I AM LOVE (Io sono l’amore) caught me off guard. It is truly a masterful film. Tilda Swinton is breathtaking as Emma, an upper class Italian wife and mother who we initially meet as she floats through her easy, sensuous life of running a large country household.
Asumptuous Christmas Eve feast unfolds with family and close friends. We watch as she attempts to nurture her chilly, industrialist husband Tancredi (Pippo Delbono) and encourage her handsome son Edoardo Jr. (Flavio Parenti) and his young Muslim business partner and chef, Antonio (Edoardo Gabriellini) as they plan the opening of a rugged, provincial restaurant.
Suddenly, an unexpected compromise occurs between her and her son's partner. Staggering passion erupts between them that forever alter their lives. The son’s discovery of his mother infidelity and the tragic implications that arise affect the entire family. John Adams’s musical score offers a perfect counterpoint to the twisted passion of the story.
The covert theme of subconscious incestuous desire of a mother toward her son’s business partner is unsettling. However, we are lulled into acquiescence by the lush cinematography, editing, acting and color palate that infuses the story.
The ending is shattering. Go out of your way to see this extraordinary film.
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