Capri – Nearly two years after the discovery of the body of Luca Canfora, the renowned costume designer for Paolo Sorrentino's film "Parthenope," the Naples Prosecutor's Office is returning to the island for a new inspection. The goal: to shed light on the circumstances of his death, classified as a suicide in September 2023 but consistently deemed "unrealistic" by his family.
The dark points of the case
The body of Canfora, 54, was discovered on September 1, 2023, by a canoeist beneath the cliffs of the Gardens of Augustus, the same place where, a few hours earlier, a suicide scene for Sorrentino 's film had been shot . Elements that have fueled doubts:
The position of the body: according to the family, incompatible with a fall from 100 meters.
Suspicious timing: disappeared after filming, found less than 24 hours later.
No witnesses: no one saw the supposed extreme gesture.
The investigations of the Prosecutor's Office
After the family's complaint, the judiciary reopened the case, ordering:
Exhumation of the body (March 2025) for further investigations.
Technical inspection today with experts and Mobile Team for surveys and measurements.
“We want the truth,” Canfora’s brother repeated, convinced that the suicide version is a cover-up. Meanwhile, Sorrentino (not involved in the investigation) has never publicly commented on the case.
The cinematic background
The coincidence between the film scene and the real death remains the most disturbing element. Canfora, an esteemed professional (he also worked for “Il giovane favoloso”), was recovering from a difficult period, but – his relatives insist – he had no signs of depression
This article highlights a very complex and difficult to understand situation. Luca Canfora's death seems to have many dark points that cannot be clarified well. It would be important for the authorities to clarify.