Call Me by Your Name - Blu-ray + Digital

Makes me sob every time. Genuinely a masterpiece and I love movies from this director as well. 100/10 recommend if you have an open mind and are a very feel-wise person.

Excellent movie. The acting was every good. This is one of those movies that can move the sole and make you wish just once you could experience a love so great that it would break all social boundaries. Update: I want to add that I am a movie buff and have been since I was a teenager. I always watch a movie several times to evaluate the acting, focusing each time on a different character. For me a great movie is one which takes me into the characters world. The characters must be believable. Does the movie affect the viewer positive or negatively. With all that said the characters of this movie are truly believable. Timothee Chalamet has the ability to say with body language and facial expressions unspoken words as does Armie Hammer. I could feel Elio’s pain and longing. I felt Elio’s nervousness the night Oliver finally gave in. I understood the guilt Elio felt the next morning. The book says in words what the viewer had to capture from Elio’s actions. Yet no guilt could stop the feelings that Elio had for Oliver and vice-a-versa. In life some things seem disgusting to think about but in the heat of the action everything is beautiful. There is an old saying the bedroom is undefiled. It is not a matter of what is right or wrong but was it given or taken from the heart. This movie ignited memories for me and my teenage years and the struggling with hormones. It brought back all my inhibitions the first time I participated in sex with another person. At that age so many things can go through your mind and nothing is more reveling or can create so much insecurity then our own nudity and experience. I would have given anything if my dad would have or even could have talked to me the way Elio’s dad talks to him. Why do we put so much pressure on youth and growing up? These two were bonded for years after, branded with an eternal love that they refused to act on. I hate that Amazon has labeled this movie “Gay & Lesbian” because a lot of people may not watch it because of that label. To all the parents out there the conversation between Elio and his father could change the relationship between you and your son or daughter forever. I would give anything to experience a love so great that it would override all inhibitions and stand time. I give it 5-Stars and highly recommend it.

Screenplay writer James Ivory won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for 'Call Me By Your Name'. It should come as no surprise he won, if you consider his prior collaborations with Ismail Merchant for 'Maurice', 'Remains of the Day' and 'Howard's End'...just to name a few. 'Call Me By Your Name' is not for everyone, just as 'Pulp Fiction', 'American Beauty' or 'Gangs of New York' were not either. That being said, if you give yourself permission to watch this film and open yourself up to the actual story being told, you may find yourself totally immersed in a very well-made film. The scene in the third act between the father and his son is both honest and full of parental wisdom. And if you are willing to sit through the last scene of the film (closing credits), the emotional gut-punch that comes from watching actor Timothée Chalamet react to Sufjan Stevens' song 'Visions of Gideon' will bring tears to your eyes, unless you have no heart. The simplicity of this film is its strength. Along with a high production level, wonderful ensemble cast and a soundtrack worthy of purchasing on its own, 'Call Me By Your Name' is one of those rare films where a small film in stature can overshadow larger, more noisy films from Hollywood. The purchase price is also an outstanding value.

Fabulous!

This story has caught me two weeks ago and left me in a deep, bittersweet sorrow that just wouldn't go away. In writing my thoughts down I hope I will soon be able to think of anything else. I almost wouldn't have watched this film. I had heard of it during the Oscars (nomination for Timothée Chalamet: didn't know him, guessed that maybe they just needed a new face for the category – stupid me). The story seemed interesting but also full of gay cliches: the young boy who likes classical music and plays the piano, the older and perfectly handsome guy, even antique statues – too much for me. Oh, how wrong I was. Until two friends of mine (both male and straight) told me that they had watched it together (funny situation, isn't it?) and said it was good. I watched the trailer and became interested, so I ordered the DVD. In the meantime I began reading the book. Until now, I have watched the film twice and begun reading the book for the second time. Long story short: It's been ages that a movie has moved me so much. The story may seem small and simple, and yet it is full of emotions conveyed by an entirely dazzling cast. Above them all, Timothée Chalamets performance is overwhelming and mesmerizing. Interestingly, it's scenes in which he has nothing to speak that touched me the most: The moment at Le Danzing where Elio watches Oliver and Chiara – you can see a ton of thoughts and emotions in his eyes, beginning from the cool-playing guy to the envy that he tries in vain to hide, to the deep sadness because he may never get what he desires here. Then there is the stirring scene when his mother drives him back after Oliver has left and he finally gives vent to his feelings. And of course there is the ending of the movie which I won't describe in detail because I don't want to spoil. Let me just say this: I am deeply grateful that Sufjan Stevens wrote two songs for the film and I love Mystery of love. But Visions of Gideon and Timothées performance made me cry my eyes out. That was truely worth an Oscar. And I haven't even mentioned the countless funny moments that Timothée gave Elio, which prevented the film from becoming cheesy or gaudy. But in the end, it's the whole cast that worked wonderfully together and made the film the gem that it is. It may be a story of two men falling in love but that shouldn't keep straight people from watching it – as the example of my friends proves. If you're gay you may relate a bit more to some details of the relationship (ps. if you are interested in details and want to unterstand the characters and the meaning of the title better, read the book). But it reawakens memories that almost everyone has gathered in his life: the first love, with all its uncertainty, wildness and desire, its beauty – and, sadly, also its sorrow. The film is pervaded by a strong, bittersweet beauty – everyone and everything is beautiful, it's a sunny holiday in the wonderful area of Northern Italy and there is no real danger, no „real problems“ – and yet the whole life as Elio has known it falls apart. „Call me by your name“ made me feel things I had forgotten for a long time and I am still deeply touched. The movie itself is like a wonderful holiday – and afterwards you are thrown into reality again and have to deal with your feelings alone. I like this bittersweet sadness I carry with myself. As Elio's dad said – you should let it happen. I have no idea which movie I could watch next, there is nothing that can keep up with that. I'm afraid that everything else will destroy this feeling. I have mixed feelings about the announcement of the sequel. Of course, I am glad that the whole team got along so well together and when I am honest to myself I have to admit that I need, need, need more of Elio and Oliver. More than strange fan-fiction on Instagram. But when you have read the book (which I higly recommend) you know that more sadness is ahead and, even after years, some wounds may never heal. On the other hand, Luca Guadagnino has mentioned that the sequel may not necessarily adhere to the book. But then again I am not sure what that will mean. Either way, the mood will most likely be completely different from this film. Well, that should not worry us right now. Let's implement the message of the film and enjoy the moment and what we have got, which is: this wonderful film. I haven't watched you for the last time.

This was an interesting one for me that I had wanted to see for awhile. It kind of had that Stealing Beauty vibe with little twists and turns. It is a summer romance movie between an older guy and a younger guy set in Italy. It is not an action filled movie with a ton going on but it's one of those movies that makes you feel as if you were following these two characters around and seeing how they lived day by day - i.e. mundane, regular things people do. I also think it shows off where it was filmed with a vacation atmosphere and a certain beauty. Oliver is very nice looking, flaky, somewhat arrogant and he's working with Elio's Dad. Elio is young, somewhat restless, talented, intelligent and believing Oliver to be kind of rude at first. After encounters with women, Oliver and Elio spend time together getting to know each other and thus sparking a summer-only romance which is a little heartbreaking at the very end. Even though the movie isn't very exciting, I didn't find myself getting bored either because I wanted to know what was going to happen.

I absolutely loved this movie, I would consider it, now, my favorite movie of all time. I am not much of a movie person to begin with and I came really late to the party on this one but I connected with it deeply for what I hope are fairly obvious reasons. It's difficult for me to articulate my feelings and thoughts on things so please bear with my review. Call Me By Your Name tells you so much of the story without saying any words, sub textually and it took me a couple rounds of watching plus seeing some fan made videos to understand it all. This really illustrated the power of the movie and the power of body language. I once heard that language is something like 90% unspoken (body language) and 10% spoken (the percentages may be wrong but you get the idea.) The atmosphere really draws you in and makes you feel like you're inside the world as opposed to watching it from outside. I really connected with Elio's character as we have very similar personality types. The curiosity, shyness, aloofness, tenderness, intense feelings, confusion etc... I connected with Oliver's character as well in a slightly different way, I share a similar sense of humor and also his apprehension. All of these things made me feel their feelings and feel their frustration intensely as if they were my own and I think that was Luca Guadangnino's brilliance for this film. The subtlety of everything is perfectly used and tells more of the story if you pay attention to it. Use of that subtlety illustrates how people are in real life and makes the movie feel more like a documentary of sorts as opposed to a love story. I don't mean that in a facetious manner. I say that because it feels so real and you really feel that connection between the characters and their feelings, and of course the brilliant acting that brought those characters to life. There's no real antagonist in this movie aside from life and love and that subtlety brings the core of the movie to the forefront. There's no sub plot or other "weirdness" to get in the way of you understanding the movie, you're experiencing the movie through Elio's eyes and it provides this perfect vision of everything that happened, as it happened. It's absolutely brilliant. In short the film is stunning, gripping, and invites you to feel. I would definitely recommend this movie, it's highly relatable regardless of your orientation and I think that was Luca Guadagnino's genius as well for this film. It takes you on a journey and immerses you in their world. You are told the story without being told the story in a way, if that makes sense. I almost feel as if I were there experiencing it with them as opposed to watching it unfold on a screen. # # **********SPOLIER*****ALERT********** Please don't read any further if you don't want me to spoil the movie. I usually wouldn't do this kind of thing (I don't write reviews either to be fully transparent.) but I wanted to share my individual feelings here and I'm sure many that watched the film can relate. I'm about to become really vulnerable here so bear with my poor articulation. Ok, I hope you have watched the movie if you made it this far. Going back to my previous statement about connecting with Elio's character so much in this movie. At the train station I could feel exactly what Elio was feeling standing there in front of Oliver. I could tell he wanted to say "I love you" but simply couldn't. I suspect Oliver was feeling the same. (This is my interpretation here.) I teared up during this scene for sure but what really got me was the phone call with Oliver at the end (Nice job having Elio be able to immediately recognize Oliver's voice as opposed to his other calls with Marzia and his mom, more sub textual "juice" I love it.) when Elio calls Oliver by his name "Elio!" I lost it here, specifically the first "Elio!" and it's the cadence with which he says it, and the choked up voice, it's just perfect. It's like a final call out of "I love you, come back!" and I just felt that, I absolutely just...felt that and it hurts. The final scene is just perfect as well. I can feel all the emotion and all of the memories that Elio is passing through his mind in that moment. Of course I will never be able to listen to Visions of Gideon (by Sufjan Stevens) without vividly replaying this final scene in my mind, and to be able to do it without crying, forget about it. Many thanks to the director (Luca Guadagnino) the cast and everyone involved for making this film. I've become so jaded and cold with regards to love and this movie has re ignited feelings that I thought were long gone. Very much like the way Elio's father says in his remarkable speech towards the end of the film. It renewed my faith in love, if you will. I really wish I could talk with Luca and Timothee about this movie right now, even if I could there aren't enough hours in the day to try and find the words to articulate what I feel and want to say. Like I said earlier on I have a hard time articulating my feelings and thoughts so I hope my rambling review was understandable to most people and honestly, I hope you felt the same way. I really enjoyed this movie and I hope you did too. Thanks for reading.

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.