The Spectator (2004)

Valeria is a 26-yr-old inhibited and solitary girl. She lives in Turin, Italy, where she works as a simultaneous translator. There are no romantic relationships in her life, but she allows ... See full summary »

Director:

Paolo Franchi

Writers:

Paolo Franchi, Heidrun Schleef (screenplay collaborator)

Stars:

Barbora Bobulova, Andrea Renzi, Brigitte Catillon

7 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Barbora Bobulova	...	Valeria
Andrea Renzi	...	Massimo
Brigitte Catillon	...	Flavia
Chiara Picchi	...	Sonia
Matteo Mussoni	...	Andrea
Giorgio Podo	...	Lo sconosciuto al pub
Carlotta Centanni	...	L'agente immobiliare
Cesare Cremonini	...	Il gufo
Natascia Macchniz	...	La traduttrice simultanea
Giorgio Marchesi	...	Marc
Raffaele Fallica	...	Portiere
Danielle Baker	...	La relatrice
Guido Zaccagnini	...	Il mediatore
Settimio Paciotti	...	Il secondo relatore
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Simona Ferraro	...	La straniera al bor

Storyline

Valeria is a 26-yr-old inhibited and solitary girl. She lives in Turin, Italy, where she works as a simultaneous translator. There are no romantic relationships in her life, but she allows herself one almost ritualistic attachment: that of observing Massimo, a man in his forties who lives in the apartment across the street from her, totally unaware of her. Occasionally, they have a few fleeting encounters - Valeria happens to translate for Massimo at a conference - and eventually something starts growing between them. When Massimo moves to Rome, Valeria's existence falls apart. On a sudden impulse, she decides to leave Turin and follow him there. In Rome, Valeria soon finds out that Massimo has another woman - Flavia. Valeria causes an "accidental meeting" with her and a certain immediate sympathy between the two women develops, along with a strange mutual curiosity. Nonetheless, their "friendship" is based on subtle betrayals and lies. Flavia in fact uses Valeria's fragile ...

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Plot Keywords:

novel | translator | turin italy | neighbor | love | 

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Genres:

Drama

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User Reviews

Great acting and story

Valeria, an elegant and pretty young lady lives in a world surrounded by the walls of her shyness and depression. Although she may have a one-night lover or if someone lives with her, it makes no difference of being completely alone. Valeria is also a passionate woman who can take actions to approach that special man, Massimo, and at the same time the fear that allows her to answer his questions only with a "yes", "no" or "I don't know". The way to accent the loneliness of the character is magnificent. An example would be the distance of both, Massimo and Valeria taking a coffee in the same room, separated by subtle divisions and not seeing each other. I could mention several sequences, however, it is better to see the movie. It is impressive to watch that not a single detail is out of control by the director. Although all actions are performed in slow movements, no shouts are necessary not special effects, but only great acting and a touching well written story. I loved it.

Details

Country:

Italy

Language:

Italian English

Release Date:

7 May 2004 (Italy)

Also Known As:

The Spectator

Filming Locations:

Rome, Lazio, Italy

Box Office

Budget:

EUR2,000,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$180,650

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ubu Film, Emme Produzioni

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1