When an industrial baron leaves the Recchi business to both his son, Tancredi (Pippo Delbono) and grandson, Edoardo (Flavio Parenti) tensions appear in this Milanese family. Edoardo is young, highly principled but somewhat naive and when he introduces his former athletic competitor, Antonio, into the house as chef, his mother, Emma (Tilda Swinton) seeks solace with him in place of Tancredi, her cold but devoted husband.

Written and directed by Luca Guadagnino, I Am Love is superbly shot with lavish sets and scenes that invoke all the wonders of enormous wealth and northern Italy. Swinton dominates the film and does a supreme job, in Italian. Her role is sure to win many prizes. Parenti is also excellent and his expose of the wealthy son wishing the best in the world and for his family is convincing.  The clash between what is meant to happen in such a family and the reality is magnificently conveyed. The musical score also adds mightily, making nuanced emotions turning points and bringing together the enormity of the film’s conclusion.

The trouble is Swinton overly dominates the picture and at times the pace drags almost to a halt when more time spent on the motivations and experiences of the very many bit characters may have been more useful (or don’t have them at all.) Her husband, a key player, is hardly known at all by the end.

A visual and emotional treat, especially for Swinton fans.

Kryztoff Rating  3.5K