What Time Is It? (film)

What time is it? (film)

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	1989
Founder	Ettore Scola
Products	Drama film

What time is it? () is a 1989 drama from Italy, directed by Ettore Scola and produced in collaboration with France.

Plot

Michele, a young graduate in humanities from Naples, is serving his military duty in Civitavecchia, where he has developed close bonds with those who accept his introspective character and lack of ambition. His father, a prosperous lawyer based in Rome, visits him after years of estrangement to reconnect.

Bringing lavish presents from Rome, the father tries to close the emotional distance, but Michele finds these gifts awkward. He instead cherishes an old silver watch that belonged to his grandfather, which represents familial affection. Their relationship is characterized by frequent misunderstandings and disputes, though occasional moments of intimacy occur.

The conflict intensifies when the father learns about Michele’s uncertain involvement with Loredana and realizes that his own hopes do not align with his son's actual situation. Driven by jealousy regarding his wife, he admits to having an affair, which shocks Michele and prompts him to leave his father at the train station.

In the end, they find reconciliation aboard the train, sharing a peaceful moment as Michele proudly displays the silver watch and responds to the question: What time is it?

Cast

• Marcello Mastroianni - Marcello, The Father
• Massimo Troisi - Michele, The Son
• Anne Parillaud (voice dubbed by Valeria Perilli) - Loredana
• Renato Moretti (voice dubbed by Fiorenzo Fiorentini) - Sor Pietro
• Lou Castel - Fisherman

Awards

• Four prizes at the Venice Film Festival, including Best Actor awards for both Marcello Mastroianni and Massimo Troisi