Genre: Drama
Director: Luca Guadagnino
Cast: Tilda Swinton, Flavio Parenti, Edoardo Gabbriellini, Alba Rohrwacher, Pippo Delbono, Diane Fleri, Maria Paiato, Marisa Berenson
RunTime: 2 hrs
Released By: GV
Rating: M18
Official Website: http://iamlovemovie.com/#

Opening Day: 7 October 2010

Synopsis:

I AM LOVE tells the story of the wealthy Recchi family, whose lives are undergoing sweeping changes. Eduardo Sr., the family patriarch, has decided to name a successor to the reigns of his massive industrial company, surprising everyone by splitting power between his son Tancredi, and grandson Edo. But Edo dreams of opening a restaurant with his friend Antonio, a handsome and talented chef. At the heart of the family is Tancredi's wife Emma (Tilda Swinton), a Russian immigrant who has adopted the culture of Milan. An adoring and attentive mother, her existence is shocked to the core when she falls quickly and deeply in love with Edo's friend and partner Antonio, and embarks on a passionate love affair that will change her family forever.


Movie Review:

Love is a many splendoured thing. To some, love is an unprecedented force of passion. Above all, love is an unfathomable feeling that makes people do things they would never have thought of doing. So what is it that makes a film to proclaim this unparalleled infatuation in its title and be named “I Am Love”?

This Italian film by Luca Guadaginao takes place during the turn of the millennium in Milan. Not only are the times changing, but within a very well to do family, there runs an undercurrent of change of fortunes and status. Amidst this seemingly calm and tranquil situation, love is threatening to detonate in unimaginable proportions.

There is always something about arthouse dramas like this which are alluringly seductive. And Milan, recognized as a world fashion and design capital, is the perfect backdrop for this arthouse drama. Where else in the world would filmmakers be able to showcase picturesque backdrops of architectural wonders and cultural artifacts and have the luminous Tilda Swinton walking in the foreground?

The White Queen of The Chronicles of Narnia series melts her iciness to play a woman consumed by love in this melodrama. You’d overlook the melodrama aspect of the film (the usual exaggerated plot developments to appeal to your emotions apply) because the Academy Award winner’s (Michael Clayton) performance will engage you throughout the film’s 120 minute runtime. Swinton (who learnt both Italian and Russian for this part) shines in her portrayal of a woman who experiences a roller coaster ride of passions.

Watch how she transforms from a prim and proper mother into a woman who becomes attracted to a younger man and his culinary dishes. The final scene where she escapes the cold and unfeeling system into her lover’s embrace is nothing short of enthralling.

Other less familiar faces (in this part of the world) also deliver fine performances. Flavio Parenti is charismatic in his role as the idealistic son of an ailing patriarch. Edoardo Gabbriellini displays a sensuous edge in his portrayal of a chef who changes a woman’s life drastically. Other veteran actors like Alba Rohrwacher, Pippo Delbono fill up supporting roles which command equal screen presence.

The film also features a few sexually enticing sequences that redefine the concept of getting in touch with Mother Nature.

Art film lovers would adore the extravagant production values, ranging from the luxuriant cinematography by Yorick Le Saux and the thoughtful editing by Walter Fasano to the luscious film score by Pulitzer Prize winning composer John Adams and the lovely production design by Francesco Vedovati. The construction of these individual elements is delicate and refined, so there is no need to rush the storytelling. You’ll take time to settle into the character development before experiencing their infatuation and zeal for love.

The pacing of the film may be quietly slow, but the glorious fervour which comes through at the poignant finale will make you reflect on the heartbreaking tragedies love can bring about, and ponder on the question – what price are you willing to pay to be in what you believe is true love?

Movie Rating:

(A refined piece of art)

Review by John Li