Call Me By Your Name Review
Review for Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Call Me By Your Name
Dir. Luca Guadagnino
Starring: Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalamet, and Michael Stuhlbarg
Rating: R (for sexual content, nudity, and some language)
Its 1983 in Italy. Elio (Timothée Chalamet) goes around the beautiful countryside: hanging out at night, biking, and reading. Every year his father invites an American student into his house for six long weeks to study. This year, its Oliver (Armie Hammer) a charming twenty-something American man whom Elio can't take his eyes off of. Slowly, Elio and Oliver's friendship blossoms into romance in the beautiful Italian summer.
While the plot sounds quite simplistic, Call Me By Your Name is anything, but that. Guadagnino's stellar directing, a beautiful soundtrack, and strong acting from both Hammer and Chalamet make the film an incredible experience. Guadagnino is quoted saying he thinks of Italy as a character in his films and Call Me By Your Name is no different. The beautiful backdrop of Italy in summer makes the film all the more romantic and sensual.
While recent Oscar nominated features such as Guillermo Del Toro's The Shape of Water, carry tropes from every genre, Call Me By Your Name is a romance film. Granted Guadagnino, Hammer, and Chalamet make it more than your average romance. Call Me By Your Name is a coming-of-age, coming out, and romance story all at once. Good films juggling that many tough subjects are few and far between. James Ivory's script balances new and old Hollywood styles. When the credits roll, you aren't left with a huge sense of closure, but the problem is nevertheless solved. The ending leaves an emotional impact on the viewer, making them hope for a sequel.
Call Me By Your Name is rated R among other things for "Sexual Content". The film does contain several scenes of sexuality, between both same-sex and opposite sex couples. Rather than feeling disgusted inside, you realize they're representing first love. Some sequences show in brutal honesty what it's like to be a teenage boy when you're alone with nothing to do. This is where a lot of the themes of sensuality many critics spoke about came to fruition. The backdrop of Italy just adds to the romantic atmosphere
Armie Hammer is charming as Oliver and I was surprised to see him snubbed from the Best Supporting Actor category at the 2018 Oscars. Chalamet goes above and beyond as Elio, having appeared in Lady Bird as a side character. He is an upcoming actor and well-deserving of his first Academy Award nomination.
The soundtrack brings the film together. Guadagnino made Psychedelic Fur's "Love My Way" the theme song of Oliver. That song's title should be explanation enough to why it fits. F.R. David's "Words" also appears "Words don't come easy to me how can I find a way to make you see I love you?...". This song resonated with me the most. "Words" seems to be the theme song of Elio. When he starts to realize his love for Oliver he doesn't know what to say, much like the lyrics of David's music. Sujfan Stevens Oscar-Nominated "Mystery of Love" helps bring the summer countryside to life, but doesn't resonate as much with me.
In conclusion Call Me By Your Name is a spectacular film, not only for the LGBT community, but for filmmaking in general. I found the movie incredibly sensual, borderline erotic, good films in that genre are very rare, especially with same-sex couples. Call Me By Your Name teaches a good message that: we can have films with gay couples and show them kissing. Guadagnino's directing makes you feel like you're there. Thanks to Chalamet's amazing acting it's as if we are seeing the story through his eyes. Call Me By Your Name is a must see for anyone in the LGBT community, a lover of film, or a fan of romance.
Call Me By Your Name is nominated for several accolades including four Academy Awards.
Call Me By Your Name is playing in theaters nationwide now.