Can a film be so sensual and erotic that it arouses you, yet so sensitive and emotional that it makes you cry? Call me by your name is unabashedly sex positive, but is tender enough to let you feel the emotional depth of love. Set ‘somewhere in Italy in 1983’, the film is the story of a precocious 17 year old, Elio (Timothée Chalamet), who loves reading books and playing music. As he waits for ‘summer to end’, he meets Oliver (Armie Hammer), the yearly intern his father hosts for academic research for a period of six weeks. From adolescent urges to sexual tension, things escalate from friendship and a summer romance brews between Elio and Oliver.
“We wasted so many days”, a flustered Elio tells Oliver one night on their balcony. This feeling of looming despair sets the mood of the film. They both know Oliver has to leave after his internship and that they can’t be together, yet they can’t stop falling for each other like two magnets destined to be together. Every kiss feels like a regret, every pleasure like a pain. Summer has never been so devastatingly beautiful.
Adapted from the acclaimed André Aciman novel of the same name, Call me by your name takes you to memories of your first love- the secret glances, the feeling of jealousy, the electric in the air when you are around them, it makes you long and wish for those times. The film is also helped by the credibility in the acting performances by its cast. Timothee Chalamet, as the 17 year adolescent boy has given one of the most strikingly mature and sensitive performances in film history and deserves every honour that will come his way post the film. Armie Hammer and Michael Stuhlbarg also play their parts to perfection.
With exquisite cinematography, the film is gorgeous to look at- The golden summer with sun drenched gardens, glorious baths and luscious outdoor lunches are a treat for the eyes. The film is one of the most raw and sensual depictions of first time love- the secret fetishes, awkward first kisses, blazing sex- film touches all the right spots. The exemplary soundtrack is one for the ages- it makes the film transcend barriers and give you goose bumps. As the last frame came up with Sujan Stevens’s ‘Futile Devices’ playing in the background, there were tears in my eyes and I was transfixed at the screen. This one is a masterpiece.
Rating- 4/5
The Commentator 