Directed by Luca Guadagnino.Eight Stars.
I Am Love is the story of Emma Recchi (Tilda Swinton) a Russian-born woman from a modest background who married into a Milanese industrial family. We meet the family in the lead up to one of their (regular) decadent dinner parties to celebrate the anniversary of the family’s patriarch Edoardo Recchi Sr. (Gabriele Ferzetti). Recchi Sr. announces his retirement and succession plans, handing over his enterprise to his son Tancredi Recchi (Pippo Delbono), Emma’s husband, and his grandson Edoardo Recchi Jr. (Flavio Parenti). Following the death of the Recchi Sr. the men of the family journey to London to discuss the sale of the family business. The family lives a charmed and privileged life. They occupy a mansion in Milan which is positively regal. Emma has spent majority of her life living in a fantastical world. But she is living in a dream-like daze. She is a possession, an object put on display and for years she has played her role. It’s not until she meets Antonio Biscaglia (Edoardo Gabbriellini) that she begins to wake up. Antonio, who is from a considerably lower social standing, is Edoardo Jr.’s friend and an eminently gifted chef. They are putting together plans to open a restaurant together. Soon, Antonio’s unpretentious character and orgasmic culinary creations ignite a fiery passion within Emma that she cannot resist. I think it’s worth mentioning that this film is a melodrama. If you’re unfamiliar with this genre, you should go in with an open mind. It’s a genre that’s all about the accentuation of the emotional drama. The entire ensemble give fine performances however special mention must be made of Swinton’s achievement. She gives a superb performance as the loving mother conflicted by emotions she hasn’t felt in years. Equally impressive is that Swinton’s performance – seemingly effortless – is done entirely in Italian – with a little Russian as well. Waris Ahluwalia gives an enjoyable performance as Mr. Kubelkian, the face of contemporary international capitalism. The cinematography is an absolute delight. The film is rich in colour and is highly stylised often incorporating different camera techniques. The soundtrack too is a wonderful experience with a tempestuous score by John Adams that defines and heightens the emotional torment of the torn characters. It’s a highly charged, highly stylish dramatic delight. For me, this is just a beautiful film to watch, with enchanting photography, a passionate soundtrack, and exquisite settings. It’s a completely gratifying experience.
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