Sensitive
direction by Luca Guadagnino from a screenplay adaptation by legendary
filmmaker James Ivory (A Room With a View)
highlight Call Me by Your Name, an delicate
tale of adolescent love and features a breakout performance by Timothée
Chalamet (Lady Bird).
A
Jewish family spends the summer of 1983 in Northern Italy where they welcome a grad student, Oliver (Armie Hammer has a pivotal
role), who captivates the attention of their teenaged son, Elio (Chalamet). Despite
having a girlfriend, he is confused by his desires for the seemingly aloof, yet
free spirited Oliver who is older and more mature. This dynamic plays out until
Elio’s obsession for Oliver reaches a turning point as the summer winds
down.
The
story is told from Elio’s point of view, and Chalamet, who is on screen nearly
the entire film, portrays impressionable, young love that is natural and
affecting as we feel his awkwardness, euphoria and pain. The
film requires patience on the part of its audience as it methodically builds
this special relationship (though it makes no mention of the perceived age
difference nor the coming of the AIDS epidemic), but by the end, the narrative culminates in a special heart-to-heart
moment between Elio and his father (Michael Stuhlbarg) that resonates
universally.
Thoughtfully
directed with
subtle nuances that add texture to the experience, the film is not so much plot
driven as emotion driven. The location’s
gorgeous setting adds to the sensuous backdrop that is punctuated by mood
enhancing songs. It’s a very honest (and suggestive), heartfelt depiction of
innocence and passion and about individuals trying to live their authentic
selves. There is also a memorable final
shot. A likely candidate for major Oscar nominations.
***1/2
of **** stars
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