By Claire DuMont
Opinion Editor
Nominated for three Academy Awards, “Call Me by Your Name” enchants and intrigues audiences with its compelling and endearing plot, captivating cinematography and acting, making it the pinnacle of romance this awards season.
“Call Me by Your Name” stars Timothée Chalamet as Elio, a precocious 17 year old, and Armie Hammer as Oliver, a graduate student who comes to stay at Elio’s family’s villa over the summer. Set in a small Italian town in 1983, the coming-of-age film follows the growth of the relationship between Elio and Oliver.
Based on the novel by André Aciman, the film follows the character arc of Elio and Oliver, as they come to terms with their feelings. Elio struggles throughout the film to discover his sexuality and his feelings toward Oliver.
The plot of “Call Me by Your Name” develops slowly, Elio and Oliver’s relationship is a secret for most of the film, and the character’s feelings seem to be ambiguous. This slow-burn intrigues the audience, forcing them to piece together the subtle signs of attraction between the characters.
Chalamet and Hammer’s acting further enthralls the audience, as the characters bring the film to life through their vivid portrayals, invite the audience to feel with them. As Elio is confused about Oliver’s feelings, the audience is confused with him, and looks for the subtle signs that Oliver gives to try and understand his feelings.
“Call Me by Your Name” was almost entirely shot on locations in Italy, creating a believable setting for the film. The aesthetically pleasing villa and Italian town where the film takes place is a fitting background for the film, creating a romantic and idyllic mood for the audience.
The soundtrack and score of the film also create this mood, with soft, slow songs that match the plot and development of the movie. The Oscar-nominated original song “Mystery of Love” by Sufjan Stevens succeeds in creating the mood and captures the atmosphere of the film.
As a gay coming-of-age film, the subject matter of “Call Me by Your Name” sets it apart from other movies nominated this awards season. It promotes the representation of every kind of love story in movies and television, and it is refreshing to see the creators take on this type of story.
The Academy Award nominated adapted screenwriting of the film also excels in engaging and captivating the audience. The interactions between Elio and Oliver, as well as other characters, create the tone of the film and is the most revealing about the characters.
The plot, screenwriting, acting and soundtrack all work together to ultimately transport the audience into the story, compelling and engaging viewers throughout the entire film. It has the ability to take the audience to the Italian town, enchanting and captivating them.
Released on January 19 in all theaters, “Call Me by Your Name” is rated R playing in select theaters nationwide.
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