Film Review: Swept Away (2002)

Madonna has recently become the subject of snide observations that her attempts to maintain her image of sexy and edgy pop music diva in her golden years appear increasingly embarrassing. While her loyal fans may disagree, objective observers cannot deny that Madonna has had her share of embarrassing moments throughout her illustrious career, particularly in her forays into film. Her lack of proper acting ability has often led to disappointing performances, and her latest attempt, the 2002 film Swept Away, is a prime example of this.

The film is a remake of the 1974 Italian film of the same name, directed by Lina Wertmüller and starring Giancarlo Giannini and Mariangela Melato. The story revolves around Amber Leighton (Madonna), a wealthy wife of pharmaceutical tycoon Tony Leighton (played by Bruce Greenwood), who joins her husband on a pleasure cruise between Italy and Greece. Amber is spoiled and arrogant and even considers luxurious yacht below her proper station, and, in frustration, put crew members to all kinds of verbal and similar abuse, especially Italian sailor Giuseppe (played by Adriano Giannini). One day she demands that Giuseppe takes her on a trip in small boat, which he does, despite warning her that it might not be a good idea. Things predictably go very wrong and both get shipwrecked on deserted island where Giuseppe with his fisherman background proves more resourceful in finding food and shelter. Amber can get some of it only if she becomes doing errands for Giuseppe and treats him as “master”. Their relationship, initially abusive, gradually blooms into genuine romance with Amber determined to stay in new idyll. But Giuseppe’s macho pride wouldn’t allow Amber’s feelings not to be tested by return to civilisation.

Swept Away was written and directed by Guy Ritchie, Madonna's then-husband. Ritchie, known for his black comedies exploring the crime underbelly of London, attempted to prove his versatility by tackling a more generic style of comedy with elements of romance, adventure, and social commentary. While Ritchie's script remains faithful to the original, updating it for the early 21st century, it loses much of its original political and social context. The film's themes of struggle between capitalism and socialism, regional differences, and sexual mores of 1970s Italy are replaced with a generic and soulless narrative. Madonna's acting limitations make her character, Amber Leighton, utterly obnoxious to the audience, especially in the introductory scenes. Her dislike remains throughout the film, and she is not helped by the complete lack of chemistry with Adriano Giannini, son of Giancarlo Giannini, who bravely tries but fails to repeat father’s performance in the same role. In contrast, the original film was successfully carried on the shoulders of its two main cast members, but the remake fails miserably due to terrible miscasting.

Swept Away was almost immediately recognized as Madonna's vanity project and was treated as such by both the public and critics. The film was mercilessly panned in reviews and, to add insult to injury, received five Razzies. Madonna, after this fiasco, more or less abandoned acting, while Ritchie bounced back with more successful projects. Swept Away serves as a cautionary tale of what happens when classic films are remade without proper talent and consideration.

RATING: 2/10 (-)

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