The Innocent (1976) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

An affair and a troubled marriage give way to Tullio's growing jealousy over Giuliana and the baby.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

An Affair in Public

At The Princess's gathering, Tullio is drawn into a tense encounter with Teresa and Count Stefano Egano. He refuses Teresa's request to leave with her, citing Giuliana, while acknowledging the unhappiness and desire that trouble him.

Key Events

• Late Arrival at the Gathering — Tullio arrives late at a gathering hosted by The Princess. Characters: Tullio Hermil, The Princess Location: The Princess's gathering
• Teresa Asks Tullio to Leave — Teresa wants Tullio to leave with her, but he refuses because he has a wife. Characters: Tullio Hermil, Teresa Raffo, Count Stefano Egano Location: The Princess's gathering
• Tullio Admits His Unhappiness — Tullio says his desire and frustration leave him unhappy yet feeling alive. Characters: Tullio Hermil, Giuliana Hermil Location: Unspecified

Pregnancy and Unease

Tullio asks Giuliana to help him resist seeing Teresa again, though she doubts she can change his mind. His Mother reveals Giuliana's pregnancy, and a dedication from Filippo d'Arborio unsettles Tullio when Giuliana expresses admiration for the writer.

Key Events

• A Plea to Resist Teresa — Tullio asks Giuliana to help him resist seeing Teresa again; she doubts she can change his mind. Characters: Tullio Hermil, Giuliana Hermil Location: Unspecified
• News of the Pregnancy — Tullio's Mother tells him Giuliana is pregnant and urges him to protect her. Characters: Tullio Hermil, Tullio's Mother, Giuliana Hermil Location: Unspecified
• The Dedication to Giuliana — Tullio notices Filippo's dedication to Giuliana; her admiration of his writing unsettles him. Characters: Tullio Hermil, Giuliana Hermil, Filippo d'Arborio Location: Unspecified

A Family Under Strain

The family hopes gather around Giuliana's pregnancy and the later presence of a baby. Federico visits but declines to stay for Christmas, explaining that he has his own troubles.

Key Events

• Federico's Christmas Visit — Federico visits but says he does not want to stay for Christmas because he has troubles of his own. Characters: Tullio Hermil, Federico Hermil Location: Unspecified
• Tullio Watches the Baby — Tullio catches Giuliana watching over the baby at night and becomes consumed by jealousy. Characters: Tullio Hermil, Giuliana Hermil Location: Unspecified

The Nighttime Confrontation

Tullio sees Giuliana watching over the baby at night and accuses her of loving the child because she loves its father. He admits his jealousy and says he once wanted the child to die, but the conversation ends without resolution.

Key Events

• An Accusation of Love — Tullio accuses Giuliana of loving the baby because she loves its father; she denies it. Characters: Tullio Hermil, Giuliana Hermil Location: Unspecified
• A Jealous Confession — Tullio admits he cannot stop watching them and once wanted the child to die; the confrontation remains unresolved. Characters: Tullio Hermil, Giuliana Hermil Location: Unspecified

Story Breakdown

• The Public Encounter — Tullio's arrival at a gathering brings his affair with Teresa into view.
  • Late Arrival — Tullio arrives late at The Princess's gathering.
  • Teresa's Request — Teresa wants Tullio to leave with her, but he refuses.
• Marital Turmoil — Tullio describes the frustration and desire that complicate his marriage.
  • Unhappy Desire — Tullio says his desire makes him unhappy yet alive.
  • Plea for Help — He asks Giuliana to help him resist seeing Teresa.
• Pregnancy News — Tullio learns Giuliana is pregnant and is urged to protect her.
  • Mother's Warning — Tullio's Mother tells him of the pregnancy and urges protection.
  • Tullio's Joy — Tullio is overjoyed by the pregnancy.
• Filippo's Presence — A dedication and Giuliana's admiration of a writer unsettle Tullio.
  • The Dedication — Tullio notices Filippo's dedication to Giuliana.
  • Admired Writing — Giuliana admires Filippo's writing while Tullio dismisses it.
• Family Interlude — The family's attention turns to the pregnancy and the baby, while Federico keeps his distance.
  • Federico Visits — Tullio's brother visits the family.
  • Christmas Declined — Federico says he will not stay for Christmas because of his own troubles.
• Nighttime Jealousy — Tullio's attention to Giuliana and the baby leads to an unresolved confrontation.
  • Watching the Baby — Tullio catches Giuliana watching over the baby at night.
  • Accusation and Denial — He accuses her of loving the baby because she loves its father, and she denies it.
• Resentment Revealed — Tullio admits the depth of his jealousy, but the conversation ends before the conflict is resolved.
  • Unable to Look Away — Tullio says he cannot stop watching Giuliana and the baby.
  • Unresolved Confession — He admits he once wanted the child to die, leaving their future uncertain.

Directed by

Luchino Visconti

Key Cast

• Giancarlo Giannini — Tullio Hermil
• Laura Antonelli — Giuliana Hermil
• Rina Morelli — Tullio's Mother
• Massimo Girotti — Count Stefano Egano
• Didier Haudepin — Federico Hermil