Call Me by Your Name (2017)

Call Me by Your Name

• I’m going to go ahead and start by addressing my biggest problem with this movie, which is the age gap between Elio and Oliver. By Italian law (where the film is set), the age of consent is 14, so there was technically nothing wrong with what was going on. Living in America, I found it weird because Elio was underage. By the end of the movie, it didn’t feel as odd, but my first impression wasn’t great. Also, Armie Hammer was way too old to be playing a 24 year old, which made me a little uncomfortable. Timothee Chalamet looked and acted so young, that it felt like it was a controlling adult who was exploiting a young teen. That’s not what was happening at all, that’s just how it felt to me. That was the only flaw. Besides that, it’s a very touching, emotional, and tragic story of two men in the summer. I saw a Letterboxd review that perfectly sums this movie up: for Oliver it was just a summer fling, but for Elio, it was everything. The subject of discovering yourself makes this a beautiful coming of age film, one of the best I’ve seen. The storytelling was great and hit me deep several times. The performances are really what carry the movie and elevate the romantic feelings. Timothee Chalamet did fantastic, and you really learn to feel for him. Especially in that final scene. Armie Hammer did good, though like I said, I don’t think he was the best choice for his character. But the supporting cast was really good. The cinematography was gorgeous, and really places you right in the middle of Italy. The score was also incredibly lifting, and the presence of classical music adds to the character and overall tone. Luca Guadagnino certainly outdid himself with this one. It’s very well made and one that I’m not gonna forget anytime soon. I’d recommend it to all drama/romance fans. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!