Review of I Am Love (2010) by Eunice G — 02 Jul 2010

If you're looking for Hollywood's invisible and straightforward narrative style, you'll probably hate this film. But if you want a rich experience that is as real as anyone's real-life experience (haha), you might find it one of your favorite films this year.

"Io sono l'amore" is a story which discusses issues that sends chills down my spine- Culture; Sense of Self; Adultery; Homosexual relationships; Westernisation; Truth; Familial relationships; Death; and most importantly, knowing someone beyond the surface. If you know anything about the conventions of the film melodrama, you will know that the protagonist, Emma (Tilda Swinton), will try to revitalize her life through an inappropriate sexual relationship.

Observing Emma, one will notice her desire for change despite having an already perfect life with the Recchi's. Her inappropriate sexual relationship with Antonio was triggered by similar interest- food. Emma initially placed interest in Antonio's Southeren Italian cooking style, which drastically contrasts to her's, Northern paleness. The interest developed into something unexpected and purely based on passion. This affair had the desired effect in terms of restoring Emma's sense of self.

This film lies not so much on the story, but on the way it is told. Watch it to see how the Recchi family disintegrates into separate individuals, all living their lives based on their own interests.