After overwhelming praise at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival and rousing showings at the Venice Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, “I Am Love” continued its prestigious festival run recently at the 2010 Berlinale, where it was the Opening Night film in the Culinary Section.
Tilda Swinton, the star and a producer on the film, gives a captivating performance (all in Italian), after up her recent acclaimed work in “Julia” and “Michael Clayton.”
Set in Milan, “I Am Love” tells the story of the wealthy Recchi family, whose lives are undergoing sweeping changes. The film opens at an elaborate birthday party for Edoardo Sr. (Gabriele Ferzetti), the family patriarch who, in ill health, has decided to name a successor to the reigns of his massive industrial company. The family is shocked when Edoardo Sr. splits control between his son Tancredi (Pippo Delbono), the logical and anticipated heir, and his grandson, the adored Edoardo Jr. (Flavio Parenti).
At the heart of the Recchi family is Emma (Tilda Swinton). Born in Russia, Emma was swept away as a young woman by Tancredi, who gave her a new life and introduced her to the culture of Milan. She quickly adapted to the wealthy lifestyle, and is now an integral part of the community. An adoring and attentive mother, she is a gentle advisor as her children’s passions pull them in the opposite direction of their family obligations.
Edoardo Jr. or ‘Edo,’ has a passion for cooking, and dreams of opening a restaurant with Antonio (Edoardo Gabbriellini), a handsome and talented chef, who beats Edo in a swimming match on the morning of his grandfather’s birthday celebration. Edo’s sister Betta (Alba Rohrwacher) moves to London for school where she has fallen in love with another woman — a secret she hides from her father and confides only to Edo and her beloved mother.
But Emma has secrets of her own, as she falls quickly and deeply in love with her son’s friend Antonio, embarking on a passionate love affair. The affair and her blossoming desire offer Emma the first chance at finding her own identity.
Co-Written, Produced and Directed by Luca Guadagnino, “I Am Love” stars Oscar winner Tilda Swinton. The cast also includes Flavio Parenti, Edoardo Gabbriellini, Alba Rohrwacher, Pippo Delbono, Maria Paiato, Diane Fleri, Waris Ahluwalia, Gabriele Ferzetti, and Marisa Berenson. The screenplay is written by Barbara Alberti, Ivan Cotroneo, Walter Fasano, and Guadagnino, based on a story by Luca Guadagnino. Produced by Guadagnino, Swinton, Alessandro Usai, Francesco Melzi D’eril, Marco Morabito, and Massimiliano Violante. A Mikado Film and First Sun production in cooperation with Rai Cinema in association with La Dolce Vita Productions and Pixel DNA.
Magnolia Pictures will release I AM LOVE on Friday, June 18. The film is Rated R for sexuality and nudity by the MPAA. The Running Time is 120 Minutes.
