Is she a siren or a myth?
Line of Events
Partenope is a woman who is named after her city. In Greek myth, Partenope is a siren who committed suicide after failing to charm Odysseus.
In the film, Partenope is the embodiment of the city of Naples
Her body was washed ashore where Castel dell’Ovo is now built, and as a result, she gave her name to the city that would later become Naples, Naples. Heat Written by Peter Gregson Performed by Peter Gregson, Warren Zielinski, Magdalena Filipczak, Laurie Anderson, Ashok Klouda.
At first I was annoyed and was sure I wouldn’t get to the end, but then a scene with the aging star caught my attention
After her disparaging speech in front of her "former" fellow citizens and despite the sight of her bald head, Partenope listens to her "advice" and touches her face with great compassion. At this moment I realized that the film is not about the beauty of some mythical siren, but about the beauty she sees in people beyond their appearance.
All this is shown in the most brutal, horrific scenes, but in Partenope those who embody them find understanding, acceptance and become miracles
Moreover, this does not happen after she has lost her youth, as her professor suggests – if so, he could not have impressed her with his dismal performance during the exam either. No, Partenope demonstrates her superpower throughout her life and there are many examples: when she reads John Cheever, an alcoholic, a depression, a miracle; when she passionately kisses a disfigured acting teacher… And since she is the personification of Naples, the human imperfections she sees are connected to the history of the city – with ignorance and misery, patriarchal oppression, facade religiosity and superstition, violence.
Still, 8 out of 10 for a slight sense of pretentiousness
You can’t be arrogant when you advocate embracing all souls.