Anyway, as soon as I had watched the trailer, I literally fell deeply and madly in love with the song 'Mystery of Love'. I quickly learned that the song had been written for the movie and so the only way I could partially listen to it was watching this trailer, repeatedly. I pretty much counted down the days until I could go see this film.
The film itself is set in Northern Italy during the summer of 1983. And it tells the tale of Elio, a 17 year-old boy who starts to explore a relationship with his father's research assistant, Oliver.
I think it's worth mentioning that up until recently I had never thought to watch a movie exploring sexuality and LGBT culture. The first movie on the subject that I really watched and thoroughly understood (despite the language barrier) was in fact 'Blue is the Warmest Colour'. And although the movies are alike in the sense that they both delve into seriously deep emotional and sexual connections with people of the same sex, I really was truly enamored by 'Call Me By Your Name' more so than the former. I don't exactly know why this is, but it's just an amazing film that perfectly captures coming-out and growing-up having been ignited by a relationship.
However, it surpasses all of that and ultimately it is just a film about first loves and the power of nature. The idea of reluctance and second-guessing yourself is demonstrated through Elio who's compelled to know more about Oliver, but at the same time hesitant to announce himself, thus building a wall based on uncertainty and self-protection.Visually, the movie is perhaps one of, if not the most beautiful films with each scene featuring glistening bronzed skin, lush foliage, rushing water and antique buildings and objects.
The film is all about fleeting periods and 'Will I or Won't I' moments. The subtle flirting and shirtless sauntering around in front of one another will have you longingly waiting for one of them to finally make the first move. Elio is afraid of throwing himself off the edge and Oliver on the other hand, is nervous knowing that this is just the onset of Elio finding his sexual identity. Oliver is played by Armie Hammer, who brilliantly captures his cocky 'hotshot' persona whilst also being able to exhibit his vulnerability, apprehension and the need for Elio to initiate something. Elio is played by Timothée Chalamet. At the beginning of the film, his introversion puts him at a disadvantage when Oliver first arrives. However, throughout the film, you see him transcend this quiet and apprehensive state. He is the epitome of the animal instinct and primal drive that dwells in humans and is often awakened by love.
Never before have I been inspirited and moved by a character so much as I was with Elio. His quiet and confused demeanor at the start of the film had me impatiently waiting for him to open up, and later on, his brazen and defiant attitude had me guffawing at some of things he was saying and doing. Every single time he did something, I reacted. I was captivated by his ability to switch in and out of three languages; English, French and Italian, and his capability with a piano and a guitar.
It's strange that a film can capture characters with such eloquence yet also keep them totally and utterly raw. Every conversation is completely receptive, yet every answer and reply is perfect and exactly what you needed to hear.
It's the most overwhelming film I've ever seen in the sense that I have no idea how my heart literally didn't burst. A film that brilliantly portrays the most sensual kind of love, with the help of a soundtrack, a cast and scene stills that are undeniably absolute perfection.
This film made me feel so much more than I could attempt to write down. I've done everything in my power to not spoil it for anyone by writing this. Please watch it if you haven't, because it will win a Golden Globe. It deserves every praise.
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