Gary Oldman and Paolo Sorrentino Celebrate as Parthenope Earns 9.5-Minute Ovation at Cannes

Cannes Film Festival was abuzz on Tuesday night as Paolo Sorrentino‘s latest film, Parthenope, received a rapturous 9.5-minute standing ovation. The film, an intricate tapestry lovingly woven from Sorrentino’s memories of Naples, enchanted the audience with its depth and lush visuals.

Starring Newcomer Celeste Dalla Porta

Parthenope chronicles the life of its titular character, portrayed by newcomer Celeste Dalla Porta. Her on-screen journey stretches from her birth in the waters of the Bay of Naples to her elder years, beautifully encapsulating a city’s changing spirit.

I find the journey that women make much more heroic today than the epic and heroic journey of man was in the past, director Paolo Sorrentino remarked in an interview, underscoring his focus on female empowerment in this narrative arc.

The Intriguing Storyline

The narrative travels through time, highlighting different phases of Parthenope’s life intertwined with key figures such as her brother Raimondo and the maid’s son Sandrino. Additionally, it features prominent characters like jaded writer John Cheever, played by Gary Oldman.

Sorrentino’s Signature Style

Sorrentino’s directorial signature blends eccentric characters and symbolic storytelling. He merges realism with mythology, mirroring Parthenope’s tale as part siren, part woman. As the director himself put it, Nasce dal desiderio di misurarsi con due misteri: la donna e Napoli. In questo caso i due misteri per un lungo tratto si sovrappongono.

Cinematic Excellence Executed to Perfection

Cinematographer Daria D’Antonio captures Naples in resplendent light with a camera that refuses to settle. These visual elements craft images so vivid they seem to leap off the screen.

A Nostalgic Journey Anchored by Stefania Sandrelli

The storyline poignantly shifts when Stefania Sandrelli steps into the role of Parthenope in her 70s, showcasing an even deeper emotional resonance upon her return to Naples after many years.

The final scene portrays her rediscovering enchantment with a sigh while watching celebratory soccer fans pass by—a powerful image capturing disillusionment returned to hopeful wonder.

A Resplendent Tribute to Napoli’s Captivating Era

Sorrentino skillfully balances opulence with intimacy throughout the film. Notable is a scene featuring a golden canopy bed from Versailles being transported across the Bay of Naples—a metaphor enriched by extravagant visuals.

An Emotional Conclusion at Cannes

The film crescendoed at Cannes’ premier venue where Sorrentino remarked, immersed in gratitude, I want to thank [Cannes general delegate] Thierry Fremaux for the beginning of my journey in cinema 20 years ago. His homage embraced his storied career’s lineage while propelling it into new emotional depths.