Call Me by Your
Name
Yes, finally the most anticipated film of the year, by me at
least! I cannot express just how excited I was to finally see this film. While I am
someone who lives for films, you will not find me wondering around a cinema
often, I simply find myself not bothered by new releases in the mainstream
sector of cinema. However, once in a while I get a surprise and find something
that I cannot afford to miss, or perhaps the film finds me, anyhow that was the
case for Call Me by Your Name. I stumbled upon the trailer and I knew straight
away that this is a film that I would not want to miss, it was simply so fresh
and pure. The film was scoring big worldwide regardless of its small release
scale, the critics were in awe, and now I finally know why... There is just
something about Indie films that simply catches my attention, the ability to
capture raw emotions and evoke a responce within its audience, mainsteam films simply cannot comapre to such films, most likely due to the artistic freedom that Indie directors
behold, meaning that expression is in the focus. 
This masterpiece comes from an Italian director known as Luca
Guadagnino, therefore it comes as no surprise that the film was shot in the
beautiful Italian scenery. Based on a book of the same name, set in the 80s,
during a hot summer where everything is possible, an adolescent boy named Elio finds
himself wound up in something he has never been able to experience, or feel
before. Upon first glance, the film is a coming of age story about a teenager
finding himself in the adult world, while facing many obstacles along the way;
however the story of Elio and Oliver has much more to offer than a few tears
and moments of joy. The film begins innocently; Oliver arrives as a doctoral
intern for Elio’s father. From the beginning, Oliver is in the centre of everyone’s
interest, he is a tall, handsome American with luscious blond hair and a killer
smile, however just like Elio, unaware that this particular summer will likely
change him for the rest of his life. The setting of the film along with its
scenery, elegantly, yet, youthfully sets the mood of the film, summer is at its
peak and life seems to be blissful, nothing can go wrong.
Upon meeting the two main protagonists the audience are able
to sense tension between them, whether it is competition, or simply a sense of
hostility, it certainly is felt in the atmosphere. Oliver being the outgoing,
charming, yet, rather enigmatic man captures the attention of young Elio. Elio
on the other hand, is a curious boy in the making, while Oliver is the
‘finished product’ a role model some may argue, Elio is searching for
something; arguably Oliver represent something that Elio strives to become. The
dynamic of the two main protagonists highlights their differences, and also the
fact that for Elio, Oliver, seem to be an authority figure; when asked by
Oliver why Elio always seems to be putting himself down, he tells Oliver that
he does it so Oliver cannot, this again highlights that while Elio yearns to be
liked by Oliver, at the same time dreads the judgment that may come along the
way. The onscreen chemistry between Chalamet (Elio) and Hammer (Oliver) is
simply mind-blowing, and there is no doubt that these two actors gave their all
in portraying the young troubled men; perhaps the dedication and courage of the
actors made the story such a beautiful heartfelt one, as after all, this is
just a story about two people who deeply care about each other. In addition, what
is a striking feature of the film and the story is definitely Elio’s parents,
and their rather liberal approach to life and Elio’s upbringing. I must admit
that seeing a teenager in the phase of ‘becoming’ have such an open and trusty
relationship with his parents was fairly surprising and comforting to say the
least, it is not often that films explore such complex themes of growing up in
such an open and positive manner, there is no conflict between Elio and his
parents, just trust and honesty. Although there is a sense of innocence within
the narrative, the film does take on some rather intimate, and at times taboo
subjects, however what makes the film such an outstanding piece is the explorative
and curious nature that does not aim to exploit, but simply just tell a story
of two vulnerable people; a story which is relatable.
Call Me by Your Name, is not provocative, shameful or filled
with judgment; it shines in sensuality and piercing intellect. When watching
this film, the audience do not feel like voyeurs intruding, they get a chance
to feel a part of a rather bitter sweet tale. The film deals with tricky
issues, yet it manages to do it so subtlety without exploiting the characters,
or their behaviour. Guadagnino certainly takes a fresh look on the complexity
of ‘becoming’, and the complex and often ambiguous emotions related to
relationships between two people; yes, in this instance homosexual
relationships. However, Guadagnino succeeds at telling a beautifully heartbreaking
(grab some tissues because you will cry) love story, where the main focus is
not on the sexuality of the characters, but it is, in fact, on the raw
emotions, desire and simple love felt by them. While the film is very fresh
visually, and arguably very blissfully ‘simple’, it is far from being just
that. What drives the narrative is the complex and changing dynamic between the
characters, the narrative is build on many layers, and what meets the eye has
more to offer. At times, the audience take part in intimate and very personal occurrences,
however, what adds value to it, is the deep, layered and metaphorical meaning
being convey through such scenes. The characters learn about each other simultaneously
with the audience. It is simply rare to feel so close to the characters and
feel every emotion that they do, and at the same time, not feeling like an
intruder.
Due to the nature of the film, dealing with issues such as
homosexuality and age gap love, one would expect
the film to be heavy and rather melancholic, however it simply is ‘just’ a love story, nothing less or more
than that, however this does not mean that it is ‘another love story’ that the
audience could possibly go without, it means that despite the ‘deviant’ nature
of the relationship, at least during the time that it is set in, it is just
like any another love story, as the film does not aim to emphasise the problematic
nature of the relationship, but to portray the real feelings, desires and love
felt by two people; the film magnificently portrays love as simply ‘ love’,
allowing the audience to understand that one’s sexual orientation does not make
love different, one thing is for sure, love simply is universal. However, just
like any other ‘love story’ life gets in the way, and one thing you learn for
sure, kids, is that life isn’t fair, its just so FUCKING unfair! While the film
may be set in a different era, it amazes me how little progress has been made,
how we live in a time where equality is the main agenda, yet, how some have the
‘privilege’ to love one another, while others do not.
Call Me by Your Name, portrays a chapter of one’s life, the
past is the past, and the future awaits, what matters in the story is THAT
particular summer and THOSE particular two people which paths have crossed. Often,
which such films the endings seem to be ambiguous, or even bleak, however that’s
only because such films represent life and only an event, or a chapter, the
rest is untold and left in the hands of the characters. What seems to be a
reoccurring theme is the purity of the story and of the overall atmosphere of
the film, however to say that this love story is simple would be untrue, just
like every love story; the main protagonists face issues that can and cannot be
overcome. While the film is free from judgment, it certainly conveys a strong
message that reflects society. Homosexual love does not seem to be problematic
as previously mentioned, the director establishes early on that this love story
does not differ from any other, however the way that the outer society reacts
to it is still an issue; perhaps the environment where the love blossomed, is
in one way, or another, idealistic. The ‘ideal’ parental figures that Elio has,
heavily contrast how society perceives people who, in one way, or another, do
not conform to norms. The main focus is, of course, the story of Elio and Oliver;
however the narrative also explores common issues associated with ‘queer’
relations. Of course, Elio’s upbringing varies from the traditional one;
however he still struggles with denial and shame due to what he feels and
desires, while this is not the main focus of the film, it certainly adds to the
messaged being conveyed. Not only is the film intelligent, but at times, it is
also very philosophical. 
While Call Me by Your Name is very bitter sweet to say the
least, it certainly crawls deep under the skin, it does not exploit, yet, it
exposes the brutal truth of society. Light hearted at times, sweet and
innocent, yet, underneath all the art and poetry, a serious issue is raised;
there is no doubt that the film will linger on, long after the end credits
roll. One thing is for sure, the film raises many questions that will affect
the audience and subtlety, yet, directly provoke them to think. The film is an honest
portrayal of emotions, without being theatrical, dramatic, or simply sugar
coated. Call Me by Your Name, does not aim to please, but to raise awareness,
to open minds to show something so real and authentic, yet, poetic and painful.
What seems to be clear, is that the director takes on a very suggestive
approach in telling the story, through symbolisms and ambiguity; the symbolism
of nature blooming reflecting one's becoming. Overall, the film is about the
‘moment’ and the emotions associated with it; whatever emotions fills your
heart, you ought to feel it, never deny yourself of feelings, whether its joy,
or sorrow, emotions demand to be felt, as after all, they are just a part of
life.
The film is simply stunning, visually, metaphorically and
also in regards to its euphoric soundtrack; fresh, yet aesthetically eloquent.
I could not recommend this film enough, as it simply has it all. Personally, I
felt so moved and broken by the film, questioning the unfairness of life. The
director deserves a standing ovation for cleverly manipulating the screen in
order to produce something so sweet, bitter and intelligent, yet, by no means
heavy or mournful. There are lessons to be learnt, yet if you have ever been in
love, perhaps you will see that this particular love story is not any different
to what we already know. If the film teaches us one thing, it maybe just be how
important it is to love and respect one another, because we ALL deserve
to feel truly happy in life, without worrying about the judgment of others.
Anna Gaszkowska
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