LOVE FORBIDDEN
aka DeFENSE D'AIMER

Year: 2002
USA: Strand Releasing
Cast: Rodolphe Marconi, Andrea Necci, Echo Danon, Orietta Gianjorio, Herve Brunon, Maria Teresa De Belis, Irene D'Agostino, Tomazo D'Ulisia
Director: Rodolphe Marconi
Country: France
Language: French (English subtitles)
USA: 96 mins
USA Release Date: 7 November 2003 (Limited Release -New York)

Synopsis

After the death of his brother and the end of his relationship with his girlfriend, Bruce (Rodolphe Marconi) travels to Rome to spend the whole year at the Medici Villa, away from his world and from what he is accustomed. As the days pass, he learns how to feel comfortable in this new imposing decor, between a magnificent and austere palace and mesmerizing gardens.

He meets another resident, Matteo (Andrea Necci), a young Roman, who is an office intern at the Villa. Matteo grows increasingly involved in Bruce's life. He shows up at Bruce's house without being invited, and takes Bruce on a tour of Rome, showing him the churches, the paintings, and the fountains.

Bruce, who feels both moved and disturbed by Matteo's similarities with his brother, falls under Matteo's influence and into an ambiguous relationship with him.

Then a newcomer to the Villa, a writer, fascinated by serial killers disrupts their world.

At this point, Bruce can no longer reverse what has happened and gets mired in his own confusion and insanity.