CALL ME BY YOUR NAME: Rated R – 2 hrs. 12 mins.
Director: Luca Guadagnino
Starring Armie Hammer, Timothee Chalamet, Michael Stuhlbarg, Amira Casar and Esther Garrel
Based on the Novel by Andre Aciman and brought beautifully to the big screen by Director Luca Guadagnino, we meet 17-year-old Elio (Timothee Chalamet), who is on holiday with his parents in Italy, circa 1983, trying to come find himself within his very adult existence, as he tries to also come to terms with his budding sexuality.
When his father’s research assistant Oliver (Armie Hammer) comes to stay with his them for the Summer, Elio is torn between the relationship that he has with the beautiful Marzia (Esther Garrel), and the feelings that are bourgeoning for his new friend Oliver.
As both relationships begin to unfold, Elio finds that the person that makes him the happiest in his culturally rich young life, is not the one that society, or his parents initially are expecting.
When lust and passion take over this Summer of awakening for Elio, he finds that you just can’t fight what you truly feel inside, no matter what our society deems acceptable, or not…
I give CALL ME BY YOUR NAME a rating of MUST SEE ON THE BIG SCREEN: Rather moving and poignant throughout, you will find yourself mesmerized by this innocent one minute, and sexually charged the next portrayal, along with its breathtakingly beautiful cinematography throughout every frame. Hammer is exceptional playing the incredibly sexy, yet very gentle and understanding new lover of Elio. Chalamet is also perfectly cast as the young Elio, trying to make his way through the heartache of first love, much less a forbidden love, unacceptable as yet by modern day society. Stuhlbarg is also fantastic, playing Elio’s father, as the scene between father and son, as he shares his knowing and acceptance of young Elio’s love for Oliver, is one scene that you definitely won’t soon forget. I have to admit, loving Armie as I do, especially in his roles playing the tough, strong, masculine man that he is ~ as I hope and pray that MAN FROM UNCLE 2 is just a mere year or two away ~ it was a little difficult for me to view his interludes with another man, it truly was, but these scenes are so innocent, yet so alluring at the same time, you can’t help but view it all and except these beautiful exchanges of two people in love…
Kathy Kaiser
MATINEE CHAT with Kathy Kaiser 