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Facing Windows (La Finestra di fronte) is a 2003 Italian movie directed by Ferzan Ozpetek.
Plot
Giovanna (played by Giovanna Mezzogiorno) and her husband Filippo
(Filippo Nigro) have settled into life. They both have jobs that make
them unhappy. She works as an accountant. He works the graveyard shift
because he is too weak to ask his boss for a daytime slot. They argue
about money, sex, time and work... There is a subtle sense that this is
a marriage whose love is dwindling fast. Perhaps they are only going
through the motions for the sake of their kids.
One morning, the two of them are walking home and cross paths with an
elderly man (Massimo Girotti). He is utterly disoriented and has lost
his memory. And despite Giovanna's protests, Filippo brings him back to
their home for the night so that he can take him to the police the next
morning in the hopes of unraveling the mystery. As complications ensue,
that one night stretches to a few days. The old man experiences strange
episodes, flashbacks of sorts, that reveal clues to his mysterious
past. His actions lead to a meeting between Giovanna and Lorenzo (Raoul
Bova). Lorenzo lives across the street from Giovanna and their
apartment windows face each other. The sexual tension between the two
is quite palpable as they have both been secretly watching and lusting
after each other from their dimly lit windows.
Giovanna and Lorenzo's instant friendship swiftly moves to flirtation
and then to a passionate kiss. However, Lorenzo's job is transferring
him to another city very soon and Giovanna is put in an awkward spot
having to make a very quick decision. Her heart tells her she should
act on her feelings. Her mind tells her to be responsible.
Nevertheless, the two of them puzzle over the mystery of the old man as
they try to come to terms with their feelings for one another.
Awards
- 4 David di Donatello Awards (Best Actor: Massimo Girotti - Best Actress: Giovanna Mezzogiorno - Best Film: Gianni Romoli, Tilde Corsi and Ferzan Özpetek - Best music: Andrea Guerra)
- 3 Nastro d'Argento Prizes (Best Actress: Giovanna Mezzogiorno - Best Original Story: Gianni Romoli and Ferzan Özpetek - Best Song: Giorgia for the song Gocce di memoria)
- Crystal Globe Award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
- Golden Space Needle Award at the Seattle International Film Festival
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