Madonna returned to acting with a vengeance this year, on the London stage in the play ''Up for Grabs,'' in a cameo in the upcoming James Bond movie ''Die Another Day,'' and most notably in ''Swept Away,'' directed by her husband, Guy Ritchie (''Snatch'').

In the Screen Gems release (in theaters Oct. 11), Madonna plays Amber, a snobby socialite on a Mediterranean yacht trip who irks earthy crew member Giuseppe (Adriano Giannini, above right), an ardent Communist. But when fate strands Amber and Giuseppe on a deserted island, they embark on a torrid affair. The movie is a remake of Italian director Lina Wertmuller's 1974 film, ''Swept Away... by an Unusual Destiny in the Blue Sea of August,'' in which Adriano's father, Giancarlo Giannini (''Hannibal'') played the same role.

''Swept Away'' is likely to be controversial, and not just for the usual love-it-or-hate-it reactions to Madonna's movie roles. True, the knives were already out for Madonna, with the production dogged by rumors of massive reshoots, supposedly necessitated because Ritchie felt the footage of Madonna in costume (and out, during the love scenes) didn't flatter the 44-year-old star, and because test audiences didn't like her character. (A Screen Gems spokesperson tells EW.com that these rumors are false. As for how Madonna looks in the movie, look at these photos and decide for yourself.)

Amber is supposed to start out as an unlikable rich bitch, then become the submissive lover of the violent-tempered Giuseppe. The film's sexual politics may be the real sticking point, what with Giuseppe slapping Amber around before they have sex. Still, Madonna is not one to apologize, so don't expect her to justify her love.

Click ''Next'' to see more photos from the film.