Thursday, June 18, 2020

Everything You Ever Need To Know About Life...

... you can learn from:

I Am Love (2009)



Elisabetta: Happy is a word that makes one sad. 

Luca Guadagnino's sumptuous (the word "sumptuous" was invented for Luca Guadagnino) film I Am Love (although doesn't the title really sound better in the original Italian, as Io sono l'amore?) was released in the United States on this day in the year 2010, technically making today it's 10th anniversary. For me and probably you, assuming you reading this are American, anyway. And we're who matter since I heard ages ago that Italians don't actually like Luca's films? He's more popular here than he is there? I don't know if there's truth in that but I'm more than elated to have him. Literally. Come over, Luca, let's sit on my couch, eat chips, and watch John Waters movies. Feel free to bring Tilda, my couch is big.

Anyway! I Am Love is super, innit? I obviously wouldn't classify it as My Favorite Luca Guadagnino Movie -- I think we all know what that one is -- but it's up there. I just re-watched it a few months ago but when I saw this anniversary was coming up I pulled out my blu-ray and set it beside the TV, where it sits now, staring at me, whispering my name.You might even say... calling me by my name... oh damn, now I just wanna watch that one! I'm so easy...

4 comments:

Andrea said...

I might say it is quite true. He's too much an auteur for the Italian cinematic landscape right now, even after the much more recognized achievement of Call me by your name.

MTMSLG said...

I Am Love is just gorgeous! Tilda is a goddess and the production design made me drool! The beautiful mansion featured is smack-dab in the middle of Milan.

Walking the Dog said...

I discovered "I Am Love" after seeing "Call Me by Your Name." It's a beautiful and heart aching movie. Tilda Swinton is wonderful as always, and the house is amazing!

Mirko said...

Unfortunately it’s true, I Am Love here in Italy was more mocked than appreciated and many people who wrote about cinema wondered what abroad saw in it that was special. One of the problems was that Guadagnino is inspired by some directors (Bolognini, Patroni Griffi...not just Visconti) that have nothing in common with actual Italian productions. Anyway CBYN and Suspiria have several fans also in his own country but I’m afraid he will continue to be a divisive director