Summary
Its reductive to say that male filmmakers cant make movies with female protagonists.
Its been done to great effect, fromQuentin Tarantinos Kill Bill filmsto the countless horror movies withbadass final girls.
A contrived demonstration of how women are reduced to how theyre viewed by men.
Image Via PiperFilm
Male gaze doesnt begin to cover how Sorrentino approaches his protagonist and her story.
Cast
Parthenopechronicles the life of a woman named after the legendary siren associated with Naples.
What Is ‘Parthenope’ About?
Parthenopechronicles the life of a woman named after the legendary siren associated with Naples. The film spans from her birth in 1950 to the present day, capturing her passionate love for freedom, her city, and its vibrant characters. Parthenope’s journey reflects the full spectrum of human emotions and relationships, painting a vivid portrait of her enduring connection to Naples.
The story begins with the birth of Parthenope in 1950.
Are you aware of the disruption your beauty causes?
he asks her over lunch as the entire restaurant, both men and women, stares at her.
Life is simply unbearable, he says while staring into the middle distance before falling back on his chair.
Oldman is truly operating in his own film here.
Charles Dance and Alicia Vikander are also part of a fantastic cast.
Tragedy strikes Parthenopes family, and the titular character is never the same again.
But, remember, shes smart, so its not sexist, okay!?
It’s simply a film following years of a person’s life.
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To compare it to a similar film (in concept) likeForrest Gump, makesParthenopeall the more frustrating.
Sure, he has some tough times, but his life is defined by many glory-bringing achievements.
And what does a woman get?
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A scene of her being fingered by a disgusting Catholic Priest twice her age.
Even when the movie is focusing on Parthenopes career, its through conversations with her male professor.
She finds a sense of family in the professor, but this connection doesnt arise naturally.
The movies best scenes are the ones in Capri between the three young souls.
Here is where we see hints of a real story and complex character worth investing in.
But just like their youth, its only fleeting.
Parthenope has barely any conversations or connections with other women.
While Parthenope is in almost every scene, the movie never fully immerses us in her perspective.
We learn that the professor has a son whom he is severely protective of.
To completely dismiss Paolo Sorrentino as a filmmaker is a futile effort.
“But take his 2015 movieYouth.
Parthenopescreened at the 2024 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
