La Notte

Milan-based Giovanni and Lidia Pontano are solely going through the motions of being husband and wife. They have not explicitly stated their dissatisfaction with the marriage to each other beyond the odd snide comment, nor have they mentioned anything to friends or colleagues. However, there has been infidelity, if not in actuality then at least in intent. They still spend much of their time together out of habit, mostly out of their apartment to add some third party aspect to their lives. A twenty-four hour period in their lives is presented. An early outing they have together this day is one that they both have some vested interested in beyond the sadness of the reason, namely to visit their terminally ill friend Tommaso Garani in the hospital, Tommaso a writer like Giovanni. But a couple of Giovanni and Lidia's other joint outings are business ones, specifically to promote Giovanni's just published novel, which is just the latest in a successful career. Although several incidents this day will highlight the divide they are facing emotionally, it is the events of an evening garden party at the home of wealthy businessman Sig. Gherardini that may prove to be the most illuminating in showing Giovanni and Lidia's marriage for what it is in its current state.