Gary Oldman is set to join the latest film from acclaimed director Paolo Sorrentino. The announcement was made in Venice, where Sorrentino has premiered several of his previous films. The untitled project, produced by Lorenzo Miele for The Apartment Pictures, a part of Fremantle, will see two Oscar winners working together. Fremantle, known for being an international producer, was also behind Sorrentino’s previous film, “The Hand of God,” which premiered at the 2021 Venice Film Festival. Other producers on the project include Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent, Sorrentino for Numero 10, and Ardavan Safaee for Pathe.
The film, Sorrentino’s 10th, takes him back to his native Naples. It tells the story of a woman named Partenope who shares the name with her city but is not a siren or a mythical creature. In Greek mythology, Parthenope is a siren who throws herself into the sea after failing to seduce Odysseus with her enchanting songs. She ends up on a rock foundation where Naples is situated. However, in Sorrentino’s film, Partenope is a woman born in 1950, whose life encompasses the full range of human experiences. Her story explores youth, beauty, love, passion, joy, suffering, and the complexities of relationships. The film also features a variety of other characters, both male and female, and their experiences of melancholy, disappointment, impatience, and despair.
Sorrentino describes the film as a reflection on the passage of time and the city of Naples itself. Naples is portrayed as a captivating and enigmatic character that has the power to both enchant and harm. It is a city that can make you laugh but also hurt you deeply. The film captures the essence of Naples, its unique atmosphere, and its ability to leave a lasting impact on its inhabitants.
In addition to Oldman, the cast includes Nello Mascia and Biagio Izzo, as well as previously announced cast members Celeste Dalla Porta, Silvia Degrandi, Isabella Ferrari, Lorenzo Gleijeses, Peppe Lanzetta, Silvio Orlando, Luisa Ranieri, Stefania Sandrelli, and Alfonso Santagata. The film is a co-production between Italy and France and was shot in both Naples and Capri. Sorrentino wrote and directed the film, with Douglas Urbanski serving as executive producer.
The international sales of the film will be handled by UTA and Fremantle, ensuring its distribution to audiences worldwide.
The collaboration between Oldman and Sorrentino has generated significant excitement in the film industry. Both Oldman and Sorrentino have established themselves as highly respected and talented artists in their respective fields. Oldman’s career has spanned decades, with standout performances in films such as “Sid and Nancy,” “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” and “Darkest Hour,” for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor. Similarly, Sorrentino has gained international acclaim for his unique and visually stunning storytelling style. He won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film for “The Great Beauty” and has received critical acclaim for films like “Youth” and “The Young Pope.”
The collaboration between Oldman and Sorrentino is a testament to the quality of the project and the allure of working with these visionary artists. Their combined talents are sure to create a captivating and thought-provoking film that will resonate with audiences. As fans eagerly await more details about the project, the anticipation continues to build for this exciting collaboration.