From the very beginning of the movie a sense of awe. Plot is beauty itself. Beauty as a city. Beauty as an aesthetic. Beauty as a moral dilemma. Beauty as an intelligence. Beauty as a gift. Beauty as a curse. And beauty as a woman named Parthenope.
Sorrentino crafts a story (not necessarily for everyone, and that's OK) that resonates with Fellini (but not so graphic) and Pasolini (but not so sordid) making the visual experience something so overwhelming that blows away plot, structure, blah, blah, blah... with characters so magical an surreal yet so grounded and passionate, that one can only be fascinated with mankind's array of infinite possibilities. The cast itself, and the main actress Celeste Dalla Porta, make what on paper could seem impossible, simple, real, and relatable... yet mythic at the same time.
Obviously, the craftsmanship resonates in every shot, in every camera move.... There is no randomness in any of the creative choices, not only the EXTRAORDINARILY BEAUTIFUL "mise en scène" (Saint Laurent, the producer, should be glad, and Armani, Versace; or Valentino jealous) but also in the sounds and soundtrack (Cocciante being one of the most heartfelt highlights).
And yes. This pretentious review reflects how hard is for one to convey the array of legit and authentic emotions felt throughout the movie.
When a movie is pure and raw emotion, whatever you end up saying is jibberish. So stop reading and go watch it.
