Paolo Sorrentino warmly embraced the stars of his latest masterpiece, "Parthenope," including renowned actor Gary Oldman, the captivating Celeste Della Porta, and the enchanting Stefania Sandrelli. As the film received a resounding 9.5-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday night, the atmosphere was electric.
Della Porta, who portrayed the titular character, couldn't hold back her tears as they streamed down her face, overwhelmed by the emotional response. Sorrentino, visibly moved, addressed the crowd with a heartfelt speech.
"For me, this film is not just a work of art but a celebration of the journey of my life," he said. "I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Thierry Fremaux, the general delegate of Cannes, for marking the beginning of my cinematic journey two decades ago."
His film "The Consequences of Love" premiered at Cannes two decades ago, and since then, the Italian auteur has left an indelible mark on the festival. In 2008, he captured the jury prize for "Il Divo," and in 2011, he was honored with the prize of the ecumenical jury for "This Must Be the Place." To date, Sorrentino has had seven films compete for the prestigious Palme d'Or, including such notable works as "The Family Friend" (2006), "The Great Beauty" (2013), and "Youth" (2015).
The evening was a triumphant one for Sorrentino and his cast, as they shared the joy and pride of creating a film that had resonated so deeply with the audience at Cannes.
In the captivating film "Parthenope," the eponymous protagonist, whose name echoes the city she hails from yet is neither a seductive siren nor a figure of legend, takes center stage. Directed by the talented Sorrentino, the film also boasts an ensemble cast featuring Silvio Orlando, Luisa Ranieri, Peppe Lanzetta, and Isabella Ferrari, each bringing their unique talents to the screen.
In an exclusive interview with Variety, Sorrentino revealed that "Parthenope" marks his first foray into the realm of "feminine epics." He eloquently expressed his belief that "the journey women embark on today is far more heroic than the once-epic and heroic journeys of men." He further elaborated, "It's a magnificent trek towards freedom that women have initiated in modern times, yet its roots stretch deep into the past. It's truly an epic adventure."
In the film, Oldman portrays the renowned American writer John Cheever, who has set numerous short stories in the enchanting backdrop of Italy. When asked about his collaboration with Oldman, Sorrentino praised him as "one of the top five actors in the world, capable of portraying any character with utmost authenticity and depth."
