Much like the film itself, the journey and ultimate transition from youth to adulthood is usually a brief moment in the span of life. Our interests are well developed, our personalities relatively set, we are educated...but, we have yet to experience true love and intimacy, and the seemingly never ending pain of its loss. We've all been there. If we try hard enough (or watch a film like this) we may have emotional memories of our own self discovery that we experienced in youth. That overwhelming, burning intensity of desire, mixed seamlessly with a reserved self-consciousness, confusion, and guilt. We all remember the rush that came from the person we liked most in this world putting even one finger on ours, for the first time. The world outside of that moment melted away like never before. Likewise, we might remember the need we felt to think about every word we said before we said it, suddenly caring so much about what this one particular person thought of us. Do they know? Do I want them to know? Do they care? Am I good enough? Most importantly, does the risk of speaking truth outweigh the pain of silence?
"Coming of age" is a label that I'm not particularly a fan of, but it is the most commonly understood label for this genre. I suppose you could call this a "coming of age" film, but, is told from a unique same sex perspective (in the 80s') and the nature of the transition is purely relationship based. Elio, the precocious 17 year old partaking in this journey, is already by most accounts...an adult. He is a highly educated musical prodigy and polyglot, belonging to an educated and privileged family, and has enjoyed all the freedoms and cultured experiences that this kind of life allows. That includes world travels and Summers at his parent's villa in Northern Italy. He is sexually active with his girlfriend, drinks, smokes, reads high brow literature, and transcribes music by ear. But, what he has not experienced, is what to him "matters most". Enter the older, handsome, and intellectual doctoral student, Oliver, to whom Elio is compelled to confess this lack of knowledge. Oliver is discovering his own buried identity, which has been carefully hidden by his overly confident exterior. You get the idea.
The power of "Call me by your name" really lies in its simplicity. For a film with a 2+ hour running time, there is relatively little happening as far as plot advancement goes. A story-line is not non-existent, so much as it is irrelevant. The film is casual and relaxed, it unfolds organically...like Summer itself, and includes all of the sun-kissed eroticism of the season. This is a movie about feelings, not action. It's about moments. This Summer. These people.This place. It is about a look or a touch. The music begins to flutter as Elio hears Oliver's voice in the distance, telling us all we need know. A lot is left unsaid. A lot is left undone. The future is ambiguous.
This is NOT a "gay movie". It is universal in its themes. Humanistic. Anyone, of any gender or orientation, is going to relate and remember their own burning passions of youth. Their first love. That feeling will perhaps run a little deeper with gay audiences, who know all too well the tragedy of such relationships. The overwhelming need for secrecy, at first, and then later the desperate longing to hold onto this new truth and physical/emotional discovery....no matter the cost. When lust transitions to love, you simply stop caring (If you're lucky). The heart wants what it wants. We can experience these feelings again, of course, maybe even stronger... but never again for the first time. That happens just once, along with all the gifts and burdens that go with it. It is just a moment in time, but has very powerful significance in shaping us. That moment is what "Call me by your name" presents so very well, with wonderful acting (Chalamet especially), directing, incredible Oscar nominated original music, and an Oscar winning screenplay set in the gorgeous Italian countryside. Elio’s father (Michael Stuhlbarg) delivers a must-see monologue in the film that (while a bit heavy handed) is an emotional powerhouse about love, aging, and acceptance. It is a masterfully crafted film. Each scene flows effortlessly into the next. I have rarely been so affected by a film, and I really prefer it over the source novel (though they compliment each other very well). It is truly an exceptional viewing experience.
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Call Me By Your Name
Amid the summer splendor of 1980’s Italy, Elio and Oliver discover the heady beauty of awakening desire that will alter their lives forever.
- Director
- Luca Guadagnino
- Starring
- Amira Casar, Armie Hammer, Timothée Chalamet
- Genres
- Drama
- Subtitles
- English [CC]
- Audio Languages
- English, English [Audio Description]
Rentals include 30 days to start watching this video and 48 hours to finish once started.
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More details
- Supporting actors
- Michael Stuhlbarg, Esther Garrel
- Producers
- James Ivory, Howard Rosenman, Peter Spears, Luca Guadagnino, Emilie Georges
- Studio
- Sony Pictures Classics
- MPAA rating
- R (Restricted)
- Purchase rights
- Stream instantly Details
- Format
- Prime Video (streaming online video)
- Devices
- Available to watch on supported devices
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4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
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Top Reviews
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Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2018
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478 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2018
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I’m mildly deaf and never used the subtitle option when I saw it twice in theaters. I remember missing out on some dialogue and used the novel as my guide to the films story. Like many I left in tears. Romantic, beautifully filmed and a talented cast. Timothée Chalamet, you should of won Best Actor at the Oscars *cough*
Being deaf, I was still able to capture the films glow. When Elio tucks his hand under his chin as he says goodbye to Oliver or just the glances of desire/fear in Elio’s mannerisms. I didn’t need sound to feel or relate to that. My silent interpretation of the film was an ethereal journey.
I later read the script to fill in the spaces and have since watched the film with subtitles. It’s my favorite film of the year and will forever hold a place in my heart. Bravo to Timothée Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg, Armie Hammer, Amira Casar and Esther Garrel.
Being deaf, I was still able to capture the films glow. When Elio tucks his hand under his chin as he says goodbye to Oliver or just the glances of desire/fear in Elio’s mannerisms. I didn’t need sound to feel or relate to that. My silent interpretation of the film was an ethereal journey.
I later read the script to fill in the spaces and have since watched the film with subtitles. It’s my favorite film of the year and will forever hold a place in my heart. Bravo to Timothée Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg, Armie Hammer, Amira Casar and Esther Garrel.
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2018
Verified Purchase
For once, I agree with all the hype being given by paid pundits about a movie. "Call Me" is definitely worthy of all the of all the laudits and award nominations it has been given, and the individual actors give outstanding performances.
But, let there be no doubt, this is very much an adult production. And I am not referring to nudity or sexual portrayals, but to the emotions it represents. Having seen "Love, Simon," just a matter of days prior, the first comparison is that "Call Me" is neither light subject matter nor is it anything but a drama - and not a happy movie at its heart.
"Call Me" is definitely a movie about romance and first love, but it is not light material nor does it contain a happy ending. As a coming-of-age plot, it's as depressingly accurate as such events are in true life. And it truly is, at its most basic level, simply a story of 2 people falling in love. The background emotions are universal and not unique to either heterosexual nor homosexual love: the same story could have been between a young man and girl as it was the young man and boy, literally without changing any of the story.
And I must acknowledge my admiration, or outright confusion, regarding the actors. Their portrayals of the 2 principals are flawless, to the point that it is difficult to remember that both are heterosexual males. The onscreen chemistry is so unforced and the emotional bonding so realistic as to be contradictory to the current American mindset of males in that age bracket. It is truly a superb example of actors becoming their characters.
Would I recommend purchasing this movie? Definitely. "Call Me" needs, and deserves, to be watched over again, to be returned to for yet another viewing after being thought over and digested. There is much here to be experienced and thought over as the viewer ages and matures.
But, let there be no doubt, this is very much an adult production. And I am not referring to nudity or sexual portrayals, but to the emotions it represents. Having seen "Love, Simon," just a matter of days prior, the first comparison is that "Call Me" is neither light subject matter nor is it anything but a drama - and not a happy movie at its heart.
"Call Me" is definitely a movie about romance and first love, but it is not light material nor does it contain a happy ending. As a coming-of-age plot, it's as depressingly accurate as such events are in true life. And it truly is, at its most basic level, simply a story of 2 people falling in love. The background emotions are universal and not unique to either heterosexual nor homosexual love: the same story could have been between a young man and girl as it was the young man and boy, literally without changing any of the story.
And I must acknowledge my admiration, or outright confusion, regarding the actors. Their portrayals of the 2 principals are flawless, to the point that it is difficult to remember that both are heterosexual males. The onscreen chemistry is so unforced and the emotional bonding so realistic as to be contradictory to the current American mindset of males in that age bracket. It is truly a superb example of actors becoming their characters.
Would I recommend purchasing this movie? Definitely. "Call Me" needs, and deserves, to be watched over again, to be returned to for yet another viewing after being thought over and digested. There is much here to be experienced and thought over as the viewer ages and matures.
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2018
Verified Purchase
I did not think it possible to make a film of this novel, and I certainly did not think it possible to make a good film of it, but this is one of the best I have seen in a very long time.
Yes, it is a film about first love and coming of age. Yes, it is a gay relationship. Yes, the characters are 17 and 24. But this is not a “sex film” as some think. Instead, this is a film influenced by Proust ( the author of the novel is an expert on the French author) and deals with the themes of time and memory.
No action. No explosions. No great tragedy, just the awakening of longing and desire, and the passing of time.
Yes, it is a film about first love and coming of age. Yes, it is a gay relationship. Yes, the characters are 17 and 24. But this is not a “sex film” as some think. Instead, this is a film influenced by Proust ( the author of the novel is an expert on the French author) and deals with the themes of time and memory.
No action. No explosions. No great tragedy, just the awakening of longing and desire, and the passing of time.
Top international reviews
Angelika Kershally
5.0 out of 5 stars
Noch nach Wochen geht einem dieser Film nicht aus dem Kopf
Reviewed in Germany on September 23, 2018Verified Purchase
"Call me by your name" ist eines dieser Filmhighlights, die so unfassbar fantastisch sind, weil man sie nicht erwartet. In Zeiten, wo man Filme weniger im Kino als eher bei den großen Streaming Anbietern schaut, sind die ganz großen Kino Ereignisse wie Titanic oder die überwältigenden Blockbuster selten geworden. Das alles wollte CMBYN nie sein und ist deswegen um so überwältigender.
Ich hab mir den Film angesehen, weil ich beim Stöbern im Internet darauf stieß, dass er für mehrere Oscars nominiert war (und im März 2018 einen bekommen hat) und weil Armie Hammer mitspielt. Ich mochte schon seine Rolle in J.Edgar sehr. Der ganz große Erfolg blieb ihm aber bisher verwehrt.
Was folgte, war einer der schönsten, tiefgründigsten Liebesfilme, die ich je gesehen habe, ein Film, der einen völlig aufgewühlt zurückläßt, der einen sofort auf Youtube alle noch so verfügbaren Videos über die beiden Protagonisten und ebenso die Schauspieler anschauen läßt und mehr und mehr und mehr zu sehen. Und mir wurde klar, der Film ist längst Kult.
Der Film spielt in Norditalien, an Orten wie Bergamo und dem Gardasee, hauptsächlich aber im verträumten Dorf Crema, wo der 17jährige Elio (Timothee Chalamet), ein amerikanischer Junge mit seinen weltgewandten Eltern in einer Villa den Sommer verbringt. Jedes Jahr lädt der Vater, ein Archäologieprofessor, einen Studenten für den Sommer ein, der ihm bei seiner Arbeit hilft. Die Wahl fällt in diesem Jahr auf den 24jährigen Oliver (Armie Hammer).
Als Elio, der selbst unglaublich gebildet ist, sich aber auch am Scheideweg vom Jugendlichen zum Mann befindet, Oliver sieht, entbrennt in ihm ein Feuer. Er ist verliebt, besessen, wie eine überreife Frucht kann er sich nur schwerlich zurückhalten.
Oliver hingegen sieht aus wie eine griechische Statue, wunderschön, eloquent, fast ein bisschen arrogant.
Doch das alles ist nur Fassade. Sie werden Freunde, entdecken gemeinsam den Ort, reden über Bücher und Musik. Viele kleine Gesten haben von der ersten Sekunde an Bedeutung, doch traut sich keiner den ersten Schritt zu machen, bis die Mutter von Elio mit einem Zitat aus einem Buch den Anstoß gibt.
Es dauert eine Stunde im Film, bis sich Oliver und Elio einander annähern. Regisseur Luca Guardagnino hat sich Zeit genommen, um die Beziehung entstehen zu lassen. Das ist das eigentliche Meisterwerk. Die Kameraführung ist so dicht, dass man glaubt dabei zu sein, die Musik erinnert einen an vergangene Tage, die Atmosphäre, als wäre man selbst in Italien, man hört die Nebengeräusche der Zirpen oder das Schlucken, wenn Oliver den Aprikosensaft herunterstürzt. Eine Szene, bei der nicht nur Elio fasziniert zuschaut.
Es gäbe so vieles zu sagen, doch ich will nicht zu viel spoilern. Die Szenen zwischen Elio und Oliver sind so unfassbar schön, man ist hin und hergerissen zwischen: "Ich mag gar nicht mehr wegsehen" und "ich hab das Gefühl bei etwas so intimen zuzuschauen, das ich eigentlich nicht hinsehen dürfte". Dabei ist der Sex zurückhaltend inszeniert, denn darum geht es hier weniger. Es geht mehr um die unfassbar innigen Gefühle, die die beiden Hauptdarsteller so echt auf die Leinwand produziert haben, als hätten sie das alles wirklich gefühlt. Und das war laut Hammer und Chalamet wohl auch so. Der Regisseur hat den beiden Wochen vor dem Drehbeginn in Crema die Zeit gelassen (fast :) ) all das zu tun, was im Film wirklich passiert ist, den Ort zu entdecken, sich anzufreunden, damit sie sich wohlfühlen.
Es gab nur eine einzige Probe (für die Szene des 1. Kusses). Wie diese Probe ablief, ist sehr lustig auf YT anzuhören.
Armie Hammer und der unglaubliche Timothee Chalamet sind bis heute Freunde und man merkt, dass sie dieser Film und die Erfahrungen nicht loslassen.
Meine Lieblingsszenen: die Szene auf der Piazza, dann Monets Malplatz, die unvergessliche Pfirsichszene, Elios Verzweiflung in Olivers Armen, die einem fast das Herz bricht, die Szene auf dem Baum und natürlich am Ende das Gespräch zwischen Elio und seinem Vater. Wer hätte nicht gerne so einen Vater gehabt. Die Kaminszene nicht zu vergessen.
CMBYN hab ich nicht als klassischen Gay movie empfunden, auch wenn sich zwei Männer ineinander verlieben. Wenn schon in dieser Kategorie, dann ist er sicher tausend mal schöner als Brokeback Mountain. Schöner, weil er nicht problembeladen ist, weil es völlig egal ist, ob sich hier ein Mann und eine Frau, zwei Männer oder zwei Frauen verlieben. Luca Guardagnino hat es geschafft, einen Film über die reinste Form der Liebe zu drehen. Natürlich: er spielt in den 80ern. Besonders Oliver merkt man an, dass er Angst vor der Beziehung hat, weil seine Eltern nicht so tolerant sind wie die von Elio. Seine nach außen getragene Fassade bröckelt jedoch immer mehr, seine überwältigenden Gefühle machen ihn und gleichzeitig den Zuschauer verletzlich. Diese Gefahr, sich selbst so verletzlich zu zeigen, ist Armie Hammer eingegangen. Gut dass er es getan hat. Dieser Mann kann soviel mehr, als man in früheren Filmen gesehen hat. Timothee Chalamet ist sowieso ein Rohdiamant.
Die Fortsetzung ist inzwischen bestätigt und wird wohl in Amerika spielen. Etwa 1990. Wer auf Probleme wartet, dann dürften sie wohl kommen. Ich hoffe, die Fortsetzung behält trotzdem die unglaubliche Atmosphäre des 1. Teils bei.
Das Buch, das rein aus Elios Perspektive geschrieben ist, hab ich mir direkt danach bestellt. Es ist ein Juwel. James Ivory, der das Drehbuch für CMBYN geschrieben hat, hat zurecht den Oscar für das beste adaptierte Drehbuch bekommen. Noch nie hab ich einen Film gesehen, der so nah am Buch war. Dennoch hat der Regisseur Luca Guardagnino natürlich einige Szenen aus dem Buch weggelassen, was dem Film aber gutgetan hat. Selten hat jemand so ein unglaubliches Gefühl bewiesen im Umgang mit allem, was so ein Werk ausmacht.
Ein Film, der mich so tief berührt hat, dass ich ihn wohl nie vergessen werde. 10 Sterne, wenn es möglich wäre.
Ich hab mir den Film angesehen, weil ich beim Stöbern im Internet darauf stieß, dass er für mehrere Oscars nominiert war (und im März 2018 einen bekommen hat) und weil Armie Hammer mitspielt. Ich mochte schon seine Rolle in J.Edgar sehr. Der ganz große Erfolg blieb ihm aber bisher verwehrt.
Was folgte, war einer der schönsten, tiefgründigsten Liebesfilme, die ich je gesehen habe, ein Film, der einen völlig aufgewühlt zurückläßt, der einen sofort auf Youtube alle noch so verfügbaren Videos über die beiden Protagonisten und ebenso die Schauspieler anschauen läßt und mehr und mehr und mehr zu sehen. Und mir wurde klar, der Film ist längst Kult.
Der Film spielt in Norditalien, an Orten wie Bergamo und dem Gardasee, hauptsächlich aber im verträumten Dorf Crema, wo der 17jährige Elio (Timothee Chalamet), ein amerikanischer Junge mit seinen weltgewandten Eltern in einer Villa den Sommer verbringt. Jedes Jahr lädt der Vater, ein Archäologieprofessor, einen Studenten für den Sommer ein, der ihm bei seiner Arbeit hilft. Die Wahl fällt in diesem Jahr auf den 24jährigen Oliver (Armie Hammer).
Als Elio, der selbst unglaublich gebildet ist, sich aber auch am Scheideweg vom Jugendlichen zum Mann befindet, Oliver sieht, entbrennt in ihm ein Feuer. Er ist verliebt, besessen, wie eine überreife Frucht kann er sich nur schwerlich zurückhalten.
Oliver hingegen sieht aus wie eine griechische Statue, wunderschön, eloquent, fast ein bisschen arrogant.
Doch das alles ist nur Fassade. Sie werden Freunde, entdecken gemeinsam den Ort, reden über Bücher und Musik. Viele kleine Gesten haben von der ersten Sekunde an Bedeutung, doch traut sich keiner den ersten Schritt zu machen, bis die Mutter von Elio mit einem Zitat aus einem Buch den Anstoß gibt.
Es dauert eine Stunde im Film, bis sich Oliver und Elio einander annähern. Regisseur Luca Guardagnino hat sich Zeit genommen, um die Beziehung entstehen zu lassen. Das ist das eigentliche Meisterwerk. Die Kameraführung ist so dicht, dass man glaubt dabei zu sein, die Musik erinnert einen an vergangene Tage, die Atmosphäre, als wäre man selbst in Italien, man hört die Nebengeräusche der Zirpen oder das Schlucken, wenn Oliver den Aprikosensaft herunterstürzt. Eine Szene, bei der nicht nur Elio fasziniert zuschaut.
Es gäbe so vieles zu sagen, doch ich will nicht zu viel spoilern. Die Szenen zwischen Elio und Oliver sind so unfassbar schön, man ist hin und hergerissen zwischen: "Ich mag gar nicht mehr wegsehen" und "ich hab das Gefühl bei etwas so intimen zuzuschauen, das ich eigentlich nicht hinsehen dürfte". Dabei ist der Sex zurückhaltend inszeniert, denn darum geht es hier weniger. Es geht mehr um die unfassbar innigen Gefühle, die die beiden Hauptdarsteller so echt auf die Leinwand produziert haben, als hätten sie das alles wirklich gefühlt. Und das war laut Hammer und Chalamet wohl auch so. Der Regisseur hat den beiden Wochen vor dem Drehbeginn in Crema die Zeit gelassen (fast :) ) all das zu tun, was im Film wirklich passiert ist, den Ort zu entdecken, sich anzufreunden, damit sie sich wohlfühlen.
Es gab nur eine einzige Probe (für die Szene des 1. Kusses). Wie diese Probe ablief, ist sehr lustig auf YT anzuhören.
Armie Hammer und der unglaubliche Timothee Chalamet sind bis heute Freunde und man merkt, dass sie dieser Film und die Erfahrungen nicht loslassen.
Meine Lieblingsszenen: die Szene auf der Piazza, dann Monets Malplatz, die unvergessliche Pfirsichszene, Elios Verzweiflung in Olivers Armen, die einem fast das Herz bricht, die Szene auf dem Baum und natürlich am Ende das Gespräch zwischen Elio und seinem Vater. Wer hätte nicht gerne so einen Vater gehabt. Die Kaminszene nicht zu vergessen.
CMBYN hab ich nicht als klassischen Gay movie empfunden, auch wenn sich zwei Männer ineinander verlieben. Wenn schon in dieser Kategorie, dann ist er sicher tausend mal schöner als Brokeback Mountain. Schöner, weil er nicht problembeladen ist, weil es völlig egal ist, ob sich hier ein Mann und eine Frau, zwei Männer oder zwei Frauen verlieben. Luca Guardagnino hat es geschafft, einen Film über die reinste Form der Liebe zu drehen. Natürlich: er spielt in den 80ern. Besonders Oliver merkt man an, dass er Angst vor der Beziehung hat, weil seine Eltern nicht so tolerant sind wie die von Elio. Seine nach außen getragene Fassade bröckelt jedoch immer mehr, seine überwältigenden Gefühle machen ihn und gleichzeitig den Zuschauer verletzlich. Diese Gefahr, sich selbst so verletzlich zu zeigen, ist Armie Hammer eingegangen. Gut dass er es getan hat. Dieser Mann kann soviel mehr, als man in früheren Filmen gesehen hat. Timothee Chalamet ist sowieso ein Rohdiamant.
Die Fortsetzung ist inzwischen bestätigt und wird wohl in Amerika spielen. Etwa 1990. Wer auf Probleme wartet, dann dürften sie wohl kommen. Ich hoffe, die Fortsetzung behält trotzdem die unglaubliche Atmosphäre des 1. Teils bei.
Das Buch, das rein aus Elios Perspektive geschrieben ist, hab ich mir direkt danach bestellt. Es ist ein Juwel. James Ivory, der das Drehbuch für CMBYN geschrieben hat, hat zurecht den Oscar für das beste adaptierte Drehbuch bekommen. Noch nie hab ich einen Film gesehen, der so nah am Buch war. Dennoch hat der Regisseur Luca Guardagnino natürlich einige Szenen aus dem Buch weggelassen, was dem Film aber gutgetan hat. Selten hat jemand so ein unglaubliches Gefühl bewiesen im Umgang mit allem, was so ein Werk ausmacht.
Ein Film, der mich so tief berührt hat, dass ich ihn wohl nie vergessen werde. 10 Sterne, wenn es möglich wäre.
163 people found this helpful
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D.J
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not your classic movie
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 28, 2018Verified Purchase
After reading the 1-2 star reviews I just felt I needed to add my opinion into this. And I will keep it as simple as I can write it without over/under selling it.
1. This is an extremely slow movie. This is because it doesn’t follow the classic movie rules where they meat, fall in love, have a fight, make up and a happy ending.
We are following these characters spending a summer together and that’s it. We watch them in scenes that maybe doesn’t have a point but that is just because we are an audience watching them.
2. A few of the low rated comments mentioned that the acting was bad. This is the best and most realistic performance I have ever seen since Kate and Leo on the Titanic. Both main characters are incredible and if you watch it a second/third/a million times you will notice the most subtle things that make this movie unbelievable!
3) Even though it might be a “gay” movie everyone can relate to having a first love. And I promise that during the end it will break your heart. No matter your orientation.
Watch the movie, be aware that it is slow and fall in love with it as much as I have. Watch it, read the book and watch it again. It will all make sense.
1. This is an extremely slow movie. This is because it doesn’t follow the classic movie rules where they meat, fall in love, have a fight, make up and a happy ending.
We are following these characters spending a summer together and that’s it. We watch them in scenes that maybe doesn’t have a point but that is just because we are an audience watching them.
2. A few of the low rated comments mentioned that the acting was bad. This is the best and most realistic performance I have ever seen since Kate and Leo on the Titanic. Both main characters are incredible and if you watch it a second/third/a million times you will notice the most subtle things that make this movie unbelievable!
3) Even though it might be a “gay” movie everyone can relate to having a first love. And I promise that during the end it will break your heart. No matter your orientation.
Watch the movie, be aware that it is slow and fall in love with it as much as I have. Watch it, read the book and watch it again. It will all make sense.
61 people found this helpful
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Christophe
5.0 out of 5 stars
PANGS AND PAINS OF FIRST LOVE - SPOT ON!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 28, 2018Verified Purchase
For a change the actors were not in the pretty boy/fantastic body mould, thank goodness. The skinny undeveloped body of Elio and the bigger built older Oliver perfectly contrasted and made the proceedings more realistic, they looked and acted like real people. The gentle speed of the picture, the use of a single lens camera and the fact it was shot more or less in sequence allowed the intimacy between all the characters to grow. Several things make this film quirky and at the same time memorable. The kissing is totally erotic, the sex is amazing because you don't see it, a few naked limbs and a strong imagination. Finally the peach scene, and yes we all remember that, the juice running down his naked flesh and the final act, and I'm sure I wasn't the only one to buy a peach and try it out all the way! As in real live the conversation lurches, there is silence. The atmosphere comes and goes, the tensions felt portrayed felt by the viewer. I did see it on the big screen, well bigger screen and was impressed so I got the DVD and watched at home where it is even more impressive and intimate an experience. There was so much in this film that reminded me of my early sexual gropings and attempts to come to terms with love.
This was not two pretty boys who spent time in the gym working before working it out in the hay fields movie (nice as they might be) but a true coming of age/realization film full of brilliant moments, most of it will remain somewhere in my brain always, from the peach sequence (and who hasn't gone right out and tried that) to the fathers last words. Brilliant
This was not two pretty boys who spent time in the gym working before working it out in the hay fields movie (nice as they might be) but a true coming of age/realization film full of brilliant moments, most of it will remain somewhere in my brain always, from the peach sequence (and who hasn't gone right out and tried that) to the fathers last words. Brilliant
20 people found this helpful
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Cineman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautifully made, slightly bittersweet, gay romance.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 26, 2018Verified Purchase
I'd never heard of this film and bought it on impulse. I'm so glad that I did. Beautifully scripted, photographed and acted, a gay love story that's romantic and a little sad too. No steamy, full frontal sex scenes,it's just a nice story about a summer of love between two young men, one a little older than the other and the relationship that develops as the older boy joins the family in Italy to work with the father cataloguing archeological finds. Though the passion between the two boys inevitably intensifies we know that this can only end in a parting and the finale, though sad, is one of the most skillfully handled parts of the story, especially the last scene between father and son.
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Mark DEVINE
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best film of all time.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 11, 2018Verified Purchase
There comes a time when look back and decide what great films have been made. 'Call Me By Your Name' is everything in a masterful, majestic, beautiful, heartbreaking film with humorous dialogue from Elio. Bravo James Ivory on your BAFTA/Oscar win.
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Philip Cutler
3.0 out of 5 stars
CALL ME WHATEVER YOU WANT TO.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 30, 2018Verified Purchase
Ok, so positives and this is why I rated this with 3 stars. The cinematography is beautiful. It captures that small town feeling really well. It could be in any of these countries: France, Spain, Italy Greece. If you've ever been to any of those countries and driven into the countryside you'll find a town like this. Dusty roads, the town square, a bank, a bar, people sitting outside watching the world go by, wooden shutters on the pastel coloured buildings and a church. You can almost smell orange and peach blossom in the air. It's just beautiful and this film evokes lovely memories for me.
SPOILER ALERTS SPOILER ALERTS
So, the story: handsome, athletic, popular, charming, sexy guy arrives at a large house in the countryside ostensibly to finish his own thesis, but also help the incumbent professor with research. The family are all intelligent, artistic and talented in different ways. The son is a clever teenage boy whose knowledge all comes from reading and not from life experiences and so, as he says later in the film "he knows nothing" . He is unsure of his emotional feelings, is very immature, some would say precocious and doesn't know where his sexual orientation lies. These are pretty common experiences for an adolescent as far as I remember, although that was a very, very long time ago!!. He is obviously attracted to the American visitor, but then so is everyone else, quite understandably!
Before continuing with the story, why do they converse with each other in different languages? French. german, italian? The boy even speaks french on and off with his female italian friend. Why exactly? I found it very tedious.
My view of the relationship between the two varies considerably from other viewers. For me, the 20+ American seems to be 'grooming' the boy...drawing him in and pushing him away, but each time drawing him closer. The boy is very unsure about his sexuality and embarks on a sexual relationship with a female friend...to check things out. Oliver, the American, eventually has sex with Elio after a fumbled attempt by Elio whilst they are out cycling together (he grabs Oliver's crotch). Is it love? Well, in my opinion it wasn't, but obviously that's just my opinion.
When Oliver has to return to the US at the end of the summer, the two head off together to spend some time alone with each other. One night Elio get very drunk and sick, meanwhile Oliver is dancing with a lady who happens to be listening to a song which Oliver knows. The two part at the railway station with the usual "I'll never forget you" speech and Elio returns home saddened by the loss of the man who gave him his first homosexual encounter.
Forward to winter. The family have returned to their country residence. Oliver phones and speaks to Elio's parents first. He is then handed over to Elio and in the space of no time at all, announces that he is getting engaged in the spring! So, the love he had for Elio was so real that 4 months later he tell him he is about to marry. Well that's love for you!
For the final scene, which in my view, is the best piece of acting in the film, Elio stares into the fire and says nothing, but his face speaks volumes.
The acting is okay, although I found some of it wooden at times. There are moments of super acting and others where they just seem to be walking through the words.
After watching the film I had to read the book just to see what I had missed. In the book it appeared to me that Elio was 'stalking' Oliver. He is especially jealous when Oliver disappears regularly at night time. For Elio, this can only mean one thing. Oliver is having sexual encounters with pretty much everyone and anyone. At one point he even imagines him having sex with their handyman.
I couldn't find any reference to the finding of an Hellenic bronze in the book. Perhaps I missed it? Why put in a scene which doesn't exist in the book, yet leave out so many important scenes which do?
The latter part of the book is very different from the film. The pair head off to Rome. They have been treated to a beautiful room in a posh hotel, courtesy of Elio's father. Quite different from the pensione in the film. Here Elio has a 'road to Damascus' experience. The beauty of Rome, the friendship of Oliver's fiends, the acceptance of their relationship, the freedom to be free. Yes, Elio, does get very drunk and yes he is sick. However, the scene where Oliver dances with a stranger? It doesn't happen. Why was that added when so much of importance was left out? Obviously to make a film based entirely on the book would made it far too long, I appreciate that. However, I felt that some parts were added/removed/altered quite unnecessarily.
For me, "God's Own Country" was a far, far superior film. The cinematography in that was just as good as in CMBYN. Totally different of course, but it captured the feel of winter in the wilds of Yorkshire perfectly for me. The acting was much better as was the storyline. If you haven't watched tat film I highly recommend you buy/rent/watch it.
SPOILER ALERTS SPOILER ALERTS
So, the story: handsome, athletic, popular, charming, sexy guy arrives at a large house in the countryside ostensibly to finish his own thesis, but also help the incumbent professor with research. The family are all intelligent, artistic and talented in different ways. The son is a clever teenage boy whose knowledge all comes from reading and not from life experiences and so, as he says later in the film "he knows nothing" . He is unsure of his emotional feelings, is very immature, some would say precocious and doesn't know where his sexual orientation lies. These are pretty common experiences for an adolescent as far as I remember, although that was a very, very long time ago!!. He is obviously attracted to the American visitor, but then so is everyone else, quite understandably!
Before continuing with the story, why do they converse with each other in different languages? French. german, italian? The boy even speaks french on and off with his female italian friend. Why exactly? I found it very tedious.
My view of the relationship between the two varies considerably from other viewers. For me, the 20+ American seems to be 'grooming' the boy...drawing him in and pushing him away, but each time drawing him closer. The boy is very unsure about his sexuality and embarks on a sexual relationship with a female friend...to check things out. Oliver, the American, eventually has sex with Elio after a fumbled attempt by Elio whilst they are out cycling together (he grabs Oliver's crotch). Is it love? Well, in my opinion it wasn't, but obviously that's just my opinion.
When Oliver has to return to the US at the end of the summer, the two head off together to spend some time alone with each other. One night Elio get very drunk and sick, meanwhile Oliver is dancing with a lady who happens to be listening to a song which Oliver knows. The two part at the railway station with the usual "I'll never forget you" speech and Elio returns home saddened by the loss of the man who gave him his first homosexual encounter.
Forward to winter. The family have returned to their country residence. Oliver phones and speaks to Elio's parents first. He is then handed over to Elio and in the space of no time at all, announces that he is getting engaged in the spring! So, the love he had for Elio was so real that 4 months later he tell him he is about to marry. Well that's love for you!
For the final scene, which in my view, is the best piece of acting in the film, Elio stares into the fire and says nothing, but his face speaks volumes.
The acting is okay, although I found some of it wooden at times. There are moments of super acting and others where they just seem to be walking through the words.
After watching the film I had to read the book just to see what I had missed. In the book it appeared to me that Elio was 'stalking' Oliver. He is especially jealous when Oliver disappears regularly at night time. For Elio, this can only mean one thing. Oliver is having sexual encounters with pretty much everyone and anyone. At one point he even imagines him having sex with their handyman.
I couldn't find any reference to the finding of an Hellenic bronze in the book. Perhaps I missed it? Why put in a scene which doesn't exist in the book, yet leave out so many important scenes which do?
The latter part of the book is very different from the film. The pair head off to Rome. They have been treated to a beautiful room in a posh hotel, courtesy of Elio's father. Quite different from the pensione in the film. Here Elio has a 'road to Damascus' experience. The beauty of Rome, the friendship of Oliver's fiends, the acceptance of their relationship, the freedom to be free. Yes, Elio, does get very drunk and yes he is sick. However, the scene where Oliver dances with a stranger? It doesn't happen. Why was that added when so much of importance was left out? Obviously to make a film based entirely on the book would made it far too long, I appreciate that. However, I felt that some parts were added/removed/altered quite unnecessarily.
For me, "God's Own Country" was a far, far superior film. The cinematography in that was just as good as in CMBYN. Totally different of course, but it captured the feel of winter in the wilds of Yorkshire perfectly for me. The acting was much better as was the storyline. If you haven't watched tat film I highly recommend you buy/rent/watch it.
2 people found this helpful
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Jay McMaster
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfectly told story.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 18, 2019Verified Purchase
A true insight into the highs and lows of relationships in general.
The elation, love, excitement, angst, hurt and reflection all portrayed superbly by Timothée Chalamet (Best Actor nominee from BAFTA; Academy Awards; Golden Globes; SAG and others and Armie Hammer (Golden Globe nominee for Best Supporting Actor).
André Aciman’a original novel has been beautifully adapted to screenplay by James Ivory who won the BAFTA and Academy Award for his efforts as well as several other awards.
An 80s nostalgic injection for those of us that are old enough to remember.
A beautiful story of first love and summer romance with a stunning Italian backdrop.
A must see for anyone who loves love and all that it brings. Not just an LGBTQ+ film. It’s so much more than that and it is universal.
The elation, love, excitement, angst, hurt and reflection all portrayed superbly by Timothée Chalamet (Best Actor nominee from BAFTA; Academy Awards; Golden Globes; SAG and others and Armie Hammer (Golden Globe nominee for Best Supporting Actor).
André Aciman’a original novel has been beautifully adapted to screenplay by James Ivory who won the BAFTA and Academy Award for his efforts as well as several other awards.
An 80s nostalgic injection for those of us that are old enough to remember.
A beautiful story of first love and summer romance with a stunning Italian backdrop.
A must see for anyone who loves love and all that it brings. Not just an LGBTQ+ film. It’s so much more than that and it is universal.
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G P Osgood
5.0 out of 5 stars
A beautiful film that's turned me upside down
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 15, 2018Verified Purchase
I settled down to watch this film with my partner 2 weeks ago and was completely captivated. I've seen it 3 more times and have discovered something new with each viewing. The acting of Armie Hammer and Timothee Chalamet will break your heart, and I would put in a word for Michael Stuhlbarg's performance as Professor Perlman; I found myself nodding at every word of his wise and tender "sermon" towards the end of the film. This is a film that has touched me very deeply and I fully intend to enjoy every moment of my obsession with it. And if they do decide to make a sequel - which seems to be a strong possibility, if Armie Hammer's recent comments are anything to go by - well, that would be just peachy!!
4 people found this helpful
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Sandra F.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ein gelungener Film
Reviewed in Germany on July 6, 2018Verified Purchase
Zu allererst, ich habe mir es erspart, das Buch vorher zu lesen. Denn sogar das Buch wurde über den Klee gelobt, sodass ich, aus Erfahrungen gelernt, beim Anschauen des Films nur hätte enttäuscht werden können.
Und genau das, ENTTÄUSCHT, wurde ich bei dem Film nicht. Nein.
Er ist sehr schön, romantisch, emotional erzählt. Die Story an sich ist im Grunde nichts Neuses, wenn man mal so manche französische Filme zB. sieht.
Sommerromanze, erste große Liebe.....
Aber genau das ist es hier nicht nur. Hier wird man beim Anschauen dazu gezwungen zu träumen. Es kribbelt, bei den einschlägigen Szenen, es kribbelt aber auch einfach nur bei einem Blick.
Die beiden Schauspieler haben diese Romanze sehr eindrucksvoll rüber bringen können. Wenngleich der Schauspieler des Oliver vielleicht für einen 24 jährigen ein wenig zu reif aussah.
Alles in allem ein wunderbarer Film, den man sich gerne häufiger ansieht.
Und genau das, ENTTÄUSCHT, wurde ich bei dem Film nicht. Nein.
Er ist sehr schön, romantisch, emotional erzählt. Die Story an sich ist im Grunde nichts Neuses, wenn man mal so manche französische Filme zB. sieht.
Sommerromanze, erste große Liebe.....
Aber genau das ist es hier nicht nur. Hier wird man beim Anschauen dazu gezwungen zu träumen. Es kribbelt, bei den einschlägigen Szenen, es kribbelt aber auch einfach nur bei einem Blick.
Die beiden Schauspieler haben diese Romanze sehr eindrucksvoll rüber bringen können. Wenngleich der Schauspieler des Oliver vielleicht für einen 24 jährigen ein wenig zu reif aussah.
Alles in allem ein wunderbarer Film, den man sich gerne häufiger ansieht.
21 people found this helpful
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Derek Williams
4.0 out of 5 stars
More visual in appeal than in script
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 7, 2019Verified Purchase
Stunning visually, but lacking a powerful script, and responsibility for that must surely go to the director. Dialogue mostly one liners, with only one decent speech, given by the dad. This makes it hard to engage and empathise with the characters who are given so little to say, with one-dimensional interaction between them, and so it's hard to believe Elio's sudden transition from disdain for Oliver, to being head over heels for him. Chalamet as Elio does a convincing job with the little that has been given to him to say, especially towards the end, when Oliver marries a woman. All the actors are strong, and one could only wish for a better storyline. The central controlling idea, "Call me by your name, and I'll call you by mine", is thrown away by being delivered too fast, almost flippantly, when to my mind, it is the most powerful statement in the entire movie.
The film has rated 7.9 on IMDb, and I wonder how it managed that, given the problems as I have outlined them. It's definitely a must-have for any collector of LGBT+ movies, and at least nobody dies and nobody is thrown of home, but I think we've a way to go yet before an epic movie hits our screens. Sadly, this is not it.
The film has rated 7.9 on IMDb, and I wonder how it managed that, given the problems as I have outlined them. It's definitely a must-have for any collector of LGBT+ movies, and at least nobody dies and nobody is thrown of home, but I think we've a way to go yet before an epic movie hits our screens. Sadly, this is not it.
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pedro
5.0 out of 5 stars
Call me by your name
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 23, 2018Verified Purchase
This is a beautiful film, set in Italy in the 1980s. A Jewish academic couple invite a young American professor, Oliver, to stay & work with them for the summer. Their son, Elio, aged 17, falls for Oliver & tries to show him that that he loves him. Oliver resists at first, although he is attracted, but eventually this develops into a passionate love affair. However, Oliver returns to America in the autumn, leaving Elio sad. Elio#s father knew what was going on, & tells his son to remember the joy they had, despite his present sadness. In the winter, Oliver phones to say he is engagd to be married, & the film ends focussed on Elio's face, as he feels different emotions.
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UK Review
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very good film but the underlying issue of
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 18, 2019Verified Purchase
Very good film but the underlying issue of Paedophilia is unsettling. It is about a young French boy who finds he that he falls in love with his fathers doctorate pupil. The student is 23 if you check the book whilst the son is 17. The first half of the film is about flirting until they consummate their relationship. Spoiler. The student goes back to the states and rings him at the end of film during Hanukkah/Christmas (the boy is a gifted Jewish pianist just about to go to university) to find out that his lover has gotten engaged to a woman. Before that his father comes out to his son and wishes it had been him if he were younger. He knew that the son was gay and what went on. We are told this isn’t the end of the story just goggle it.
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J. de Wilde
5.0 out of 5 stars
the honesty in expression and the understanding of love. It is a beautiful portray of what love ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 17, 2018Verified Purchase
A Truly exceptional piece of film making all round. From the story line, setting, actors and direction is exquisite. It may not be everyone kind of movie, but for those who are able to separate personal opinions and look at a film for what it is, will be mesmerized by the beauty this movie presents, the honesty in expression and the understanding of love. It is a beautiful portray of what love can be like, regardless of gender preferences. It is honest, pure, natural and emotionally appropriate, enjoy the experience.
I also would like to thank and express my absolute gratitude towards amazon.uk staff. They are have been tremendous in their professionalism and assistance to get this product to me. I would recommend amazon to anyone, and would wish more companies and it's employees can be as friendly, helpful, efficient and professional as I have experienced with the amazon customer care. Thank you
I also would like to thank and express my absolute gratitude towards amazon.uk staff. They are have been tremendous in their professionalism and assistance to get this product to me. I would recommend amazon to anyone, and would wish more companies and it's employees can be as friendly, helpful, efficient and professional as I have experienced with the amazon customer care. Thank you
3 people found this helpful
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Bill_B
2.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointed
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 25, 2019Verified Purchase
Sadly, this movie didn't work for me. Yes, visually, much of the area was beautifully filmed but so many movies have done that, some even better. The interaction between Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet was odd and, to me, unrealistic and not as described in the wonderful book by André Aciman. I found the movie and the interaction between most actors lacking and disjointed. God's own Country, filmed and released the same year, was much better at showing the intensity of the same journey between two men and was superbly shot.
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C. Challenger
2.0 out of 5 stars
Superficial
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 16, 2018Verified Purchase
Full of contrived dialogue and unconvincing speeches and set pieces.
One character who has to cope with the pain of being attractive, talented and living in a beautiful house.
One actor who's too old for the role and playing someone who's unpleasant and manipulative - I can't see why this is supposed to be a great love story.
I hated it. I respect it may be to other people's tastes, but not mine.
One character who has to cope with the pain of being attractive, talented and living in a beautiful house.
One actor who's too old for the role and playing someone who's unpleasant and manipulative - I can't see why this is supposed to be a great love story.
I hated it. I respect it may be to other people's tastes, but not mine.
2 people found this helpful
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