Call Me by Your Name (2017) User Reviews

Absorbing but not a masterpiece

[kiwi_22 · 8/10 · 19 January 2018]

First, to all the Americans on here outraged about the film "endorsing" a criminal act - NEWS FLASH!! Just because the age of consent is 18 in your country, doesn't make it so everywhere else in the world! 18 is comparatively old by global standards. I believe the average age is 16 (as in my country) and in Italy where the film takes place it's actually 14. Whether you agree with it morally or not, no criminal act takes place - US law does not apply!

However, I agree with many reviewers that Armie Hammer is miscast in terms of his character's age. He is 31 and looks it, whereas Oliver is meant to be 24. His age is never referred to in the film, so viewers who haven't read the book are left with the impression of a 30-ish man engaging in a relationship with a 17-year-old, which Timothee (20 at the time) does convincingly portray. I can fully understand how that would ring alarm bells for many. If they'd had an actor who actually looked 24 I think that would have created a very different dynamic. Even so, the relationship is hardly of a paedophilic nature. And I don't think most people would regard 17-year-olds as "children" physically and emotionally, even if they may be legally.

Timothee Chalamet gives an incredible performance fully deserving of all the accolades, but I found Armie's inconsistent at best. He does get better as the film goes along. Maybe it's just that I didn't find his character particularly appealing... to me he comes across as rather abrupt and arrogant, and weirdly passive-aggressive and patronising towards Elio for much of the time. The physical scenes between Oliver and Elio were excruciatingly awkward to watch and didn't ring true to me - but I'm a straight female so what would I know? I haven't had that reaction with the (admittedly few) other gay films I've seen though. Maybe it was supposed to reflect real life, or maybe I am just too accustomed to male-female depictions. Ultimately the relationship seemed to consist of Elio being infatuated and Oliver enjoying being the object of that infatuation, rather than a true love story.

Personally the relationship I found most touching in the film was that between Elio and his parents. Although they aren't given much to work with, both the actors playing his parents do beautiful, nuanced work... and the much-lauded scene near the end with his father was stunning and truly moving. It was refreshing to see a such a loving and accepting child-parent relationship, done in a natural and non-affected way. It rang very true to my own experience as an only child and it was nice to see this portrayed on film for once, instead of the tension-filled relationships American films usually depict.

Overall I thought the film was absorbing and well-done, but neither the masterpiece or great love story it's being hyped as.

The power of LOVE!

[ronakkotian · 8/10 · 28 September 2019]

Call Me By Your Name is one of those films which doesn't feel like a film but rather a journey of self discovery which we witness and feel as if it's happening at that exact moment.

Call Me By Your Name is the story of two people, Elio and Oliver, who fall in love over the course of the summer.

This movie brings one of the most beautiful relationships ever put to film. The way writer James Ivory and director Luca Guadagnino portrayed this story felt so real and in the moment. Not even for a second does it feel like you're watching actors playing these characters because of how well everyone played their roles and the excellent direction by Gaudagnino.

Timothée Chalamet is a force to be reckoned with. This man displayed such raw and tender emotion as Elio that it's impossible to think that Chalamet is acting. He is essentially our main focus since we see him learn more about himself and his sexuality as the film goes on. Elio is a character that you connect with and actually care about. He will make you feel a whole bunch of emotions as his character develops and grows.

Let's not forget how terrific Elio's other half, Oliver, played by Armie Hammer was. The chemistry between these two seemed so genuine that you instantly root for both of them being together. The love and sweetness Oliver gives to Elio is something that can't be found or forgotten easily. There's something so sincere and authentic between these two that just makes tears stream down your face like a running tap. If there was one thing that I would've liked more, it would be learning more about the character of Oliver.

This movie isn't your typical love story filled with obstacles and conflict. This is one that celebrates the ideology of LOVE and shows it in a touching and emotional way. By the end, there will be nothing else but sniffling and tears throughout the end credits. This film conveys one of the most heartbreaking and beautiful relationships the world has ever seen.

A touching romance

[Sebastien02 · 10/10 · 17 May 2018]

« Call me by your name » is a beautiful movie about first love. The atmosphere is dreamy and I have been taken on an emotional journey for two hours. Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer give remarkable performances. There is a great chemistry between them. The charming landscapes, the good soundtrack and the delicate direction also contribute to this achievement. I like the way homosexuality is portrayed: being gay is normal; there is no drama queen and no pathos. This is a touching story that makes me want to fall in love.

A masterpiece that will stay with you long after the credits

[The-Awesome-One · 10/10 · 5 October 2017]

Call Me By Your Name is the kind of movie that makes you sit through the credits with tears rolling down your face, staring blankly at the screen with a lump in your throat and tightness in your chest.

Call Me By Your Name is not a tragic movie. It's not a sad movie. It's not a pretentious movie. It's a movie about love, and love, and love. A beautiful love that will leave you longing to find your own love and drown in it.

Timothée Chalamet is an absolute force of nature. Elio will make you want to love, and hurt, and piece yourself back together with absolutely no regrets whatsoever. Elio will make you want to live your life to the fullest. Elio will make you want to break your own damn heart. It's so rare that a performance truly shows the depth of longing, and despair, and passion a character conveys through written words without the internal monologue. Timothée is truly a revelation and his last scene during the credits will have a lasting impact on everyone.

Armie Hammer is absolutely brilliant in the way he humanizes Oliver who is somewhat glorified through Elio's lens in the first part of the book. In the movie, Oliver is endearing and human and sexy and caring. He cares for Elio, and his love for him is so tender and so touching

Michael Stuhlbarg's monologue delivered nearing the end of the film is a complete masterpiece, and without a doubt that monologue with be taught and quoted for many years to come. A raw and beautiful scene.

Watch this movie. Watch it, and love it, and don't let it fall victim to over-hype. Watch this movie. Fall in love in two hours and twelve minutes, then question every single time you didn't allow yourself to feel just because you were afraid of getting hurt. Was avoiding a possible heartbreak that might have shattered you worth never getting a taste of the heavens? Was killing the potential pain and heartache worth it? Was it worth it?

It happens when you least expect it

[paulfairbanksusa · 10/10 · 12 December 2017]

Beauty in the midst of all the ugliness we're living in, it's like a shock. I wept like I hadn't wept in a movie since I was very young. It made me think and remember summers of my own life. It made remember sounds and smells. I was transported. The smartness, candor and gentleness of this unexpected love story goes beyond anything I've ever seen. Luca Guadagnino is rapidly becoming one my favorite directors working today. Armie Hammer completely demolished my preconceptions with a performance that is total perfection and I haven't mention Timothee Chalamet yet. No I need to dedicate the lasts paragraphs to him because his performance goes beyond perfection. I didn't know him at all. Now I' a fan. It reminded me of the first time I saw Daniel Day Lewis playing a gay punk in "My Beautiful Launderette" An explosion of beauty when you least expected. Thank you for that.

Call Me When It's Over

[pajeme1956-1 · 6/10 · 24 March 2018]

Classic example of what can go wrong with a good story and good acting when in the hands of the wrong editor and director. Good editing could have improved this movie a lot. There was zero chemistry between the two leads. I didn't for a moment believe that either of them were obsessed with the other. There was too many redundant shots of bicycle riding to nowhere, and "let's go swimming" scenes that really added nothing to the story. However, all of the scenes were beautifully filmed.

I put this in a category with "Ryan's Daughter." It's overwrought, over worked, and in 20 years, nobody will remember this film.

The joy and pain of love and desire

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 18 February 2018]

Saw 'Call Me By Your Name' as someone trying to see as many films from 2017 as possible, because same sex love has been portrayed beautifully more than once and because it was one of the best received films of the year with a lot of award attention as we speak.

A distinction more than well deserved. 'Call Me By Your Name' is certainly one of my favourites of a pretty hit and miss 2017 (with some great films, bad films and films in between and near but not quite both extremes) and, like another gay love-themed film from 2017 'God's Own Country', one of the films of the year that really touched me. It is much more than just a "gay movie" and shouldn't be dismissed as just that, that on the most part it hasn't is a good thing.

'Call Me By Your Name' is most striking for its emotional impact. The erotic elements are tasteful and sensual, but it's the relationships that are even more beautifully done. The subject matter is handled with subtlety and surprising wit and the central relationship is tender and compassionate with a little tension. Just as, even more, impressive is the father and son relationship, which was sincere and touching, again with just as much burning intensity, and boasted the film's most powerful scene. The joy and pain of love and desire is portrayed in a way that really touched my soul and comes over as surprisingly relatable.

The acting is another big strength, advantaged by that the characters are interesting and not stereotypical with conflicts that are genuine and not predictable. Timothee Chalamet is especially remarkable and has a great future ahead of him if he continues in this direction. Armie Hammer is hardly inferior in perhaps his best performance to date, a very sympathetic performance which helps make the central relationship as powerful as it is. Michael Stuhlbarg also should be highlighted, a very wise and sincere performance and he has never been this poignant.

Luca Guadagnino directs beautifully, bringing the best out of his actors and the gorgeous scenery just as gorgeously shot. The sincerity, wisdom, compassion and wit of the source material is ideally captured in the script and as indicated the film looks great. The music has whimsy and understatement which suits the story perfectly, and while the pace is Merchant/Ivory-influenced-like deliberate it never felt dull to me due to being swept up in the emotion and being riveted by the writing and performances.

In conclusion, a beautiful film with much more to it than what it can easily be dismissed as. 10/10 Bethany Cox

A Strong Film About Love & Being Who You Are!

[namashi_1 · 7/10 · 11 December 2017]

'Call Me by Your Name' is a film about LOVE. Its also a film about being who you are. And Writer James Ivory & Director Luca Guadagnino bring us a tale on young romance & living life, with honesty & the emotional impact akin to a sledgehammer. And Timothée Chalamet is the find of the year.

'Call Me by Your Name' Synopsis: In Northern Italy in 1983, seventeen year-old Elio (Timothée Chalamet), begins a relationship with visiting Oliver (Armie Hammer) , his father's research assistant, with whom he bonds over his emerging sexuality, their Jewish heritage, and the beguiling Italian landscape.

We've seen love-stories before on Gay people, but not all leave the impact like 'Call Me by Your Name' does. This is an honest love-story about a boy and a man, who can't help but fall in love with each other, despite never coming to the world of their sexuality. And the way Director Luca Guadagnino has shot its leading lovers, is something to watch. There is genuine heartache in its characters & also undeniable love. This is a love-story, that's sad but also heartfelt at times. James Ivory's Screenplay is expertly written, offering a story on love & longing, without ever indulging into melodrama. Luca Guadagnino's Direction is simplistic, but extremely effective. Sayombhu Mukdeeprom's Cinematography captures the passion of its leading lovers, with gusto. Walter Fasano's Editing is mostly crisp. Art & Costume Design merit a special mention. Sufjan Stevens's Score is superb.

Performance-Wise: Timothée Chalamet is truly the find of the year. The youngster delivers a searingly beautiful performance of a young man who comes to realize his sexuality to a much older man. Chalamet brings nuance & innocence to the part & stands out from start to finish. He's truly one actor who deserves strong Oscar buzz for his excellent work here. Armie Hammer also does his best work here. He and Chalamet share a infectious on- screen chemistry, that appears real & affecting. The Wonderful Michael Stuhlbarg is masterful as Chalamet's dad, who understands his son beyond his silences. Watch him in the penultimate moments & you'll know his caliber as a performer. Amira Casar as Chalamet's mom, also is lovely. Esther Garrel as Chalamet's girl, with whom he experiences sexual episodes, is fantastic.

On the whole, 'Call Me by Your Name' leaves a strong impression. Make time for it.

Drags A Lot

[ahsawesa · 7/10 · 1 February 2018]

For some reason, I feel the need to review this film because it's not a terrible film but I was kind of let down

This film drags so much. One of the biggest issues is it's pace, it drags and goes on and on without much pay off or anything dramatic happening

A root of this problem is from the fact that there's barely any conflict in this film

There aren't much challenges or hurdles, but since this is a self discovery film, that's a bit forgivable but the fact that there's not really any conflict at all or the problem that the film doesn't highlight that conflict until the very third act is problematic

The characters are also lacking something. Even though the film spends so much time developing the relationship between the two main characters and establishing their personalities, I never got the sense of knowing the characters or understanding what they were about

It's really messy and there's a lack of focus/direction and there are way too many distractions

There are positives too. The film doesn't rely on exposition that much and the characters do a good job of expressing their emotion without using on the noise dialogue, and that's credit to some really great performances by Timothy Chalamet and Michel Stuhlberg

The cinematography is also really good. And the soundtrack is amazing, they chose the right songs for the right scenes.

What this film really had it going for itself is that it didn't feel like a film, it felt like a real life experience.

But there are issues that made this film dull and kind of unbearable.

It's not a bad film, I can appreciate it's positives but it didn't quite click with me, it's my least favorite oscar contender.

Sensual Italian summer

[candelach · 10/10 · 25 August 2017]

This film is pure sensuality and emotion. You can see through the character's eyes, taste through their mouths but most importantly you feel, by God how you feel. Luca Guadagnino manages to extract the very best out of his actors: Armie Hammer's performance shows unprecedented depth and Timothee Chalamet is the essence of awe inspiring acting, this film will land him an Oscar nomination at the very least.

A piece of perfect cinema

[iemdeboer · 10/10 · 4 November 2019]

Now, where to begin... Pretty much everything I feel about this film has been mentioned here before. But boy did it make me FEEL, from the opening credits right through the end credits. It made my heart soar and sink with its colours, scenery, music, and above all else its acting. The phenomenon that is Chalamet was yet unknown to me, and Hammer I'd only seen in a bad chickflick, so it would be an understatement to say I was pleasantly surprised by how they performed. There's so much detail as well, from the inquisitive and knowing looks of a mother, to the picturesqueness of a ladder against the fruittree. Everything about this film draws you in. If I could dream up memories of a hot Italian summer in a rural hamlet, this would be it, I swear I could almost smell and taste this film. Luca Guadagnino made a masterpiece here and I highly doubt it will ever be surpassed in its category.

A beautifully filmed disappointing empty romance

[netanelhop · 6/10 · 29 March 2023]

This film displays picturesque structures and scenes that you would expect to see in a post card. The scene cuts are jagged, throwing the audience into a confusing storm of information and vagueness.

I love romances, but when each character is betraying a partner for "love", I do not see this as pure and innocent as the film proclaims. We even see Oliver at the end telling Elio that he is engaged after 3 years, a topic that should probably have been brought up earlier. Elio is no better, sleeping with a girl and leading her on just to end up betraying her for Oliver, without the slightest care.

The films message was not one of growth, but do whatever you like and don't give a damn about anyone else.

Truly one of the best.

[linoayumu · 10/10 · 14 December 2018]

It doesn't take a genius to understand nor appreciate this film. It does however, take an open mind to see and feel the beauty this film has to offer. It is perfection incarnate. Never have I been so moved by a film such as this one. It was an absolute pleasure watching it.

Felt Off

[risbyceonna · 6/10 · 15 May 2021]

This movie was pretty okay, slow paced at some points and had lots of unnecessary scenes. The romance between the two male leads was fine but something felt off and unnatural. I feel like Elio sexually assaulting Oliver was overlooked and lots of things felt unnatural. Other than that, the acting was great and the movie was pretty okay but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Stunning

[DavidO-Scotland · 10/10 · 6 November 2017]

It is not often that films adapted from books capture the true essence, emotion and spirit of the book but for me Call Me By Your Name does just that. Superbly acted by a talented cast the film was a visual an emotional delight. Sensitively directed and beautifully shot with a great sound track what was not to like. For me it was a coming of age love story for Elio and something very special for Oliver. Simply calling it a gay movie does it a disservice. It is much, much more than that. While the whole cast were strong the two leads, Armie, and Timothee just had that magic on screen. And Timothee Chalamet's performance was stunning absolutely stunning. His closing scene will become a cinema classic. Don't be put off by the gay tag this is a beautiful love story, sensitively told that surly anybody can empathise with. Don't miss it.

Overrated

[busrasert-87918 · 6/10 · 18 February 2020]

The atmosphere in the movie was relaxing and peaceful, style and quality was good, yet in some scenes we just looked at trees , and story wasn't so impressive. If it was a hetero couple movie I'm sure it wouldn't even have got recognized. I just don't like movies get credits having some specific things in the story like racism, gender, religion, and sexual preferences.

Slow, Pretentious and Emotionally Disconnected

[studio-28931 · 3/10 · 12 January 2018]

As a producer/director who specializes in gay genre movies, I was eager to see "Call Me By Your Name". The positive buzz about it further fueled my anticipation. What a disappointment! Handsome newcomer Timothee Chalamet turned out to be just about the only redeeming feature in an otherwise hollow and artificial waste of time.

"Call Me By Your Name" suffers from numerous fatal flaws: The main characters lack any believable "chemistry". Armie Hammer (Oliver) is a horrible actor with as much depth as a cardboard cutout. There is absolutely no effort to explain the attraction Elio has for aloof Oliver and visa versa - it seems to come from nowhere and for no reason. There are hints that each of the two main characters has special talents - intellectual Oliver and musical prodigy Elio - but those scenes seem out of place and contrived with no payoff in the plot. The weird request from which the movie gets it's title is spoken in a scene, but there is no explanation for it. It comes from nowhere and goes nowhere. If anyone said to me, "Call me by your name" after we just had sex, I'd say "Later" (this will be more amusing to those who have seen the movie). I haven't read the book, but the screenplay lacks any kind of conflict, which makes it BORING.

The highlights are the beautiful Italian locations and Timothee Chalamet. I wouldn't bother to see it for any other reason.

Sensual Beauty

[beti-24149 · 10/10 · 23 September 2017]

The most sensually immersive film you will see all year, perhaps all decade. The performances from the cast - notably Hammer, Stuhlbarg and particularly newcomer Chalamet put this film in another league from all other recent coming-of-age films and romance films. You leave this film wishing you could stay in the world it has enveloped you within.

Call Me By Your Name is an unapologetic celebration of emotion.

[punch87 · 10/10 · 13 January 2019]

It's hard for me to talk about this film without just hurling adjectives at the page; it's tender, beautiful, sexy, hilarious and deeply moving - a romance story for the ages, directed and acted with a passionate sincerity.

There are no words to describe it.

[dvlbr · 10/10 · 27 June 2020]

Just finished watching Call Me by Your Name, and yes, I'm a little late. I'm just going to start by saying that this is one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen in my whole life. There are so many factors that play a central role in my final judgment, and of course I'm gonna analyse and talk about them, but being an italian boy who grew up in southern Italy, there are a lot of references that make this movie a masterpiece.

As in every movie ever made, detail plays an important role, if not the most important one. I'm not going to talk about every single of them but I want to share the feelings they made me feel and talk about their actual importance. From the languages spoken, the music, the fabulous landscapes, to the interns of the house, the floor, the very old forniture, the books.. all things that bring me back to my childhood and make me smell again the pleasant atmosphere of my grandparents' house. From this point of view, the cinematic representation was completely accurate, and I'm very sure this process was also helped by the director himself, and his italian memories.

Let's spend some time talking about the actors' performances. Timothée delivered his best performance so far, no wonder why he was nominated at the Oscars. He really dove into the character, and I can say that if I watch the details of his facial expressions. The details made me feel even more connected to the character, who slowly evolved through the course of the movie. Everyone was phenomenal in this movie, from Armie Hammer to the fantastic Michael Stuhlbarg.

This movie can rapidly become very very personal, and it touches your soul. It did it to me. There are some things and feelings that unfortunately can't be explained. It was an amazing experience. Definitely steals a place in my top 3. I think the movie is perfect. Loved it.

Near masterful

[Red_Identity · 26 November 2017]

It's hard to put into words exactly the way I felt watching this film. Hours later it's hard to even begin to write my opinion on it. To put as simply as I can, the film perfectly captures its setting and atmosphere in a way few films do. The biggest credit needs to be given to director Luca Guadagnino, who is able to capture the smallest of details. Technically, the film is a marvel and I struggle to think of one flaw. It's beautiful, sensual, luscious in its execution, with absolutely marvelous pacing. In terms of pure directorial achievements, it's definitely one of the best of the year. The performance of Timothée Chalamet is also a pretty perfect portrayal of the character in the novel, and a completely internal performance that is reminiscent of Rooney Mara's wonderful work in Carol. Armie Hammer is also quite strong in the role, although it's a tricky character to get completely right. The novel is told completely through Elio's eyes and so we only imagine and see Oliver from a distance. He's more of an enigmatic figure in the novel than a real, tangible person. So much of that is due to the writing and the way Elio sees him as, so in terms of difficulty, I can imagine how Hammer had quite a task on his hands. Due to the literal nature of film, it's a type of character that always had to lose some of its mystery to its translation from the page, and it's as good one as can be.

I have so much I want to say about this but still can't find the right words, but the one thing I will say is that while the story here is pretty simple, the film really does capture, more than any other in recent memory, the feeling of that fleeting force of love and passion that can come to define one's life. It does so in a melancholic, beautiful way that makes it stand out from others of its kind. I can see why some people wouldn't take to it (and in fact the almost-unanimous positive reviews surprise me) because at the end of the day, the technical aspects work to create a film that can only be defined by a feeling that some people will experience watching the film and that others won't. All that sounds incredibly enigmatic, but it's a difficult feeling to pinpoint and considering the film, I think it's fitting.

So - so

[Corinne_ · 7/10 · 7 May 2018]

A film which can be enjoyed but nothing special. At some time it can be a bit boring and it leaves you with an expectation that stays incomplete. Excellent scenery, stunning Italy.

A beautiful, heart touching love story.

[naimaislamnodi · 8/10 · 24 December 2020]

Although I am a straight person, I loved this movie in all the ways. A beautiful, heart warming love story, makes me want to fall in love again again. This movie gives me the feeling that there is nothing more wonderful than falling in love for the first time. The cinematography, sound track, adopted screenplay is perfect. I personally loved the acting of Timothee Chalamet, wonderful. It makes me feel that being homo sexual is perfectly normal, there is nothing wrong about it, Absolutely perfect..

Chalamet charms but Hammer not

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 20 March 2018]

Somewhere in Northern Italy, the Perlman family is excited about the arrival of Oliver (Armie Hammer). He's a grad student assisting professor Perlman over the summer in the 80's. The girls are all taken with handsome Oliver including the young son Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet). Elio is enticed by Oliver as his friend Marzia also gets closer to him.

It's a film about a young gay boy's emotional first love. There are things that do pull me out of the movie. The first problem I had was that I assumed Marzia to be Elio's sister. It's connected to another problem. Marzia should be a bigger character. She's the pawn in their love chess game. She should start much more as a girlfriend leading to a more heated conflict. There may be a deliberate move by the movie to take the dramatic conflict out of this gay love story. It becomes more of an emotional drama for better and for worst. The other problem is that Oliver does not appeal to me. He's the preppy guy from an 80's teen dramedy. It's not the most endearing. Sometimes, that character can gain depth by going darker but that would be creepy in this case. It also threatens to be that older guy seducing a young boy. Don't get me wrong. There are some very touching emotional takes. The father's talk after Oliver's departure is very sincere and the last scene with Elio's tearful closeup is very emotional. I am taken with Timothée Chalamet and his youthful charms. I'm less taken with Armie Hammer. He continues to perplex me as an actor.

Perfection

[jsmith-32888 · 10/10 · 31 October 2017]

Simply put: the best film I've ever seen. This production with a stellar cast and tremendous director and producers have made, through my eyes a perfect film.

The characters are engaging, the emotions are raw and palpable. However, the chemistry between all the actors, are truly magnificent. You can relate, extraordinarily to the characters and the storyline of a first love and the trepidation you feel when telling someone how you feel and not knowing whether that will be reciprocated.

Timothée and Armie have done a tremendous job in depicting honest and raw emotions and feelings and love that translate with audiences of any nationality and transcend barriers like no other film before it.

This is the best film I have ever seen and highly recommend you view.