a helicopter, an affair with a folk idol linking her to the city’s impoverished populace, a personal loss that underscores life’s vulnerability. In one of the most unexpected turns, she encounters a bishop with carnal philosophies (Peppe Lanzetta). Even the sacred blood of Naples’ patron saint San Gennaro seems to fall under her spell. Her mesmerizing presence seems to attract every eccentricity and event, but as time goes by, there’s also an unwavering steadiness in her determination.

Is Sorrentino genuinely exploring the depths of his work, or is he merely focusing on the superficial delights of a story that occasionally touches upon the enduring allure of beauty? At the same time, his undeniably attractive leading character serves as a mysterious representation?

One notable aspect of this shallow film experience is Dalla Porta’s remarkable composure. She handles Sorrentino’s intense direction with a casual demeanor, giving the impression of constant gaze into the camera. It’s not just a cover-model performance amidst the sleek visuals of Daria d’Antonia’s cinematography. She poses thoughtful questions that drive the movie forward. However, due to a lack of relatable character development, even Parthenope’s breathtaking beauty – intended to symbolize Naples itself – becomes an overused resource.

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2025-02-08 02:31

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