So i just finished this and wow, two words: Timothee Chalamet! He was brilliant as Elio and i wouldn't be suprised if he went up for the Oscars this year, totally deserved! Timmy's and Armie's chemistry is electrifying, without saying sometimes nothing at all, i swear i felt like i wasn't watching a movie, i was sucked right in. Oh and Mr. Perlman's speech at the end, oh and that ending! Take all the awards! This film has my heart already.
Well, I gave it a fair try. I didn't think I'd like this story/film and I didn't. A young sexually inexperienced boy and an older grad student. For me the inequalities of experience, maturity and attraction bordered on child abuse and, although the boy was the aggressor, the adult should have maintained boundaries and trust. It was too uncomfortable for me and was anything but a love story. I know I am expressing a minority opinion (it has been nominated for 4 Oscars including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay) but I rate it a 3 (bad) out of 10. There was nothing commendable about this movie to me with the exception of the location, which was strikingly beautiful, and the soundtrack, which was perfectly matched to the internal thoughts of the characters. [Drama]
I love coming-of-age films and this one is by far my favorite because there's no tragedy, there's no ugliness, there's only beauty; the beauty of love, the beauty of getting to know yourself, the beauty of loss, the beauty of courage...
I don't think it gets sweeter than this film, and it will make you appreciate your life, your relationships and yourself simply because you're forced to think of beauty, of goodness, and when you do that, you can see it wherever you haven't been able to see it before.
Thimothée Chalamet was amazing, as was Armie Hammer, but Elio's character stands out, as it should, for all the right reasons. I completely fell for him and he reminded me of the kind of guy I would've loved to be a teenager with. He's endeering, intelligent, loving, and, above all, he's his own person.
I'm so happy I watched this film; it's like a hug or a slow kiss that you wish would last forever.
A movie to reach your soul. A movie about love and heartbreak and how the summer loves are usually the greatest ones, and that will forever leave a mark in your life. Its so intense and also so fast. Everything is great here, to acting, to photography, to soundtrack. The last scene is so beautiful and so sad at the same time that you won't forget for a long time.
Wow! This had a lot of hype behind it and it lived up to it. Fantastic acting all around, especially Timothee Chalamet. Beautiful cinematography and amazing music.
Not many movies can get at me emotionally but this one felt so pure and real that it got to me. One of the best in 2017.
Masterful filmmaking. Masterful writing. Career-defining acting. Fire soundtrack.
Masterpiece.
This was the best LGBT related film I have seen to date. Such a touching story. It nearly had me on a few occasions. I'm so happy the father accepted his son for who he is.
A bad attempt on what could have been an unforgettable summer love story. "Call Me by Your Name" fails in every aspect of It. It's dull, empty and forced.
From beginning to end there's no exploration of any kind. The characters don't have the depth they should have which makes the love story lacking dynamism and vivacity.
The first part of the movie is tedious and uninteresting. An hour of unnecessary scenes, that could easily be cut out, with brief dialogs of direct questions/answers, without emotions or sensibility from any character. A missed opportunity to invest in the character denseness and build their relationship. The movie doesn't give enough space for the sensations and attraction between them to evolve and, with that, we end up not caring, at all, with their bonding. All we see is a shallow relationship based, purely, in sexual encounters.
Less is more so it would have been great to see that. Less scenes, less scenarios and less dull actions and conversations. It's a movie that should concentrate merely in the connection between them and not on how beautiful the background is or how kind and aware Elio's parents are. The minor characters are completely pointless and don't bring absolutely nothing to the film.
The only positive aspect is Timothée Chalamat, In the second part of the film. He really pushes Elio's character and ends up with a very solid and strong performance. The ending shot was absolutely breathtaking. Apart from Timothée's acting, Sufjan Stevens enhanced this scene with "Mistery of Love", making one of the best ending scenes of the year. Undeniably, he deserves to win Best Original Song at the 90th Academy Awards.
I came to watch this movie with high expectations - hearing about all its nominations and seeing all the positive feedback. It disappointed me. Very big time.
Most of the scenes and dialogues in the first hour didn't make any sense. The two guys developed feelings from nothing, they barely even encountered or hung out with each other - let alone did something memorable that would lead to catching feelings for one another.
Like how other people commented here, the supporting characters had absolutely no role in the storyline, hell, maybe even the parents had unnecessary roles. But the most disappointing fact is that even the two main characters had no depth, no logical thoughts and actions. I get that Elio is supposed to be a 17-year-old, but even a teenager hasn't got that much random stuff going on in their head and in their actions as he does.
The sad thing is that the actors had a great chemistry but this storyline and these dialogues just stomped all that built-up passion into the ground. Like WTF was that scene with penetrating that poor peach?! Or that one where the movie got its title from? Why would you ask your loved (in this case, "loved") one to call you by their own name instead of yours? That's just f*cked up...
There were only 3 things I liked about this movie: the BGMs, the scenery and the penultimate scene when the father gives all that smart advice to Elio. This story had so much potential, but I guess people who read the book were right - this movie totally ruined it. I should've just read the book.
I enjoyed this movie very much when watching it, but manwhile I am very annoyed by its hype I must say. Critics and fans alike are talking about it like it's the second coming. I agree that it was captivating, but let's not pretend as if it was something nobody had ever seen before. And while I agree that really the acting was what made viewers invested in the plot, people who think especially Timothée delivered a performance worth an Oscar are ludicrous.
An astonishing love story that seems directly handed down by an inhabitant of ancient Greece.
Elio (17) and Oliver know each other by chance, but it is immediately as if they knew each other for a lifetime: Guadagnino establishes a secret connection between the two, which the viewer grasps thanks to the subtle expressive nuances. They start to prick themselves, to test themselves, to tease themselves intellectually. And it is a very strong bond, because Elio speaks 3 languages, plays the piano, discusses philosophy and Bach, aspects that Guadagnino does not put in the background to give the idea of the boy's mental freedom. Although Oliver is older, he plays with the senses of Elio in a tender and never oppressive way. When this bond manifests itself, it immediately assumes a very strong erotic charge, that will be the key of the film. The director takes this metamorphosis almost by accident: the best scenes (like the scene in which Elio tries to masturbate with a peach and then is discovered by Oliver, which makes Elio burst into tears) seem to play on a thin thread. They could end with a great emotion or with a great laugh of the viewer, and the former miraculously happens systematically.
But the hidden gem of the film is another: the relationship with parents. Elio, despite being a boy of refined culture, is still a naive teenager in love: the father also takes on increasing importance, as he senses what is happening between the two; it can be said that it grows with them. The passage in which Elio understands that he must not hide or be ashamed is so natural that it seems to be accidental in the plot.
The melancholy envelops all their actions: the love story seems obvious should not last, but it is as if Nature conspired so that it does not go like this, following a course of their own and detaching the two from the world and elevating them to Gods of Olympus, then returning abruptly to the earthly world in the end.
Guadagnino studied for months the homes, the customs and the practices of northern Italy in 1983, to perfectly recreate a warm and welcoming setting, perfect scenario of pure emotions: in the ending the main character cries with a close-up shot for a few minutes, outside there is snow and we listen to the crackling of homemade fire.
8.5/10
damn, unexpecteded amazing. one of the most impactful watching expereinces of my life. 10/10
some things i loved (full of spoilers):
- the cinematography was wonderful. i dont usually notice this sort of thing but it was pecularly shot and i often found myself considering what i was looking at because of the lingering of the shots. it just looked great.
- The vibes of the movie were incredible. The Italian summer, all the swimming and the dances and older music. them spending a lot fo time on intellectual pursuits with love inbetween. Makes you wish for another life living a small italian town reading books all day and dancing at night.
- one of my favourite scenes is Elio coming out to Oliver. it was incredibly subtle and almost nothing was said out loud, the scene operated purely on intuition and feeling. I usually don't like this sort of thing but it was handled so expertly here through setup and timing that i fell in love with the scene. this was made even better by the fact that when Oliver walks off and Elio hovers around, the camera pans up a random beautiful building near them. This was great cinematography, great vibes, great writing. and then the incredibly long shot of the nature as they cycled away to let you contemplate what happened. loved it.
- the ending made me think of youth and how love can be so temporary. it is lived onced and then it is over and you live the rest of your life having loved and in a way always continuing to. love is often thought of as common but for the people living it it is the most extraordinary thing. it was bittersweet and i really felt it.
criticisms:
- I didn't really love the age/experience difference between the leads was often offputting. For a while i couldnt really shake the pedo vibes and it ruined some of the film. I eventually managed to overcome it a bit, but why does the movie require me to do so to enjoy it in the first place?
- some of the bratty behaviour of Elio was cringy
- the leadup to the relationship and their first moments as a couple were incredibly convincing, but once they got together the portrayal of their relationship was very brief. makes me feel like i didn't really see it except the kissing and sex and stuff and it hinders the emotional impact of the story
A beautiful, yet painful film, about love and it's many tribulations. Well-directed, with excellent cinematography, perfectly capturing a pleasantly unique vibe.
The ending broke my heart :cry:
"Nature has cunning ways of finding our weakest spot."
There is no doubt how incredibly beautiful "Call Me By Your Name" is. Putting aside your age and sexuality, the film offers more than romance. It's not sad or tragic, but a peaceful one. It's all about falling in love. What's been said by many will be repeated here, so none of this is gonna be new to you, because it's all true.
Armie Hammer, Michael Stuhlbarg, and newcomer Timothée Chalamet all deliver terrific performances. Not a weak or unconvincing actor in sight. All of them were perfectly cast in the roles and there was no shred of doubt during the emotional parts. Especially Stuhlbarg monologue towards the end is as moving as anything I have ever seen.
The way Luca Guadagnino manages to play on your emotions and present gay romances is really mesmerizing. The warm and summer spectacle of Italy makes you want to be there. With the scenery, sunny waters, and the food which look so good, all through Sayombhu Mukdeeprom brilliant cinematography. It's paradise.
Even the sexual tension never once came across pornographic. I don't mind sex or nudity in movies and people seriously just need to stop being so sensitive about it. Ever thought that making little things a huge deal only makes it a huger deal. Or your sloppy description.
The sexuality in this film is more of an emotional connection you personally experience through the characters. And you don't have to be gay to enjoy those scenes. It avoids the typical tropes you find in movies that isn't as perfectly presented as this.
This is a truly special movie that I easily got lost in.
Love the story, love the visual.
I sort of loved this, but at the same time I sort of really didn’t. I found the cinematography so beautiful and engaging. However, the movie itself is somewhat forgettable and includes a lot of pointless scenes. Call Me By Your Name was highly successful in Hollywood, including in attracting many other people, causing my opinion to be thrown into the minority. Sadly, this movie left me a bit disappointed. It is a weird feeling, sort of like I cannot make up my mind on whether I enjoyed the movie or not. It is so beautiful, and half of the movie starts of well-scripted and somewhat enjoyable, however, ends up setting itself as a very dull and kind of depressing film for me. This film ended up being way less than romantic for me. In a way, very fucking sad and disturbing. And as I said, the film started of somewhat enjoyable but that ‘somewhat’ means that I found that all that passion and intensity between Elio and Oliver started really out of fucking nowhere. They barely hung out and the film gives us no depth in any of the characters. Why did they all of a sudden become so interested in each other? In addition, I found most of the supporting characters had absolutely no use in the film. In a way they could really not even have been involved in the film and it wouldn’t really change the story as much. This disappoints me so much having had seen the actors’ chemistry in interviews—so authentic as Timothée and Armie seemed to know and connect to one another more than Elio and Oliver ever did. Furthermore, I know a few people found that the film glorified pedophilia and child-pornography but I honestly did not seem to find that at all as there was not really a huge age difference like some people exaggerated it to be. What I did find problematic was that the makers of the film seemed to exaggerate the age difference between Elio and Oliver, attempting really hard to demonstrate that Oliver was an older man. I mean, literally, Oliver looks like he could be 35-40 years old, when Elio looks like a 15 to exactly just 18. Also, the constant mix between Elio getting involved with Oliver and then what seems to be his girlfriend; the somewhat grotesque sexual behaviour with a fucking peach; the ‘call me by your name’ scene; and the depressing actions of Oliver taking off and literally just utilizing Elio as like a summer sex toy, are awkward and/or disturbing as fucking hell, but, other than that, 10/10 for the cinematography. I think that was the only enjoyable thing other than that fun and kind of hilarious dance scene and the acceptance of Elio’s sexuality from the parents. Ultimately, as I said, I have a weird opinion on this film. I love it but I don’t, so, I don’t know. I guess this is my review. Fairly a 60%.
A daring subject matter, but told in a beautiful, sensitive and understated way. Superb acting by the two leads - possibly Hammers best and bravest performance, though special mention needs to go to Chalamet who gives a richly nuanced performance, especially during that close up during the film's end credits. A richly rewarding film that, despite its slow pace, has much to offer the patient and open-minded viewer.
The last song "Mistaryof love" sums up the movie perfectly, it was so adorable and geniune. And hats-off to Timothee
Absolutely adored this film, such an amazing piece of cinema. It was worth the hype. Also, every single one of the actors delivered some fantastic scenes. I can't wait for the sequel!
The final shot is probably the most powerful scene of the year. I just can't shake that feeling. The movie was all around perfect, with superb acting and directing. Special kudos to James Ivory's screenplay which captures the essence of the novel in just the right way, with short scenes, little dialoge and a lots of images. I know is a long shot, but I hope come Oscar night, Tiomothée gets what he deserves.
Quite disappointed with the movie, some of the dialogues seem stupid, and the rhythm of the movie is so slow... Many people are saying that this movie is perfect, but what I see is a failed attempt of a homorromantic movie that lays in clichés and high class lifestyle that bores me to death. Also, the apricot scene is between awkward and disgusting. Otherwise, at least the soundtrack is very interesting.
I had one of these weird Mandela effect moments while watching it the second time, cause I was sure that in the end Oliver said he took the place of the new student and he's coming back, but that was not the case.
I rate it "I wish Armie Hammered my ass" out of ten.
The daydream that is the youth of a young man. Italy, early eighties. This is the landscape of the lost paradise shaken by a new overwhelming notion, love. Year after year the same rituals, the summer vacation at the family's house, old friends and a new one, family, music and passions, sea bathing and dancing. Everything evenly illuminated by the clear, beautiful Italian sun. Everything is the same and everything is different because you're growing up.
Considering the premises, I thought a nostalgic mood would pervade the whole movie. The risk of a sappy romantic love story is avoided thank to the excellent direction, with an accurate lucid look, never being rethorical (this neutral look is achieved by the use of a 50mm lens for every single scene BTW). Good acting and soundtrack in place (not the typical music to make you cry like in the movie La Boum for example).
The only criticism is that everybody's so perfect that it seems almost unrealistic. I guess it is a specific choice made to emphasize the loss of purity and the classic topos of the lost paradise inhabited by beautiful souls.
Excellent movie.
The first time I saw this film, I didn't get what all the fuss was about. Now I see what a perfectly beautiful film. It either touches you or it doesn't. Forget about all the moral outrage from puritans who think movies should give moral lessons.
Cute Love story.
But why did oliver have to be that old?
Why those useless scenes and jumps?
Overall nice idea but bad casted.
I like the house and the pool. Armie and Tcahmet performed well too.
Timothée Calamares, Timothée Bechamel, call me when you want.
disgusting child abuse. avoid this garbage
The dad accepting Elio as he is by giving him a heartfelt speech, convinced me to give this film an 8.
I liked the movie a lot.
Excellent photography and soundtrack.
Film with lots of philosophy in the way and the rest is romance.
2.6 points -> Cinematography (0-3)
1.6 points -> Acting and Characters (0-2)
2.4 points -> Plot (0-3)
1 points -> Music & Audio (0-1)
0.9 -> enjoyed the movie. (0-1)
Aka. 8.5 points
Trivially: The book was better
The romance itself wasn't special imho. What made me enjoy this movie are the final 15-20 minutes. How his mother, dad and "gf" react to his experience.
This whole movie, I couldn't stop thinking about Shinji and Kaworu's sub-plot from Evangelion 3.33. There is no point to this movie. It is the most boring film involving an on-screen romance I've ever seen, and I've watched all of Fifty Shades Of Grey. While Shades is bad, it has greater production design, has a form of cohesive story-line, no matter how laughable, has a memorable soundtrack, and is actually enjoyable, in an ironic sense.. Call Me by Your Name wishes it could be this important coming of age bisexual story it props to be up from it's aesthetic and Oscar-bait attire, but all we're left with in the meat are pointless everyday scenes and sub-plots that go nowhere, characters given zero depth or personality, yes, including the two leads, locations so bland and in-effective in expanding the story's world, that scenes could be taking place anywhere, and cinematography that feels very amateurish at times. I started counting the number of times the camera forgot to put the characters in-focus after someone moves to another position on-screen. The blocking and placement of the actors is televisual and bland, there is not a single shot that sticks out to me. Sitting at a table, laying in bed, bicycling, and etc. The only shot that sticks out is the final one as the credits play, but that's only because it's held on for so long.
I'm actually having trouble finding stuff to write. The two stars give it their all, desperately scrounging up an ensemble performance that appears emotionally stirring, and I applaud their efforts. But this just does nothing for me. It's so inconsequential and pointless. There are far better gay movies out there. If that's the reason you guys are all giving this movie high scores, then I'm sorry, you're missing out on movies more worth your time. Go watch Strawberry and Chocolate, a much more entertaining and fulfilling little story. I think I'm done with gay movies. I've seen a lot in the past year and they've mostly just felt the same. This genre is really limited. I'm telling you this because I wanted you to know. Call me by your name and I'll call you by mine. Okay, I'll stop quoting obvious lines. By the way, there's a scene in the movie where he fucks an apricot. Symbolism? Maybe. Hilarious? Yes.
This was more critically acclaimed then what I believed it to be. Really a knock off of Another Country.
Don't know what to say that haven't been said; beautiful cinematography, a beautiful score and great acting, especially from Timothee Chalamet. The movie still gets a lower rating due to the romanticization of child abuse and pedophilia. At least Lolita acknowledges that it's wrong, in this movie, even the parents are okay with it. It might be my fault for watching such a triggering movie, but it left me in tears and in need of several breaks due to the sexual abuse trauma. I still recommend it thought, due to the acting, and if you're not a child sexual abuse trauma survivor, seeing this movie will probably be a good experience. I would add that my partner, without my trauma experiences, also found the sexual scenes very uncomfortable due to the predatory aspect. But I don't consider this a bad thing, as Lolita and En Affære both have these, and are magnificent stories/movies. Watch at your own risk!
Gay? Nah Nah Nah. Love.
The conversation towards the end between Elio and his father was such a nice one.
The last 10-15 minutes were so good and the general vibe/feeling throughout the entire movie is also quite relaxing and nice.
Move over Brokeback mountain there's a new favorite Gay movie out there, while BBM left some things to wonder this movie doesn't. The character of Oliver is a bit weird though, he changes his mind a lot, now it could also be the time this all happened cause in 1982 gays weren't excepted as much as they are today. The only thing that is disturbing to me is Elio's age...if they would've made him 19 it would've been so much better but he is still a child and sometimes acts that way too. Certainly not the best movie for the Oscars but it's one that breaks the taboo's.
The best part of this romance, like with any real romance, is that the romance is only part of the story.
Saw this movie twice. It became instantly my favorite movie.
Phenomenal acting delivered by Timothee and Armie with their AMAZING chemistry that makes this whole movie experience sexy and appealing. You can feel the sexual tension throughout the movie... that first love kind of feel.
We see Elio and Oliver relationship developing but there is so much that it's unsaid and misunderstood for us viewers that makes us intrigued and captivated by what's happening. Also, the subtly of understanding their relationship though their actions instead of their words...
In one word: intense.
IT'S BEAUTIFUL but the end destroyed me.
Wonderful movie. Very well told story. Unfortunately Oliver does not stay with Elio but for the time being and Elio's age is very difficult for Oliver because he has a completely different life in a society that little accept this type of relationship.
Dude the best part of the movie is the acceptance of parents. How wonderful it would be if parents would react that way forever. The father's conversation with Elio ends at the end of the film and surprisingly exciting and inspiring. "I Love Call me by your name". PERFECT.
Such gem! What a beautiful movie! Incredible romance! http://bagulhossinistros.blogspot.com.br/2018/01/critica-do-filme-me-chame-pelo-seu-nome.html
Call Me by Your Name is beautifully shot with some fantastic chemistry between the two leads, being one of those movies that leaves you weak afterwards. Timothée Chalamet very much offers an award-worthy performance and Michael Stuhlbarg also deserves some recognition for the final few scenes.
I was quite apprehensive to watch this regarding the romance-plot but it’s more of a coming of age movie than I expected and that made it even more special.
Mr. Perlman: We rip out so much of ourselves to be cured of things faster than we should that we go bankrupt by the age of thirty and have less to offer each time we start with someone new. But to make yourself feel nothing so as not to feel anything - what a waste!
This is an excellent film which becomes extremely deep and meaningful towards the end. It is a universal love story that is very touching. The acting is phenomenal, especially the last shot of the close up of Timothée Chalamet, as the credits roll. I think we've all been through his emotions, which makes it all the more emotional.
I'd love to mark this film high, but I had to knock off points due to one, pointless, and cruel shot of a fish struggling to breathe. There was absolutely no need for it, and so the torture and pain the fish went through was completely in vain.
And while I appreciate that it was meant to be a slow film for artistic and storytelling purposes, there were moments when it felt a bit too slow. However this is only nitpicking.
The focusing and composition of the camera work and editing was very artistic, which worked well with the feel of the film. Most of the music was very well chosen, but not all of it. The film was so close to being a masterpiece, but never quite made it. Apparently there's gonna be a sequel. I will look forward to seeing it.
This film is unique in that it is the first movie that I can recall where there is a homosexual relationship that isn't in some way tragic. It very much reminded me of the fantastic An Education. The film was a joy to watch. I can see how some found the film to be dull - there can be a fine line between subtle and dull.
https://IHateBadMovies.com
_One of the most beautiful movies ever. I’ve watched it twice and cried both times. I felt that way once when I was younger. _
If it wasn't this long, it would have been better. The story is really nice and the actors do a great job. Some turns of events I did not expect and especially the ending is heartwarming.
Anyone who says this movie doesn't deserve an Oscar didn't get anything from it. and didn't even understood the story. read more. get to know more. and give chance to young, new and powerful acting ! that's all
Long, slow, boring, pointless, forgettable
raw emotion and pure romance, everything about this film is simply beautiful
"Call me by your name and I'll call you by mine." This quote is so beautiful and vulnerable, that as soon as i watched the first trailer i just knew that i was going to love this movie.
Beautiful in so many aspects! I'm sure i will remember Elio and Oliver, and their magnificent romance for long time!
Wow that was beautiful, I loved this so much. The ending really was bittersweet, Elio doesn't kill his heart, but Oliver does.
I remember watching this during my exam period, not completely knowing what this was about. My advice is: don’t watch this during your exam period. It’s one of the most beautiful movies I’ve seen (cinematography, story, acting), but it really made me feel like sh*t for a week at least.
I have mixed feelings about this movie. On one hand, it is beautifully shot (in an artsy, borderline pretentious kinda way), the actors did a great job and I can somewhat relate to the emotions the main character goes through. On the other hand, I’ve found it to be an absolute snooze-fest. I pushed through because it was recommended to me by a dear friend, but had it been any other situation, I probably would have dropped it half way through.
It’s a romance movie. It’s a summer love romance movie, in particular. Those are often fast and fleeting (unlike the slowness of this movie), but Elio, the main character, is a young boy and doesn’t know it yet. This is the story of him discovering that and his attraction to the same sex.
That said, I felt like the movie spent a lot of time on the landscapes and the overall background, without developing the main characters. I know “love at first sight” exists, but they seemingly fell deeply in love from just a couple interactions.
In the end, I think this movie had some potential, but squandered it. The premise of the story was interesting, I wish it was done differently. I can totally see why people like or even love this movie, but it isn’t for me.
5/10
Also, what was up with the peach scene? That’s just weird. I was a horny teenager myself, and I’ve never even thought of fucking a peach.
Boooooriiiinnnnnnnggg ,but loved the Italy scenery
so pretty! this is such an escapism movie and i love the ending
Beautiful film, story and parents.
I can see why people may have an issue with it but it doesn't come across problematic to me. Everyone was consenting here and it was a story about love.
Some incredibly poignant lines from Mr Perlman towards the end there as well. Ones I'll definitely take away from this.
Nononononononoon no I lovr this movie it owns my heart I love them but after watching it so many times, Oliver is a pedo sorry but still let’s ignore that :sweat_smile:
it did remember me... A story so close...
I watch it with some tears.
This movie is good, nothing to complain
one of the best picture showcases in a movie, northern Italy it's very aesthetic and colorful
beautiful and emotional father-son conversation, what a scene and what a movie!
Great acting, great directing. Spooky plot. How is it no one is canceling this apology for teen rape?
I’m a sucker for coming of age movies but this left a really bad aftertaste, I would even say it was borderline queerbaiting. I understand they tried to write that gay romance as two worlds clashing, but I was left with the feeling that the director wasn’t really good in portraying gay love. The lack of courage to show too much skin, the panning out of the camera to focus on a tree while they were making love. It just felt uninvested and detached. I was expecting something more unapologetic for a movie released 4 years ago but clearly that was too much. At least the Italian/European atmosphere, the multi faceted characters and the father’s speech redeems it somewhat.
"Call Me By Your Name" has all the potential to become this generation's queer hipster film. It's a great movie stylistically, but rather underwhelming in contents.
Luca Guadagnino's delicate direction really brought the setting to life. His depiction of the sultry, idyllic countryside of northern Italy in the '80s offers incredibly beautiful and lyrical shots. I grew up in the same area and around the same time and was surprised how a lot of shots could bring back feelings, smells, and tastes so vividly. Music plays a significant role here as well in expressing the characters' emotions without being overwhelming.
Too bad that I could not feel the deep connection between Elio and Oliver. It looked more like a casual summer-fling idealized by Elio's lack of experience. His parents keep talking about how rare and precious their relationship is and how they wished they had something like that. Still, there was not a single moment that made me feel that they believe as a couple or that they were sharing something deeper than mutual curiosity. Oliver is introduced as a 24-year-old student but looks almost ten years older, making it look like a whole different kind of relationship at times. The movie does its best at making it look like elevated stuff by adding hollow intellectual dialogues and sprinkling random historical references on top, but it all ends up as the hollow coming of age story of incredibly privileged people in a charming and beautiful setting.
Exceptional. The last four minutes, as the credits roll, is some of the best acting you'll ever see.
The performances are just fantastic, the warm Italian landscape is a great adding to the movie, and the story is great. But the age difference is just massive. The boy might be 17 yo, but a bunch of small scenes just makes him look younger, and I don't think is great to see such hot scenes between a very young boy and a old man, and the actors appearance just worse things up. I'd love a great love story, but this is more similar to child harassment than romance. That's, however, the only failure at the whole film. The soundtrack is marvelous.
Sometimes you have to judge a film by the aftertaste... and this one leaves a very good one.
Not often a story about gay love is sweet and heartfelt, insightful and introspective. It has funny moments, sad ones but not an overly dramatic or tragic story.
Some parts may have seemed slow, others not easy to put together, but in general the film keeps a steady pace with a calm environment and great acting work.
Of course the chemistry is undeniable, both Armie and Timothée express so much... and I don’t want to forget about the natural vibes of the family, this could also be mentioned as chemistry since the intimate parents-son moments felt so genuine. This added so much more to the film, making it more than a love story, but a self-love story
Not into love stories, but this is a good one, with no melodrama, just something that could be real. Some people could feel uncomfortable about the age difference of the characters. In my opinion, if you just can make movies about the morally correct themes...most of the best movies could be sent to trash.
He betrayed Marzia and she seemed like SUCH A SWEET GIRL. Treacherous humph. Did feel bad that Oliver went back and Elio just went back to being alone after once upon a time having sex with two people in the same day. He was quite in heat all the time and with the apple, a lot was a sex thing.(I have wanted to say that) That's okay though. There were a lot of parts in this movie that made it worth watching. Do wish Elio would have maintain more hygiene.
A smart, talented Italian boy coasts through the summer of 1983, struggling with conflicted romantic feelings, an uncertain personal identity and various social taboos. Beautifully shot, evocative of a lazy, lovestruck summer month in the gorgeous Italian countryside, it's a thoughtful, peaceful slice of bittersweet romance if not a terribly active one.
Strangely edited, we'll cut away in the middle of a conversation but linger for long stretches of scenery and minor character actions. That does effectively convey the boy's listlessness, his adolescent ennui within a magnificent family estate, but it also leads to major pacing problems. Though it runs just over two hours, I caught myself glancing at the clock after one. Our two leads, Elio (the boy) and Oliver (the intern), share the flicker of chemistry, but initially flirt with so much nuance and subtext that I thought I'd missed something when it came time for their inevitable heart-to-heart.
The climax is excellent, with a charged, open-hearted monologue from Elio's father and an unforgettable close-up during the credits, but by that point I was more than ready to check out. Long, tedious, occasionally rewarding and very, very art house.
I was so excited about watching this movie after seeing the trailer. I haven't read the novel, but am certainly planning to, especially after watching the movie.
I loved the theme of the movie and basically following the journey of a 17 year old boy discovering his sexuality through an unexpected summer romance. The few scenes where he's seen struggling with it and just in general struggling with a life phase he found himself in, and that is firsts in love and sex. I adored watching the romance between the two,although some things did annoy me.
It kind of felt to me as there was alot taken out of the movie. Many scenes felt cut short and incomplete. The relationship between the two in the movie seems to be completely developed out of no other reason then plain physical and sexual attraction. Very few things point me to relationship having emotional and psychological roots as well.
It also seems to me like the movie was circuling way to much around making it all sexy and about sex but also avoiding showing the actual scenes that would cross the certain lines and so it wouldn't be rated as an adult movie or a pornography. Almost like a mild version of Fifty Shades Of Gray.
The actors were a really good choice, but the physical apperance of Armie Hammer made me a little bit uncomfortable because it felt like I was watching a man in the beggining of his 30's getting it on with a boy who is barely through half way of high school. It was a real relief to find out the character's ages were 17 and 24. (Not that I have anything against bigger age gaps, but I am not as supportive if one side is yet to become of legal age)
Also, the casualness of Elio's parents with the whole thing felt at the same time ideal and something I would wish for everyone and also a little bit unnatural. Specially for the timeline the whole story is set in (Correct me if I'm wrong, I wasn't even in the plans in the 1980s).Although we did get to see that they already had someone in the family who was homosexual so it makes abit more sense that they had no issue with it. I love that they were so supportive, but how calm and okay they were with it all, even with Oliver later calling in and saying his engaged and basically shreading Elio's heart, was a little bit weird and unrealistic to me.
But Oliver's concerns and reactions to times like,for example, when Elio first confessed he liked him made it feel more real and really represented the way I think many people struggle with being gay and others fiding out. Especially in the last scene when he points out his father wouldn't be as supportive as Elio's and would mark him as ill. Which really felt as one of the reason why the pair couldn't have succeeded in a long run. I really feel that his engagment was just out of courtesy and not actual love and desire. Which really give it a special but sad ending.
A compilation of Brokeback Mountain and Lolita which tried to be ambitious in the ending talk. It didn't convince me much.
Theres so much about this movie that i just dont know where to start and ill probably forget a couple things worth mentioning.
At first when i heard about "Call me by your name" i thought it was just "Moonlight" with different characters and background,but man its so much beautifull. Just that final speech from the father at the end makes it worth to watch this movie and Timothée's feelings shown so well by the fireplace will put you in his shoes and if youre looking at reviews before deciding to watch it or not let me stop you right there and tell you to go watch it, just the title triggers curiosity and when this gets satisfied it just warms you inside.
The acting is far more better than just supberb, and the soundtracks... it gave me the feeling that these words in the lyrics where created just so they could build this amazing soundtrack.
One thing that made me scratch my back at first was the lack of context, it got me thinking if i missed something because i couldnt understand at first who was oliver if a friend or if that was a lodging but then next thing i know i was held captive by their relationship and how the all environment around them formed a gorgeus scenario to build a great romance.
I do not recommend watching if youre the kind of person that doesent want feelings coming at you like bullets from a minigun.
Review by DeletedBlockedParent2017-11-08T18:52:48Z
LIFF31 2017 #2
"Nature has cunning ways of finding our weakest spot."
There is no doubt how incredibly beautiful "Call Me By Your Name" is. Putting aside your age and sexuality, the film offers more than romance. It's not sad or tragic, but a peaceful one. It's all about falling in love. What's been said by many will be repeated here, so none of this is gonna be new to you, because it's all true.
Armie Hammer, Michael Stuhlbarg, and newcomer Timothée Chalamet all deliver terrific performances. Not a weak or unconvincing actor in sight. All of them were perfectly cast in the roles and there was no shred of doubt during the emotional parts. Especially Stuhlbarg monologue towards the end is as moving as anything I have ever seen.
The way Luca Guadagnino manages to play on your emotions and present gay romances is really mesmerizing. The warm and summer spectacle of Italy makes you want to be there. With the scenery, sunny waters, and the food which look so good, all through Sayombhu Mukdeeprom brilliant cinematography. It's paradise.
Even the sexual tension never once came across pornographic. I don't mind sex or nudity in movies and people seriously just need to stop being so sensitive about it. Ever thought that making little things a huge deal only makes it a huger deal. Or your sloppy description.
The sexuality in this film is more of an emotional connection you personally experience through the characters. And you don't have to be gay to enjoy those scenes. It avoids the typical tropes you find in movies that isn't as perfectly presented as this.
This is a truly special movie that I easily got lost in.