Directed by Luca Guadagnino, Call Me by Your Name is a 2017 coming-of-age romantic drama. It stars Timothee Chalamet and Armie Hammer in the lead roles. The film is about the romantic relationship between the 17-year-old Elio Perlman(Chalamet) and Oliver (Hammer), a 24-year-old student assistant to Elio’s father. The story is an enchantingly beautiful tale of first relationships. Read this article to know what engages the audience.
(Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers)
Characters
The movie relies heavily on the stunning performances of the lead actors. Chalamet delivers a naive portrayal of a young boy coming to terms with his sexuality. Hammer juxtaposes the act with Oliver’s dashing personality.
Elio – A Novice in Love
The protagonist, Elio, is a 17-year-old Jewish French Italian boy spending the summer in Italy with his parents. He is young, naive, and sensitive. Most of his days revolve around reading books and transcribing music. Additionally, he plays the piano and spends time with his friends, Chiara and Marzia.
However, Elio’s life takes a turn when Oliver arrives as the student assistant to his archaeologist father. Oliver’s charm immediately captivates him. At first, Elio remains hesitant because of their similarities. Gradually, though, he finds himself increasingly attracted to Oliver. What follows is a journey of self-discovery, sexuality, and the tribulations of first love.
Throughout the film, Chalamet portrays Elio with remarkable sensitivity. He is introverted and introspective. At the same time, a quaint naivete surrounds him. Elio remains vulnerable and constantly struggles with his desires. Moreover, there is a peculiar yearning in his eyes whenever he looks at Oliver.
Meanwhile, Elio proves to be both a jealous and delicate lover. He throws tantrums, writes letters to break the silence, and openly embraces his physical desires. He sneaks into Oliver’s room, argues with him, and eventually reconciles with him.
Ultimately, it is the final act that elevates Elio’s portrayal. By then, he regrets not having more time with Oliver. He feels frustrated, confused, and heartbroken. Most importantly, the last scene stands out as one of the film’s finest moments. As he holds the telephone and makes one final attempt to confess his love to Oliver, Chalamet delivers a deeply moving performance. In the end, he effortlessly embodies a young boy in love experiencing his first heartbreak.
Oliver – An Enchanter
Oliver is the quintessential love interest in the movie. He is breath-takingly beautiful and has a peculiar aura about him. Elio loses himself in those enchantments. However, Oliver is not as simple as he seems.
Hammer plays Oliver with a flirtatious older personality. From the onset, he is an avid admirer of life. His lust for extroverted fun is reflected through his volleyball games, carefree dancing, and flirting.
Oliver is quick with his movements. He steals glances and never makes it as obvious as Elio. Oliver tempts Elio with subtle touches, words, and metaphors, but he never comes off directly. This leaves a lingering effect on the impressionable Elio.
Somehow, Elio imprints on Oliver. Ignoring that Oliver goes days without speaking to Elio. He dances with girls in front of him and bears a nonchalant personality throughout. But he is not without feelings. Oliver and Elio gradually wrap themselves into each other’s worlds.
Oliver feels the love that Elio wants to render him. But it is no more than a summer fling to him. He tells Elio to “call me by your name, and I’ll call you by mine.” At the end, when Elio confronts him about the encounter, Oliver says that he “remembers everything“. Although Oliver might come off as someone testing the waters, his feelings did run deep.
Elio’s Parents – His Greatest Supporters
It goes without saying that Mr and Mrs Perlman are Elio’s best cheerleaders. They never judge him for who he is and let him explore his sexuality. The final comforting speech that Elio’s father gives him is a true testament to his love. Unlike stereotypical parents, they are the ones who understand the sensitive nature of the son and hence try to protect him from all heartbreaks.
Themes in Call Me by Your Name
The movie borders on the themes of heartbreak and first love. Elio and Oliver’s affair is viewed differently by both of them. Whereas for Elio it is his first venture into the rocky paths of love, for Oliver, it was nothing more than a fling. Both of them regret not achieving fulfilment, but it affects Elio more than it does Oliver.
Elio begins a journey of introspection where he negates his self-worth. Oliver, on the other hand, fixes his engagement. Yet an unspoken bond between both remains. They fail to attain the closure that they deserve. It becomes a quaint story where the young guy looks back at his first heartbreak and leaves with a ton of knowledge.
Imagery reflects the Passionate Affair in Call Me by Your Name
Water is a site of rejuvenation and rebirth. The movie spectacularly uses water imagery for key moments. Both Elio and Oliver are allergic to water, meaning they have the “same disease.” Elio understands Oliver in a way no one else does, and as soon as Oliver notices it, he dives into the water. Their first physical intimacies are always followed by dips in the water, showcasing a new life that has been brought upon them.
Finally, when Oliver has left, and Elio is heartbroken, it is winter. The water has frozen all over. No more love can be experienced in such icy, cold water. The pain pierces Elio’s soul.
Cinematography
Set during a summer in Italy, the movie fills its frames with floral prints, warm colours, the sea, late-night parties, and bright sunlight. Together, these elements reflect the sultry passion that radiates from the protagonists. In every sense, it is a summer film. Moreover, it captures the blossoming of a soul touched by the first rays of a warm season. As a result, summer becomes a metaphor for longing, desire, and the warmth of first love.
However, the ending shifts dramatically from summer to winter. In many ways, winter mirrors Elio’s love for Oliver. By then, there is nothing left for him to do except endure a freezing heart that longs for Oliver’s warmth. Consequently, Elio moves closer to the fireplace, the only source of comfort in a life that has suddenly turned cold and grey.
Thus, fresh summer love has metamorphosed into a barren winter.
Final Words on Call Me by Your Name
This movie is going to break you as soon as you watch it, and if you have already watched it, you have been left pondering over Elio’s fate. It does not offer a simple answer to the intricacies of one’s first love. It simply takes one on a nostalgic ride through it. The movie is a testament to the fact that first loves are always messy, delicate, and full of longing.
Hence, if you are looking for the perfect summer time watch, Call Me by Your Name is the perfect pick.
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