La Notte

La Notte has little plot to speak of. Lydia and her husband Giovanni wander the streets of Milan through the course of one night; they visit clubs, attend parties, and, finally, confront the cold apathy that has developed between them. Both rebuff the sexual advances of strangers, but they seem to do so only out of obligation or respectful loyalty. They are certainly both attracted to the strangers, if only for the temporary connection and passion that they might offer. Giovanni's attraction to Valentina is mostly physical though he, the shrewd intellect, would surely deny the accusation. Lydia is drawn to Roberto because he simply offers her his attention and respect, neither of which have been available from her husband for years. They meet again at dawn, but realize that nothing has been left of their marriage.