A typical Bertolucci-like relationship dynamic (also reminded me a little bit of Sister). I was always confused with this particular director's flow of action in some of his movies (especially Last Tango in Paris, but this one is another good example): I felt a disturbing/not engaging sense of "nothing is really happening". But then it builds up to a scene so powerful, it sweeps you off your feet and you are touched for good. Just wait for the notes of an Italian version of Bowie's Space Oddity ;)