Celeste Dalla Porta sits on a rooftop terrace in Cannes and talks about her role in the film "Parthenope". She plays the title role, named after the mythical beauty who, according to legend, gave Naples its original name.
Beauty is not just beautiful, it can also be ugly, she says.
Parthenope is beautiful in the same way that the city of Naples is – it depends on what you see.
The film, directed by Paolo Sorrentino, is yet another of his tributes to his city. The girl Parthenope is born in the sea and grows up to be a beauty, worshipped by men and women. But different events lead her to a lifelong search for meaning in life.
Metaphor for youth
Celeste Dalla Porta is keen to emphasize that Sorrentino did not choose her because she is "especially beautiful".
And I don't think I am either. Beauty is a metaphor for youth. Parthenope grows up, she sees her life change.
She had a small role in Sorrentino's "The Hand of God", and says she was completely overwhelmed when he contacted her about the lead role in his next film.
I got a little scared, I questioned myself, but I've always wanted to be an actress, so it was clear that I said yes. I don't know the film industry, and that makes me a little scared. Every audition for this film was like a lesson in acting.
Creates security
But Paolo Sorrentino creates security during filming, she explains.
Sometimes he's quiet, sometimes talkative. You always have the feeling that he knows what he wants. He guides you to it, he listens to you – even if it's not popular if you want to change something.
A major supporting role is played by Gary Oldman as an alcoholic writer who Parthenope meets. When TT meets Oldman on the same rooftop terrace, he talks about the interaction with Dalla Porta.
It's the same dynamic between me and Celeste, as between the role I play and Parthenope. I'm older, I've had a long career, this is her first job, she's still naive and has an innocence and purity that she'll never be able to get back once the film is over.
What does her future look like? She wants to make films about love, she would like to film with Ruben Östlund.
Fame? It comes when you've done something you're satisfied with. I try to rest in the present and then see what happens.
Age: 26 years.
Lives: In Rome.
Occupation: Actress.
Previous roles: "Next one", "The Hand of God", "Red mirror".
Currently starring in: "Parthenope – Naples' Heart" which has its Swedish cinema premiere on December 20.
