Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Raiting: 
5,9 /10
Genre: Drama
Director: Luca Guadagnino
Stars: Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalamet and Michael Stuhlbarg
Country: Italy / France / United States / Brazil
Release date: 1 September 2017
Length: 132 minutes
"Call Me by Your Name", directed by Luca Guadagnino in 2017, is a lush, sensuous tale of first love and heartbreak set against the backdrop of the sun-drenched Italian countryside of the early 1980s. The film, based on the novel by André Aciman, explores the fleeting summer romance between Elio Perlman, a 17-year-old musical prodigy, and Oliver, a 24-year-old American graduate student who comes to stay with Elio's family to assist Elio's father, a renowned professor of Greco-Roman culture.
The story unfolds in the Perlman's idyllic 17th-century villa, where days are filled with the tranquility of reading, swimming, and the simple pleasures of summer. Elio, portrayed with a nuanced depth by Timothée Chalamet, initially finds Oliver, played by Armie Hammer, somewhat brash and off-putting. However, as the summer progresses, the initial friction between them gives way to a magnetic attraction, leading to a tender and deeply emotional relationship that will indelibly mark their lives.
Guadagnino masterfully captures the languid pace of summer, allowing the relationship between Elio and Oliver to develop with a naturalism that is both beautiful and heartbreaking. The lush settings, from the serene villa to the inviting waters of a nearby river and the quaint streets of the neighboring towns, serve as a perfect canvas for the unfolding romance. The director's use of long takes and close-ups immerses the audience in the intimacy and intensity of Elio and Oliver's connection, making their experiences palpably felt.
The film is also a coming-of-age story for Elio, who navigates the complexities of first love, desire, and identity. His journey is supported by a cast of well-drawn characters, including his parents, who are portrayed as nurturing and progressive thinkers, providing Elio with the freedom and support to explore his emotions. The relationship between Elio and his father is particularly poignant, culminating in a moving scene where his father shares words of wisdom about love, loss, and the importance of embracing one's feelings.
"Call Me by Your Name" is a visually stunning, emotionally rich film that captures the bittersweet nature of a summer romance destined to end. The final scenes, featuring a quietly powerful performance by Chalamet as he reflects on his summer with Oliver, underscore the film's themes of love, longing, and the pain of parting. With its beautiful cinematography, sensitive direction, and compelling performances, "Call Me by Your Name" is a modern classic in the genre of romantic cinema.
Top cast - Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Trailer - Call Me by Your Name (2017)
"Call Me by Your Name", directed by Luca Guadagnino, is a cinematic gem that beautifully explores the complexities of first love, desire, and self-discovery. Set in the sun-drenched Italian countryside of the early 1980s, the film is a poignant, deeply affecting portrayal of a fleeting summer romance between 17-year-old Elio Perlman and 24-year-old Oliver, an American graduate student. The film's strength lies in its ability to capture the raw, intense emotions of its characters, making it a standout in the realm of romantic cinema.
Timothée Chalamet delivers a breakout performance as Elio, brilliantly capturing the character's emotional journey from the innocence of youth to the heartache of first love. His nuanced portrayal of Elio's vulnerability and longing is compelling and deeply moving. Armie Hammer, as Oliver, brings a charismatic yet sensitive presence to the film, perfectly embodying the object of Elio's affection. The chemistry between Chalamet and Hammer is palpable, making their on-screen relationship both believable and captivating.
Guadagnino's direction is masterful, creating a film that is as visually stunning as it is emotionally resonant. The director's use of long takes and close-ups, combined with the serene Italian setting, immerses the audience in the languid pace of summer and the blossoming romance between Elio and Oliver. The film's cinematography is breathtaking, with each frame resembling a painting, further enhancing the romantic and melancholic tone of the film.
The screenplay, adapted from André Aciman's novel, is beautifully crafted, balancing moments of tenderness and passion with scenes of introspection and heartbreak. The film's dialogue is naturalistic and poignant, particularly in the scenes between Elio and his father, played by Michael Stuhlbarg. One of the film's most memorable scenes is a heartfelt conversation between father and son, where the father imparts wisdom about love, loss, and the importance of embracing one's feelings, a scene that is sure to resonate with viewers.
The film's soundtrack, featuring original songs by Sufjan Stevens, complements the narrative perfectly, enhancing the emotional depth of key scenes and further immersing viewers in the story. The use of classical music, particularly during Elio's piano scenes, adds another layer of sophistication to the film.
In conclusion, "Call Me by Your Name" is a beautifully crafted, emotionally rich film that explores the complexities of first love with sensitivity and depth. With its stunning cinematography, brilliant performances, and masterful direction, the film is a testament to the power of cinema to evoke emotion and provoke thought. It is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, making it a must-see for any lover of cinema.