Call me by your name

Slow, sensual and hypnotic, Call me by your name is a stunningly different looking and feeling film than I have seen in a long time.

Director Luca Guadagnino is achingly patient, demanding the same of the audience. The setting in Northern Italy should be enough to keep most intrigued. The hints of the romance in this coming of age tale are hinted at, then dismissed. They seem to be blocked off, only to come rushing forward then pour out all over the screen.

The film is lush, dangerous, and passionate - but, perhaps, above all: beautifully human.

Oliver (Armie Hammer) is a doctoral research exchange student studying abroad with an archaeology professor, (Michael Stuhlbarg). Elio (Timothee Chalamet) is a 17-year old son who is bored, facing the prospect of an aimless summer of reading and wondering what is next. He is shy, introverted and unable to move forward sexually with a young lady he cares for - even going so far as to share that with his father and Oliver, who encourage him.

Oliver is just the opposite, charming, handsome and confident to the line of arrogance - something Elio says he despises, but secretly desires for himself. Such is the nature of love, lust and confusion in this film.

The cinematic journey forces the viewer to see not only where they are, but what it feels like. The fruit is so ripe (and put to dramatic purpose late in the film) that you can practically taste it.

The intentional soft focus employed by Guandagnino suggests the uncertainty of the characters emotions. The flies, buzzing around the edges of the frame act, perhaps, as a reminder of time and decay.

In what is next to the final scene of the film Elio’s father delivers one of the most beautiful and eloquent sermons on love, life and opportunity - pointing out the beauty of what Elio has enjoyed, if ever so briefly, and that he must allow himself to feel everything that goes with it.