I AM LOVE (Italy/UK 2009) **
Directed by Luca Guadagnino

The poster of I AM LOVE with the star and producer Tilda Swinton coloured pink and standing out in the poster family portrait also with the pink words I AM LOVE describes to a ‘t’ what to expect from this art film.

Tilda Swinton plays the lead, Emma, the wife of Tancredi (Pippo Delbono), son of founder and ailing patriarch of an extremely wealthy Italian textile business.  Emma is first seen overseeing the details of a birthday party, efficient though bored of the whole state of affairs.  When she indulges into an affair with her grandson Edo’s (Flavio Parenti) friend Antonio (Edoardo Gabbriellini) does the empire begin to crumble.  A sub plot involving the coming-out of her gay daughter Elisabeth (Alba Rohrwacher) adds to the problems.

Though the plot involves emotions, Guadagnino’s film feels bland and emotionless.  Even the sex scene between Swinton and the younger lover lacks any sparks or passion.  Even the climax of the film has to be heightened by the over-use of crescendo music to make its point.

But Gaudagnino’s film is gorgeously photographed, costumed (by Fendi) and scored by John Adams, which is the first time the composer allowed his music to be used.  Flaws aside, I AM LOVE is still worth the price of the ticket for its grand production values.