The Spectator (La Spettatrice)

Director: Paolo Franchi
Starring: Barbora Bobulava, Andrea Renzi, Brigitte Catillon, Matteo Mussoni, Chiara Picchi
Length: 98 mins

A study of loneliness, voyeurism and passivity, The Spectator tells the story of Valeria. A simultaneous interpreter by profession she spends her days alone in her translation booth listening to the words of others to return home to be confronted with constant talk from her housemate about her own life. She visits bars and indulges in one-night stands but is chronically detached.

However, she then becomes obsessed with a doctor, Massimo, who lives opposite her. She follows the man around, intrigued by his movements, especially when she translates a conference led by him in which he speaks of “solitude, emotional poverty, detachment from the world.??? When Massimo moves from Rome to Turin to join his partner, Flavia, Valeria too leaves her life behind to follow.

She befriends and begins work with Flavia, gradually driving a wedge between the pair until Massimo finally ends their emotionally distant relationship, explaining that he has no ‘need for this sterile company.’

Finally, the tables are turned as it is Massimo who then becomes obsessed with his former stalker, though when he makes his feelings known, Valeria, although not disinterested, continues with her passive behaviour, refusing to be any less sterile.

Boasting enrapturing performances, The Spectator is an excellent directorial debut providing much food for thought.