LO SPAZIO BIANCO (THE WHITE SPACE)

Italy, 2009, 99 minutes, Colour.
Margherita Buy.
Directed by Francesca Comencini

Lo Spazio Bianco is an emotional Italian film written and directed by Francesca Comencini (daughter of celebrated Italian director Luigi Comencini).

The film is about a woman in midlife, played expertly by Margherita Buy. When she becomes pregnant and gives birth prematurely, it has a strong psychological effect on her life, and her relationship with other people, especially a sympathetic friend played by Gaetano Bruno.

The film is very Italian in its style, its emotions very strong – despite the fact that the central character has to appear as emotionless. The film is interesting in its presentation of Italian views on family, pregnancy, childbirth and the care for children.

1. A film of human values? Motherhood? Children?

2. The Naples setting, the feel of the city, the locations, the detail? The people? The apartment, the various locations for the school, the hospital?

3. The musical score and the songs?

4. The title, pregnancy, the three months, the birth of the baby?

5. The portrait of Maria, the presence of Margherita Buy? The opening dance, Francesca and the baby, the apartment and the ants, the classes and Fabrizio, Gaetano and his work, the people in the class? The magistrate next door, inviting her to a meal, the solution for the ants, smoking on the roof and discussing? Going to the movies, the encounter with Pietro, his child, crying during the film? The ending of the film? The beginning of the affair? Her strong character, alone, work, resisting change, falling in love, reckless?

6. The affair, the transition to the scan, Pietro not wanting anything to do with her, the hospital, the transition quickly to the incubator? The later flashbacks of the birth?

7. The consultants, the doctors, the nurses? Her interactions with the nurses, her impatience? The limitations of the doctor and the nurses, on advice, on what would happen?

8. Her waiting, the emotions, the medical information, watching the child, the tests, going in daily to sit with the baby? Appreciating the time? The fears? Sharing with Fabrizio?

9. The variety of mothers, their attitudes towards their children, the waiting room, the explanation about the young woman with twins and bad luck, Mina (**or meaner?), discussions, gradual growth in friendship? The reassurance? The picnic and the joy?

10. The doctor, Maria’s reaction to him, the information, the affair, his help?

11. The group in the class, Fabrizio and his devotion, work, urging her to return, the variety of venues, Gaetano and his limitations? The visit to the woman who had withdrawn from classes? The rehearsal for the exams, going to the exam?

12. The audience having time to think about the situations with Maria, share her attitude, criticise her attitude, understand the situation of the premature baby? Literally waiting for it to be reborn from the incubator?

13. The magistrate, her story, her separation from her children, Maria seeing her on the television, the collapse of the case?

14. The day of the birth, going to the exam, walking to the hospital, the flashbacks of the birth, Maria holding the baby?

15. Strong themes of life, motherhood, maternity? Audience empathy with Maria and with the situation?