Review of I Am Love (2010) by Ryan M — 18 Dec 2010

This is one of the most beautiful films I've seen. And I mean that in a literal sense. Aesthetically, this is one of the most pleasing films you'll ever come across. The architecture, the food, the people, the costumes, the greenery and landscape, the movie sets, the cinematography, the cities - every frame is a visual feast. I often found myself scanning every square inch of each scene, and realized early on that the director took care of every minute detail. Beautiful film.

Honestly, I find it hard to describe this film, and looking at the other reviews, I see that I am not alone. As one reviewer put it, this is a film to be experienced, to react to, rather than to be described. But I'll give it a shot.

"I Am Love" borders on being an art film, but I can't say it is, judging by what other "art films" are like - a lot of which I find weird and pretentious anyway . Some people find the story development to be too slow. I think they are missing the point. The extended scenes of silence, or the considerable attention to scenery, I believe is meant to elicit an emotional response and to give viewers the time to digest the visually striking scenes. And I personally could not get my eyes off the TV, even if I could see no one moving or hear nothing in some scenes.

The film also softens much of its elements. The lighting, the dialogues, the confrontations, the clothes - everything looks beautiful but understated and subdued, almost muted. It was intriguing, and drew me even more to the film.

Some people find the context lacking, and I couldn't disagree more. The film tackles such heavy subjects as betrayal, death, grief, family dissension, self-identity, acceptance, social norms. And the best part is that the film does not make such a big fuss about these. The viewer is given the freedom to spot all these social realities and to give them the attention and significance that the viewer feels appropriate.

You also have to watch out for the love scene. For me, a love scene is one of the ultimate tests of a great director. It is so easy for love scenes to be prurient, despite a director's efforts to make it look artistic. This is one of those love scenes that are truly beautiful, truly artistic.

I was also amazed at Tilda Swinton's physical transformation. A Russian immigrant who completely embraced the high-class Italian culture that his husband lived in, she looked so perfect and polished, so beautiful for the most part. When she finally confronts her true feelings, you just see a totally different person. Indeed, breaking free can be painful, albeit rewarding.

Don't miss this film.