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Partenope is a woman named after her city. Is she a siren or a myth? In Greek myth, Partenope is the siren who committed suicide after failing to enchant Odysseus. Her body was carried by the tide to the place where Castel dell’Ovo is now built, and thus gave its name to the city that would later become Neapolis, Naples. In the film, Partenope is the embodiment of the city of Naples. Warmth Written by Peter Gregson Starring Peter Gregson, Warren Zielinski, Magdalena Filipczak, Laurie Anderson, Ashok Klouda. At first I was annoyed and was sure I wouldn’t make it to the end, but then the scene with the aging star caught my attention. After his dismissive speech in front of his “former” fellow citizens and despite the sight of his bald head, Partenope listens to his “advice” and touches his face with great mercy. At that moment I realised that the film is not about the beauty of a mythical siren, but about the beauty she sees in people beyond appearances. Moreover, it does not take place after she has lost her youth as her professor suggests – if it were, with her grumpy performance in the exam, he would not have been able to impress her either. No, Parthenope exhibits her superpower throughout her life and the examples are numerous: when she reads John Cheever, an alcoholic, depressive, a prodigy; when she passionately kisses the disfigured acting teacher… And as she is a personification of Naples, the human imperfections she sees through are connected to the history of the city – with ignorance and misery, patriarchal oppression, façade religiosity and superstition, violence. All of this is shown in the most brutal and horrifying scenes, but in Parthenope those who embody them find understanding and acceptance and become prodigies. Still, 8 out of 10 for the slight sense of pretentiousness. You can’t be arrogant when you advocate welcoming all souls.

Ground Hdrip Baglantisindan