Sergio Castellito directed and played the leading role as Timoteo, a surgeon of repute in a big Italian hospital . Timiteo had a beautiful wife, a well-paid job and an exceptional home by the sea, but unfortunately the man's brains were between his legs. How else could he risk everything for a waif he raped in a rundown part of the town? For me the character was beyond belief. And as for Italia the victim (Penelepe Cruz), poor she might be but the make-up artists really did make a mess of her face when attempting to give her a pitiful emaciated expression. Even a poverty stricken person can find a plastic comb to comb her hair.
Although I am critical of the script, the acting was great. Timoteo with his hidden secret of irresistible attraction towards Italia tried to cover up his back street sexual conquests with lies about urgent work at the hospital. His wife Elsa (Claudia Gerini) seemed aware that something was going on. Her expressive eyes said a lot as she questioned her husband about the hospital, the conference and the quality of his bedroom at the venue.
The blossoming of love between Timoteo and his lover was too much for me to accept. Italia with a new wardrobe and complete makeover became a most beautiful woman. There was a suggestion of "Pygmalion" here.
I object to these urinary scenes which seem to have crept into films in the last decade. Are they used to add a touch of realism or what? In one scene Timoteo opens his fly and sprays the balcony window boxes. In another scene Elsa goes to the bathroom leaving the door open and we see her seated and then drying herself with a toilet tissue. Let's have some privacy please! Editing room please note! On the credit side there is some excellent photography. The shot from above the street where the accident occurred and the many scenes of incessant rain were great. As for the woman seated on a chair in the rain and observed by Timoteo from his window, this really puzzled me. May be it was a figment of Timoteo's imagination.
Cheating on partners is by no means a new theme in films. One tends therefore to make comparisons. In my opinion I preferred "Unfaithful" in which a housewife adds excitement to her life with secretive visits to a handsome bookseller. "Unfaithful" was a better script in my opinion.
Although I am critical of the script, the acting was great. Timoteo with his hidden secret of irresistible attraction towards Italia tried to cover up his back street sexual conquests with lies about urgent work at the hospital. His wife Elsa (Claudia Gerini) seemed aware that something was going on. Her expressive eyes said a lot as she questioned her husband about the hospital, the conference and the quality of his bedroom at the venue.
The blossoming of love between Timoteo and his lover was too much for me to accept. Italia with a new wardrobe and complete makeover became a most beautiful woman. There was a suggestion of "Pygmalion" here.
I object to these urinary scenes which seem to have crept into films in the last decade. Are they used to add a touch of realism or what? In one scene Timoteo opens his fly and sprays the balcony window boxes. In another scene Elsa goes to the bathroom leaving the door open and we see her seated and then drying herself with a toilet tissue. Let's have some privacy please! Editing room please note! On the credit side there is some excellent photography. The shot from above the street where the accident occurred and the many scenes of incessant rain were great. As for the woman seated on a chair in the rain and observed by Timoteo from his window, this really puzzled me. May be it was a figment of Timoteo's imagination.
Cheating on partners is by no means a new theme in films. One tends therefore to make comparisons. In my opinion I preferred "Unfaithful" in which a housewife adds excitement to her life with secretive visits to a handsome bookseller. "Unfaithful" was a better script in my opinion.