From July 9th, “Sorrentino Summer” begins in Ukraine – a film retrospective of one of the most outstanding contemporary European directors, Oscar laureate Paolo Sorrentino. Sorrentino, with his soulful, exceptionally beautiful style, is called the heir of Fellini, and we are highlighting three films that capture the atmosphere of Italian chic and are worth rewatching.
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“The Great Beauty”
Sorrentino‘s most renowned work, which earned him the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film. “The Great Beauty” transports us to a luxurious, sweltering, enchanting Rome. The protagonist is Jep, a seasoned journalist who has long been integrated into the city’s bohemian scene. His life is filled with parties, lavish events, and constant social engagements; however, behind this dazzling facade lies a profound emptiness that persistently troubles him. At 65, he begins to ponder – is all of this truly worthwhile, and why has he grown so weary of the world around him… It is likely “The Great Beauty” that illuminates why Sorrentino is regarded as a successor to the legendary Federico Fellini.
“Youth”
This is the director’s second English-language production, featuring a constellation of A-list Hollywood and European stars: Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel, Rachel Weisz, Paul Dano, and Jane Fonda. It chronicles the half-century friendship of two artists spending time at an Alpine resort. Fred, a celebrated composer and conductor, has retired from his career and finds himself openly bored during his vacation. His friend Mick, a distinguished director, is on the contrary, striving to recapture his muse and is diligently working on the script for his future cinematic manifesto. For over fifty years, they share their deepest confidences, reflect with irony on their own aging, and never cease to marvel at the ever-changing nature of the world.
“Parthenope”
The retrospective concludes with the film “Grace” (2025), but for a summer mood, we recommend rewatching “Parthenope” (2024). “Parthenope” is a love letter to Naples, with costumes designed by the House of Saint Laurent. In “Parthenope,” set in the 1950s, the beautiful Parthenope is born into a wealthy family who owns a stunningly opulent seaside villa. Parthenope is extraordinarily beautiful, yet this does not bring her happiness. Furthermore, this film serves as an almost complete fashion capsule for those wishing to spend their summer by the sea, with swimsuits and a couple of alluring dresses being essential wardrobe items. Among the most striking ensembles are Parthenope‘s silver gown adorned with crystals; a black satin evening dress with a deep décolletage and a thigh-high slit, paired with a brown faux fur coat; and an outfit encrusted with gemstones.