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Do you search the Internet for lists of foodie movies? Or is it just me? In any case, the 2009 Italian film I Am Love (directed by Luca Guadagnino) has made almost all of the food-lovers' movie lists. I finally got around to watching it this week, and I'm glad I did, though I have mixed feelings, as you'll see.The movie centers around the Recchi family, who has made a fortune in the textile industry in Milan. In the opening moments, we learn the head of the family is ready to retire and passes the reigns of power to his son and one of his grandsons. This act opens the door to other family changes, none of which is easy.
I can see why I Am Love makes so many "best food movies" lists. Most of the important events take place at feasts, restaurants, and in kitchens. Some of the food scenes are absolutely sensuous; I've never had prawns affect me quite the way they did Emma Recchi, the Russian wife and mother to the new heads of the family business. Other meals were quite formal, as you'll notice if you watch the trailer.
I can also understand why the film has won much acclaim. Tilda Swinton, who plays Emma, is outstanding. It's hard to describe just how emotional her performance is. Truly impressive. Flavio Parenti and Alba Rohrwacher, who play Emma's children, and Edoardo Gabbriellini, who plays a chef, are also almost flawless in their roles. In addition, the cinematography--especially the use of light and the camera angles--is not to be missed. The film is beautiful.Unfortunately, the movie dragged a bit for me, and I felt the growing suspicion / tension that something bad was going to happen was drawn out a little too much. In addition, I was sorry some of the side issues were glossed over so quickly.
In the long run, though, I Am Love is worth your time. It's an emotionally powerful movie, and, seriously, those food scenes are wonderful. One thing to know: the film is mostly in Italian with English subtitles.
I Am Love is available on DVD and via streaming.
I love foodie movies too. You already know about Chef, that's also excellent. I had not heard of this one though, must check it out.
ReplyDeleteI love Tilda Swinton, I think she is incredibly talented.
ReplyDeleteI don't do well with subtitles, especially at home, so this is probably not for me.
ReplyDeleteI on the other hand, use subtitles even for English movies! (i.e., close captioning)
ReplyDeleteIt's movie week! LOL
ReplyDeleteThe food in this one looks really wonderful, from the few scenes in the trailer. And the music makes certain parts of it sound ominous. I'll put it on my list.
Not one I've heard of but I do like the look of the trailer. Emma
ReplyDeleteThis looks gorgeous though I'm not sure how I feel about the dragging and the subtitles. I'll be on the lookout for it for when I'm in the mood for a good foodie movie.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if this was made from a book, and if it's been translated. Subtitles are hard on my eyes at this stage of life.
ReplyDeleteI'll put this on the "someday" list. :)
ReplyDeleteAdding to my list of "foodie films:... I actually do have one :)
ReplyDeleteI have not heard of this movie before now. I have loved Tilda Swinton ever since her role in Narnia.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of the movie until now, but I just reserved it at the library. Thanks and bless you for your food-movie-list obsession. Keep it going. I owe you for quite a few hours of good movie watching.
ReplyDeleteI love foodie movies! thanks for including the trailer, now I really want to watch it. My favourite of late was The Hundred-Foot Journey, have you seen it?
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