Okay, the movie. Well, I watched it out of morbid curiosity. I had heard so much bad stuff about this movie I just really wanted to see why it was so horrible. You know what? It wasn't that bad.

The storyline was somewhat interesting... fascinating really... take two opposite persons with different morals and values that defy the other and put each one in a place of power over the other and watch what happens. It is somewhat masochistic in a sense. In other words, it really is a clashing of personal values and defying them until the other gets fed up. The lower class Italian worker simply rebels more and more when he is being dominated by Amber... interestingly enough, Amber, the rich nasty woman, submits completely when she is in the passive position. She really doesn't even fight. Why? Because her place of power really is an illusion whereas his isn't.

Regardless, all philosophical musings aside, you probably want the dirt on the flick. Alright, it's totally Guy all the way when it comes to filming and directing. You get his humor and camera angles from "Lock, Stock..." So if you liked that movie, you might get a kick out of this one.

How was Madonna? Not bad. She was actually interesting in her character. She's starting to really loosen as an actress and beginning to forget the camera. Remember, I said BEGINNING.

She's getting there. Also, it seems like she trusts her husband as a director so she relaxes a bit. She delivers her lines softer, but without as much emotion in the first half of the film. I truly believe Madonna should take acting lessons. She's too conscious of the camera and we as the audience are too conscious of the most famous woman in the world. And she's aware of this.

Is this a problem? Yes, mostly due to the fact that she has a HUGE obstacle to overcome in order for her audience to believe her as an actress; she has to make her audience forget who she is in order for them to like her character that she's portraying. She did this 100% in "Desperately Seeking Susan" and 75% in "Evita."

If she took lessons in acting, like she did with singing, I think she could go somewhere. Otherwise, her marketable product is what's truly knocking her down. What an amazing contradition!

Otherwise, the film was interesting. The scenery was just beautiful, especially the nighttime scenes. There are moments between the two main characters that are genuinely fun and tender. I liked the interaction between the two of them and how loving they are towards each other. The ending (Spoiler) is truly sad which makes it more of an art film than a blockbuster movie. However, you can tell it was put together rather quickly and could have used more polishing. Not a waste, but not that bad.

Still, I plan on renting it when it comes out. I wouldn't mind looking at it again. Recommendations: big bang viewers, don't bother -- it's more of an insight to an artflick, something to chat about.

When you think about all the clunkers that many popular actors or actresses make, why does everyone act like it's the end of the world when Madonna makes less that a 5 star film. Isn't she entitled to some fun as an actress? Does it all have to be EVITA? I, for one, loved her performance in WHO'S THAT GIRL? I think it's a funny film and a good time.

I think SWEPT AWAY is a hoot. It's not brain surgery, but it's not meant to be. I agree that Madonna is over the top in the beginning, but during the subtle scenes later in the film, she is very convincing and dare I say, powerful. I think the film is a must own for a Madonna fan and the MTV special with Madonna and Guy is TOO CUTE.

Anyway, take time away from your finger pointing at the Material Girl and give Swept Away a watch. It won't change your life, but it wasn't made to.