Celeste Dalla Porta, a 26-year-old actress from Rome, graces the rooftop terrace in Cannes, discussing her titular role in Paolo Sorrentino’s latest film, ”Parthenope.” The film, a poetic ode to Naples, draws parallels between the mythical beauty Parthenope, who legend credits with naming the city, and the city itself. Dalla Porta eloquently explains this connection, suggesting beauty, in both the city and the character, possesses a multifaceted nature, encompassing both alluring and unsettling elements, depending on the beholder’s perspective. The film follows Parthenope’s journey from her sea-born origins, through her youthful beauty attracting adoration, to a lifelong quest for meaning shaped by life’s unpredictable turns. This exploration of beauty and meaning resonates with the city of Naples, showcasing its captivating complexities and the constant search for purpose within its dynamic landscape.
Dalla Porta emphasizes that her selection for the role wasn’t solely based on conventional beauty. She refutes the notion of possessing exceptional beauty, interpreting it instead as a metaphor for youth. Parthenope’s journey, she explains, traces the evolution of her life and the inevitable transformation that accompanies the passage of time. The actress recalls the overwhelming feeling when Sorrentino, having previously cast her in a small role in ”The Hand of God,” offered her the leading role in his subsequent film. Despite her initial apprehension and self-doubt, the lifelong dream of acting propelled her to accept. Dalla Porta candidly admits her naiveté within the film industry, acknowledging the learning curve she experienced throughout the audition process, each session becoming a valuable acting lesson in itself.
The young actress paints a picture of Sorrentino as a director who instills a sense of security on set. His demeanor, sometimes reserved, sometimes engaging, consistently conveys a clear vision. He guides actors towards his vision while remaining receptive to their input, even if it means deviating from the original plan. This collaborative approach fosters a trusting environment, allowing for creative exploration and mutual respect between director and actors. Dalla Porta’s portrayal of Sorrentino suggests a directorial style that blends strong leadership with an openness to the actors’ contributions, ultimately enhancing the creative process and the final product.
Gary Oldman, a seasoned actor, plays a pivotal supporting role as an alcoholic writer who encounters Parthenope. Speaking from the same Cannes rooftop, Oldman describes a compelling dynamic between himself and Dalla Porta that mirrors the on-screen relationship between their characters. He highlights the contrast between his extensive career and her nascent journey, observing her inherent innocence and purity, qualities he believes will inevitably be transformed by the experience of making the film. This intergenerational exchange, both on and off screen, adds another layer of depth to the film’s narrative, reflecting the passage of time, the changing dynamics of experience and innocence, and the transformative power of artistic creation.
Looking ahead, Dalla Porta expresses a desire to explore themes of love in her future films and mentions an aspiration to collaborate with director Ruben Östlund. Her perspective on fame is refreshingly grounded, associating it with achieving personal satisfaction in her work. She embraces a present-focused mindset, preferring to concentrate on the current moment and allowing the future to unfold organically. This approach reveals a mature perspective, prioritizing the process over the outcome and maintaining a healthy detachment from the allure of external validation.
Celeste Dalla Porta, at the beginning of her promising career, stands poised on the precipice of greater recognition. ”Parthenope,” representing a significant milestone, offers a compelling narrative about the complexities of beauty, the search for meaning, and the transformative journey of life. Dalla Porta’s thoughtful reflections, coupled with Sorrentino’s cinematic vision and the supporting presence of experienced actors like Gary Oldman, promise a film that resonates with audiences on multiple levels. Her future trajectory, while yet unknown, holds the potential for a fulfilling and impactful career, driven by a genuine passion for storytelling and artistic exploration. The film’s exploration of these universal themes, set against the backdrop of Naples’ rich history and vibrant culture, creates a compelling narrative that promises to resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.
