Facing Windows 2004
Directed by
Ferzan Ozpetek
Made by
Sony Pictures Classics
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Facing Windows (2004). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Giovanna, portrayed by Giovanna Mezzogiorno, and her husband Filippo, played by Filippo Nigro, find themselves entrenched in an unsatisfactory routine that shadows their once vibrant marriage. Both are stuck in jobs that drain them—she toils away in a poultry factory, while he endures sleepless nights on the graveyard shift due to a lack of seniority. Their conversations often devolve into arguments about the burdens of money, intimacy, and their hectic work lives. It becomes increasingly clear that love is fading fast, leaving them to merely go through the motions for the sake of their children.
One fateful morning, their paths intersect with an elderly man named Simone, acted by Massimo Girotti, who is burdened by transient global amnesia. Struggling to recollect his identity, he clings only to scattered memories from his distant past. In a moment of compassion—or perhaps foolishness—Filippo insists on bringing Simone back to their home for the night with the intent of taking him to the police the next day. However, what begins as a single night extends into several days filled with unexpected complications. During this time, Simone experiences peculiar episodes, offering tantalizing glimpses of his enigmatic history, while also unwittingly connecting Giovanna with Lorenzo, portrayed by Raoul Bova.
Neighbors separated by the street, Giovanna and Lorenzo share a mutual attraction, each secretly watching the other from their dimly lit apartments. Their friendship ignites quickly, escalating into flirtation and a heated kiss. Yet, the clock is ticking for Lorenzo, as his job requires him to relocate soon. Caught in a whirlwind of emotion, Giovanna grapples with the choice between pursuing her newfound feelings and sticking to her responsibilities.
As the story unfolds, the only name Simone seems to remember is “Simone,” prompting Giovanna and her family to adopt it for him. In a stroke of fate, while taking his suit to the cleaners, Giovanna stumbles upon a poignant love letter addressed to Simone from a man named Davide Veroli. The mystery deepens when Simone vanishes overnight, sending Giovanna on a quest to uncover Davide Veroli’s identity as a means to locate Simone.
Ultimately, Giovanna encounters Davide, who, to her astonishment, reveals that he is the same Simone she sought. In a heart-wrenching narrative, Davide recounts his past—his love for Simone, his harrowing choices during the Nazi regime, and how he saved others at great personal sacrifice. Upon reconciling with his own history, Davide embraces the friendship he formed with Giovanna and her family. He becomes a guiding light, helping her navigate significant life choices, from pursuing her passion for baking to standing up for her marriage and children. Thus, under the shadows of uncertainty, profound connections blossom, leading to newfound strength and hope amidst life’s complexities.
Timeline
Track the key events of Facing Windows (2004) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Stagnation in Marriage
Giovanna and Filippo find themselves in a monotonous routine that weighs heavily on their marriage. Their once vibrant relationship is now clouded by financial stress and dissatisfaction at their jobs, creating a growing emotional distance between them.
A Chance Encounter
One morning, Giovanna and Filippo meet Simone, an elderly man suffering from transient global amnesia. Despite his condition, Filippo feels a sense of compassion and offers to bring Simone home, hoping to help him until they can contact the police.
Simone's Stay
What starts as a one-night stay for Simone quickly turns into several days. During this time, he experiences moments of clarity and offers glimpses into his mysterious past, igniting curiosity and deeper connections with Giovanna's family.
The Connection with Lorenzo
As Simone's presence becomes a fixture in their home, Giovanna finds herself increasingly drawn to Lorenzo, her neighbor. Observing each other secretly, their mutual attraction leads to flirtation and a passionate kiss, intensifying the complexity of Giovanna's feelings.
The Job Dilemma
With Lorenzo's job requiring him to relocate soon, Giovanna is thrust into a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She must decide whether to pursue her burgeoning feelings for Lorenzo or maintain her responsibilities to her family and marriage.
Naming Simone
As Simone continues to live with them, the only name he remembers is 'Simone.' To help him feel more at home, Giovanna and her family decide to adopt this name, marking a step towards acceptance of his presence in their lives.
Discovering the Love Letter
While taking Simone's suit to the cleaners, Giovanna discovers an emotional love letter addressed to Simone from a man named Davide Veroli. This revelation deepens the mystery surrounding Simone and sets Giovanna on a path to uncovering more about his past.
Simone's Disappearance
Simone mysteriously vanishes overnight, leaving Giovanna anxious and determined to find him. Her search leads her to delve deeper into the link between Simone and the love letter, igniting her quest for answers.
Meeting Davide
Giovanna eventually encounters Davide, who reveals that he is the same Simone she has been searching for. This shocking revelation uncovers layers of Simone's past, leading to profound emotional exchanges.
Davide's Story
In a poignant recounting of his life, Davide shares his harrowing experiences during the Nazi regime and his deep love for another Simone. This emotional connection helps Giovanna understand the rich tapestry of Davide's life while also illuminating her own struggles.
Reconciliation with the Past
Upon reconciling with his own history, Davide forms a bond with Giovanna and her family. He becomes a guiding figure for her, providing wisdom that helps her confront her own life's challenges and emotional turmoil.
Empowerment through Baking
With Davide's support, Giovanna begins to rekindle her passion for baking, finding joy and a sense of purpose outside her troubled marriage. This personal journey signifies her growth and the awakening of her desires.
Defending Family Values
As her connection with Davide deepens, Giovanna learns to stand up for her marriage and children. She confronts the issues that threaten her family, empowered by her newfound strength and hope.
Finding Strength in Connections
Through the intertwined lives of Giovanna, Filippo, and Davide, profound connections blossom. These relationships bring about emotional healing, renewed hope, and an understanding of love in its various forms.
Resolution and Growth
The film concludes with Giovanna standing at a crossroads, empowered by her experiences. She recognizes the importance of love, self-discovery, and the intricate bonds that unite us, marking a poignant turn in her life.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Facing Windows (2004) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Giovanna (Giovanna Mezzogiorno)
Giovanna is a woman entrapped in the monotony of her life, struggling with the fading love in her marriage. Her character evolves as she navigates her attraction to Lorenzo and her responsibilities to her family. As the story progresses, she finds the courage to pursue her dreams and redefine her identity.
Simone (Massimo Girotti)
Simone is an elderly man suffering from transient global amnesia, linking the past to the present. His fleeting memories shape his interactions with the family, revealing deeper themes of identity and connection. Through his story, he embarks on a journey of emotional reconciliation and provides wisdom to Giovanna and her family.
Lorenzo (Raoul Bova)
Lorenzo lives in the same building as Giovanna and becomes the object of her newfound affection. His character represents both a potential escape from her current life's drudgery and a symbolic reminder of fleeting opportunities. The intensity of their connection catalyzes Giovanna's introspection and desire for change.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Facing Windows (2004), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The narrative unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting the challenges of modern relationships and the effects of socioeconomic strain on daily life. The characters' struggles resonate with the audience, highlighting themes of routine and emotional disconnect that are relevant to current society.
Location
Giovanna and Filippo's home, Neighbor's apartments
The movie takes place primarily in the urban environment where Giovanna and Filippo live. Their home is marked by the tension of their relationship, surrounded by the bustling yet isolating nature of city life. The neighboring apartments symbolize both physical and emotional distance despite proximity, showcasing the loneliness that permeates urban existence.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Facing Windows (2004). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
💔
Love and Loneliness
This theme explores the fading love between Giovanna and Filippo as they navigate their unsatisfactory lives. Their relationship is contrasted with the burgeoning feelings Giovanna develops for Lorenzo, illustrating the complexity of human emotions and connections. The longing for love amidst personal struggles highlights the sometimes inevitable loneliness in close quarters.
🌀
Identity and Memory
The theme of identity is central to the film, particularly through Simone's transient global amnesia. His struggle to remember himself reflects the fragility of personal history and the impact of memory on our sense of self. Giovanna's journey to uncover Simone’s past intertwines her path to self-discovery and reaffirms the significance of one’s roots in shaping relationships.
🌱
Growth and Resilience
Throughout the story, the characters experience significant personal growth. Giovanna learns to confront her own desires and make choices that align with her true passions, while Davide's reconnection with his own past teaches the importance of resilience. Amid life's complexities, these transformative experiences foster a sense of hope and the possibility of renewal.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.