A successful novelist, Giovanni Pontano, and his wife, Valentina, grapple with a growing estrangement during a single day and night in Milan. Their attendance at a book launch and a lavish party highlights their emotional distance and the superficiality of their social circle. As they navigate these events, they confront the decay of their marriage and the existential ennui that permeates their lives.

La Notte was met with critical acclaim for its atmospheric direction, complex portrayal of modern alienation, and masterful performances. While some found its pacing deliberately slow, the majority praised Antonioni's exploration of marital ennui and existential themes. It is considered a significant work within Antonioni's 'alienation trilogy'.

• Praised for its stark, beautiful black-and-white cinematography.
• Lauded for its profound exploration of marital breakdown and modern alienation.
• Appreciated for the subtle yet powerful performances of Mastroianni and Moreau.

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Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1961 Cannes Film Festival.

The film's stark, almost desolate portrayal of Milan was intentional, reflecting the emotional emptiness of its characters.