The aristocratic Recchi clan, whose fortune has been made in textiles, are gathering to celebrate the patriarch's birthday. Edoardo Recchi decides to announce the way he wants the family business to remain under the helm of his son Tancredi, and his grandson Edo, assisting his father. Behind the planning of the dinner is Emma Recchi, the Russian born wife of Tancredi. Emma radiates sophistication as well as an impressive way in which she has been able to adapt to the customs of her adopted country.
The palatial life of the Recchi clan is one where class and privilege live side by side in what they must feel is their right to exist. Emma, who for all appearances is a woman dedicated to the well being of her family, shares a loveless kind of existence with her cold husband Tancredi. Emma, in spite of having been accepted as one of the family, is not completely 'at home' with the Recchis. She only seems to have one friend in Ida, who is in charge of the household, but in reality, a servant.
Emma's world begins to disintegrate when Elizabetta, her daughter, confesses she is a lesbian. While supportive of the young woman, Emma has problems of her own as she begins taking an interest in a young chef, Antonio,a friend of her son Edo. What starts innocently enough, ends up into a passionate liaison between Emma and Antonio.
The financial empire of the Recchis take a turn of its own when an entrepreneurial wizard sells the idea of taking the business globally, something the older Recchi, had he been alive, would have been appalled, but the new generation decides to go along with the scheme. The family will consolidate itself as a giant in the world of textiles.
Tragedy finds Emma in a way she never thought it could affect her. The Recchi clan unites after the untimely death of Edo. Emma finds herself rejected by the same people that opened their arms in accepting her to the high place she occupied until her fall of grace. Tancredi drops her from his life and his family without any regrets, but in all the suffering Emma experiences, she has found refuge in the fact that Antonio loves her for what she means to him.
Luca Guadagnino, the director of this film, also collaborated in the screenplay. This film consolidates him as one of the most interesting directors of his generation. His take on the aristocratic clan, at the center of the story, is one of the best accounts in the life of the Italian aristocracy. His work in the film shows he was perhaps influenced by another great master of the Italian cinema, Lucino Visconti, a man that came from that world himself.
Tilda Swinton makes the film what it is because of the tremendous performance the director got from her. This actress is a joy to watch because she captures the essence of the kind of interloper she is in the Recchi clan. Although tolerated, she is never one of them. Emma has fulfilled her role within the family and has done what is expected of her, but no one from the Recchis has taken the time to really appreciate her in the least. Emma will remain one of her best creations for the screen.
Mr. Guadagnino got excellent ensemble acting from the amazing cast that was put together. Flavio Parenti, Edoardo Gabriellini, Alba Rohrwacher, and especially Maria Paiato, who plays Ida, do a wonderful job for the director. Gabriele Ferzetti, an actor that had a good career in films, working with the likes of Antonioni, and others, appears as the patriarch Edoardo.
The magnificence and opulence of the Milanese aristocracy is captured in vivid detail in the cinematography of Yorick LeSaux. The musical score is by John Adams. While this film is obvious not for everyone, it will stand as a testimony to Luca Guadagnino's talent.
The palatial life of the Recchi clan is one where class and privilege live side by side in what they must feel is their right to exist. Emma, who for all appearances is a woman dedicated to the well being of her family, shares a loveless kind of existence with her cold husband Tancredi. Emma, in spite of having been accepted as one of the family, is not completely 'at home' with the Recchis. She only seems to have one friend in Ida, who is in charge of the household, but in reality, a servant.
Emma's world begins to disintegrate when Elizabetta, her daughter, confesses she is a lesbian. While supportive of the young woman, Emma has problems of her own as she begins taking an interest in a young chef, Antonio,a friend of her son Edo. What starts innocently enough, ends up into a passionate liaison between Emma and Antonio.
The financial empire of the Recchis take a turn of its own when an entrepreneurial wizard sells the idea of taking the business globally, something the older Recchi, had he been alive, would have been appalled, but the new generation decides to go along with the scheme. The family will consolidate itself as a giant in the world of textiles.
Tragedy finds Emma in a way she never thought it could affect her. The Recchi clan unites after the untimely death of Edo. Emma finds herself rejected by the same people that opened their arms in accepting her to the high place she occupied until her fall of grace. Tancredi drops her from his life and his family without any regrets, but in all the suffering Emma experiences, she has found refuge in the fact that Antonio loves her for what she means to him.
Luca Guadagnino, the director of this film, also collaborated in the screenplay. This film consolidates him as one of the most interesting directors of his generation. His take on the aristocratic clan, at the center of the story, is one of the best accounts in the life of the Italian aristocracy. His work in the film shows he was perhaps influenced by another great master of the Italian cinema, Lucino Visconti, a man that came from that world himself.
Tilda Swinton makes the film what it is because of the tremendous performance the director got from her. This actress is a joy to watch because she captures the essence of the kind of interloper she is in the Recchi clan. Although tolerated, she is never one of them. Emma has fulfilled her role within the family and has done what is expected of her, but no one from the Recchis has taken the time to really appreciate her in the least. Emma will remain one of her best creations for the screen.
Mr. Guadagnino got excellent ensemble acting from the amazing cast that was put together. Flavio Parenti, Edoardo Gabriellini, Alba Rohrwacher, and especially Maria Paiato, who plays Ida, do a wonderful job for the director. Gabriele Ferzetti, an actor that had a good career in films, working with the likes of Antonioni, and others, appears as the patriarch Edoardo.
The magnificence and opulence of the Milanese aristocracy is captured in vivid detail in the cinematography of Yorick LeSaux. The musical score is by John Adams. While this film is obvious not for everyone, it will stand as a testimony to Luca Guadagnino's talent.