Luca Guadagnino directed this romantic coming-of age drama in 2017. Thimothee Cholamet, Armie Hammer and other actors star in this film. They play Elio Perlman as well as Oliver. Based on Andre Aciman’s 2007 novel, the story takes place in 1983 in northern Italy. It tells the tale of a romance between Elio and Oliver, the assistant to his father. Elio is a 17-year-old boy who lives on the Italian countryside. He meets Oliver in 1983, when he lives with Oliver’s family. Elio spent time with Oliver discussing mutual interests. The two eventually developed romantic feelings.
The story is about a young couple, Elio & Oliver. Their relationship grows and develops into something more romantic. In the 1980s, same-sex relationships was a taboo subject. The film is very sensual and captures 80s nostalgia perfectly. This atmosphere is supported by the carefully chosen score. Guadagnino selected the music himself and was looking for a feeling that was emotional but not heavy. The director wanted to make the music connect with Elio, a young piano player who enjoys adapting pieces to fit his own style, to help him get closer to Oliver, Oliver’s father’s assistant. The score and cinematography created a summery feel that permeates the entire film. The 80s look is captured perfectly in the costumes and production.
Chalamet gives Elio a life of his own. Elio experiences many things first-time and is often unable to describe it. Chamalet portrayed a character that was very relatable. Elio is almost mesmerizing in the rare close ups. Chalamet is a great actor and his chemistry with Hammer shows how the characters feel. The sensual nature of the film is enhanced by their physical chemistry.
The movie’s portrayal of physical compatibility, however, is far from perfect. The romance between the two characters is very discrete and does not feature any explicit scenes of love. It seems odd that a movie of such quality would not include any explicit love scenes. Guadagnino told the Hollywood Reporter in an interview that he believes queer stories should be marketed by presenting them in a non-alienating way. The film is trying to reach a wider audience outside of the LGBTQ community. However, it can feel a little restrained later in the movie.
Call Me by Your Name, a romantic drama film that is almost perfect in its portrayal of emotions between the two characters, captures their feelings very well. The film could have been more truthful and authentic, and not just aimed to please and comfort mainstream audiences.
