'Call Me By Your Name' film review

Timothée Chalamet as Elio and Armie Hammer as Oliver in 'Call Me By Your Name'.  Photo credit: Allstar/Sony Pictures Classics 

'Call Me By Your Name' is an exceptionally sensual film about a relationship between 24-year-old graduate and 17- year-old boy.
Summer '83 in sunny Italy. Oliver (Armie Hammer) joins Elio's (Timothée Chalamet) family for a few weeks as an intern, to help professor Perlman (Michael Stuhlbarg), and to work on his own doctorate. The Perlmans are very sophisticated intellectuals and artists, living in a dreamy Italian villa. 

At first, a charismatic guest intrigues Elio with his slight arrogance. Afterward they start to spend more time together, going for bike rides, discussing art and swimming. Shown with a charming delicacy, the relationship between them slowly blooms.
This movie isn't action-packed, there are no fights and special effects in it. It flows at its own pace. The background of the story is calm, which allows us to fully concentrate on the chemistry between main characters. The only problem they have is that the summer will eventually end. 

Despite that the plot focuses on rather common cinematic topics (summer romance, homosexuality), this movie is unusually fresh and light. And the music enhances the beauty of it. From Elio's distinguished piano playing scenes and delightful songs in the background to the sounds of nature.
The acting is definitely one of the selling points of 'Call Me By Your Name'. I love the dynamics between Chalamet and Hammer, both on and off-screen. The supporting cast is wonderful. I have got to mention Michael Stuhlbarg, who gives a truly moving performance as professor Perlman. 

Visually breathtaking, thanks to the outstanding cinematography and gorgeous location, this film features several impressive long take scenes. Some of the most beautiful ones are definitely when Elio plays the same piece of music in three different ways on the piano, the one with professor's monologue, or the fantastic final scene.
The director, Luca Guadagnino, known for making several great films, including 'I Am Love' or 'A Bigger Splash', crafted 'Call me by Your Name' to perfection. All parts of it, the script, acting, scenography, editing, music, the cinematography, created a coherent whole. So timeless and meaningful, yet so bracing.
A truly great piece of filmmaking. You do not want to miss it!



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22 comments

  1. I would love to see this, it sounds beautiful - now I just need some babysitters to come and help me out! Thank you for a grown up film recommendation, I never see those kind any more!

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    1. You're welcome! I post film reviews very often, and I only choose to write about true gems. I highly recommend you check 'Call Me By Your Name' out :)

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  2. Ooooo this sounds interesting and a beautiful watch. I am off to see my first grown up movie since I can remember on Wednesday night...I am worried I won't stay awake!!

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    1. hahah, motherhood changes a lot, doesn't it? This movie is incredible, totally worth watching x

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  3. Sounds intriguing. I wonder if they have it in Netflix? With the movie set in Italy, I bet the scenery is beautiful! :)

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    1. The scenery is magical! So dreamy. They dont't have it on Netflix yet, but I hope soon they will :) x

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  4. Oh this does sound like a beautiful film and totally something I would love to watch!

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    1. One of the best I have seen in the past few months. Everything is just perfect about it! x

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  5. Oh it sounds like the perfect film to see on my own! Not the kind of thing my family would be interested in, but it sounds like a lovely depiction.

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    1. This movie is gorgeous, beautifully made, so fresh. You will love it! x

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  6. I like how even though it explores a common cinematic theme like romance it does have a fresh point of view and visually the film looks stunning.

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    1. It is visually breathtaking. Actually, everything about this move is just perfect. It is a true gem! x

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  7. This sounds like a very interesting story. Love what I have read.

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  8. My mummy would love to watch this. He storyline sounds charming and we like anything with great cinematography x

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    1. Cinematography is one of the selling points of this movie. It is incredible! x

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  9. This sounds like a really unique film turning the common romance story on its head sounds like a good watch!

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  10. Sounds like a lovely film, I will be checking it out for sure as anything romance is my forte

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    1. It is an unusual romance film, so light and beautiful. I am sure you'll love it x

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  11. I am sure I saw that this film got rave reviews. Not seen it myself though......yet

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    1. It is an amazing movie. I highly recommend watching it x

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