Celeste Dalla Porta: Captivated by Parthenope

Twenty-six years old, with only one film in her curriculum, Parthenope, and a thousand milestones passed at the speed of light: the red carpet at Cannes last May, a David as 'Italian revelation' in December, and one in the running for best actress, which she will compete for in a week against colleagues Barbara Ronchi, Romana Maggiora Vergano, Martina Scrinzi, and Tecla Insolia. Yet for two years, Milanese Celeste Dalla Porta - granddaughter of the photographer Ugo Mulas - has been happily imprisoned by her character, the seductive muse Parthenope, around which Paolo Sorrentino built his latest film: "I hope to return to acting, I've been on hold for so long," she says. And she firmly rejects the gossip that the married Oscar winner has lost his head over her: "Malicious gossip, a result of envy." Valeria Golino: "At 12, I stole, they wanted to expel me from the USA. Illnesses? As a child, I suffered from scoliosis, underwent surgery." One film and straight to the David: how does it feel? "It's all new and surprising. I am very honored." You described Sorrentino's film as 'a new life path.' Where has it taken you? "To many places around the world, it has made me travel. And it has offered me, I hope, more solid awareness." Awareness of what? Of your talent? "Hard to say. I feel a lot of expectations towards me, but to keep up with the promotion I've been on hold for two years. Which is a long time. I really want to return to acting, I miss it." Have you received many offers in the meantime? "Honestly, no." Is there something that positively surprised you about this experience? "I knew my life would change the moment Sorrentino chose me." And negatively? "If you make a film like this, you understand that the people who stay close to you are those who really care about you." What do you mean? "There is a lot of envy, unfortunately, especially in the circle of cinema friendships. I didn't know that one day I would have to choose who to trust. There are people who can't wait to take you down." So who do you trust today? "I listen to the advice of my mom (the artist Melina Muras, ed.), who is my point of reference. And my roommates in Rome, they are wonderful." Are they actresses? "No. But they work in cinema." There's a rumor that you made Sorrentino lose his head. Is there any truth to it? "I've heard this rumor, and I don't know what to say: I'm embarrassed. As I said before, there are those who can't wait to find an excuse to belittle others. I feel a strong envy, as if I have to justify this fortune. But deep down, I expected it." Why? "Because I made a delicate film, which Paolo dedicated to Parthenope. You can feel all his love for the character. But... I am not Parthenope. In fact, I am very different from her." But that character has made you very desirable: Parthenope is a symbol of youth and beauty. Are you comfortable in such a seductive role? "If Paolo's request was to become desired and desirable, I'm happy to have succeeded. But the audience for this film is very discreet: I have received wonderful messages, but nothing else." Do you fear being imprisoned in Parthenope? How do you plan to 'get out'? "I cut my bangs right after to make a mark. But deep down, I think this iconic character will always stay with me. And I don't mind." What do you dream of doing now? "I would like to find out if I can really do something else. I am thinking about what to do. But characteristically, I am slow. I have my own pace, a non-Western nature: I'm not in a hurry to do or go anywhere. I want to finish calmly and honor this great period of my life. Then, of course, I would like to go abroad, work in a series." Positive 'envy.' Which Italian actresses do you like? "I really like Linda Caridi, she has a really interesting career, I find her very good. Among men, Luca Marinelli. I am part of a generation of very interesting actors. And then there's Valeria Golino: fantastic not only as an actress." What about directing? "Certainly, it fascinates me, I would like to write a subject and direct it. But the truth is that every time I think of a story, I see myself in it. As long as that happens, it means I'm not ready. I will do it only when I can free myself from myself."