Lo spazio bianco (2009)

An unexpected pregnancy and premature birth become a burden that Maria is unprepared for. Lacking control over events for the first time in her life, she retreats into an emotional space ... See full summary »

Director:

Francesca Comencini

Writers:

Valeria Parrella (novel), Francesca Comencini (screenplay),

Stars:

Margherita Buy, Gaetano Bruno, Giovanni Ludeno

8 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Margherita Buy	...	Maria
Gaetano Bruno	...	Giovanni Berti
Giovanni Ludeno	...	Fabrizio
Antonia Truppo	...	Mina
Guido Caprino	...	Pietro
Salvatore Cantalupo	...	Gaetano
Massimo Andrei	...	Anestesista
Carlo Cerciello	...	Primario
Anna Gigante	...	Infermiera Ada
Emanuela Annecchino	...	Infermiera Giada
Fulvia Carotenuto	...	Luisa
Riccardo Veno	...	Francesco
Maria Paiato	...	Magistrata
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Francesca Golia	...	Rosa
Vincenzo Pacilli	...	Poliziotto

Storyline

An unexpected pregnancy and premature birth become a burden that Maria is unprepared for. Lacking control over events for the first time in her life, she retreats into an emotional space where she is alone, until the day arrives when she must learn to live again for her vulnerable child.

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Plot Keywords:

premature birth | mother daughter relationship | title directed by female | based on novel

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

Italy

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

16 October 2009 (Italy)

Also Known As:

The White Space

Filming Locations:

Naples, Campania, Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fandango, Rai Cinema, Campania Film Commission

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Senza fine"
Written by Gino Paoli
Performed by Margherita Buy

User Reviews

Deeply feminine and delicate

This is definitely a woman's movie, evidently directed and written by a woman, with as strong feminine humanity within. Focus is laid on women's unique, eternal capability to rise, again and again, finding inside themselves that force and patience that would seem impossible to find anywhere. Margherita Buy is Maria, a no longer young teacher, leaving alone and having to face alone an unexpected pregnancy: nothing happens really, except waiting for a premature baby to be born or to die, because she does not know, and doctors do not know what will happen. Waiting is the only thing she can do, and we as viewers wait with her, and we admire all her unconscious courage, and patience. It's a dramatic story, but i did not feel anguish or despair, since the dignity and strength of this woman prevailed over any other sentiment. The male presence, or better absence, is just meant to prove this is a women's world, men escape when women stay, men disappear when women stand up, men fall when women rise (with the exceptions existing on both sides, obviously). This is asserted with delicacy and a strong sense of reality, highlighting the most significant moments with a delicate and important soundtrack: Nina Simone's "I wish i knew how it would feel to be free" was the best music choice and the icing on the cake of the picture.