Call Me by Your Name
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Set in the sun-drenched Italian countryside in the summer of 1983, "Call Me by Your Name" is a poignant coming-of-age romantic drama that explores first love and self-discovery. The film centers on 17-year-old Elio Perlman, a precocious and intellectually curious teenager, and Oliver, a 24-year-old American graduate student interning with Elio's father. Over the course of a transformative summer, an unexpected and intense romantic relationship blossoms between them, challenging their perceptions of desire and intimacy. The narrative is characterized by its sensual atmosphere, rich dialogue, and lush cinematography, depicting a powerful emotional journey without relying on conventional plot structures. Directed by Luca Guadagnino and based on André Aciman's novel, the film is primarily aimed at mature audiences, as it deals with complex themes of sexuality, identity, and heartbreak, making it more suitable for adults and older teenagers due to its explicit content.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The film centrally portrays a romantic and sexual relationship between two male characters, Elio and Oliver, which is the primary focus of the narrative. This explicit depiction of a gay relationship is a core theme and is explored with significant depth.
Elio, a 17-year-old, and Oliver, a 24-year-old, develop an intense romantic and physical relationship that is central to the plot, culminating in physical intimacy. Director Luca Guadagnino and screenwriter James Ivory, both openly gay, aimed for an unabated portrayal of homoeroticism. A significant scene involves Elio masturbating with a peach, which he later presents to Oliver, symbolizing his awakening desire. Oliver also gives Elio a foot massage that is described as an 'act of worship' from a lover, fusing their bond.
Romance and Sexual Content
The film features frequent and explicit romantic and sexual content, including implied sexual acts, partial nudity (breast and buttock), and suggestive scenes, which are central to the film's narrative.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
R (Restricted). The MPAA rated "Call Me by Your Name" R for sexual content, nudity, and some language. This rating indicates that the film contains adult material and is not suitable for individuals under 17 without a parent or adult guardian. The extensive explicit sexual content, including implied acts and partial nudity, along with pervasive substance use, necessitates a mature audience.
Good to Know
The age difference between 17-year-old Elio and 24-year-old Oliver is a notable aspect of the film that has generated discussion regarding its appropriateness and potential implications. Director Luca Guadagnino stated his intention was to portray love and desire, not lust, and he made conscious decisions to keep explicit frontal nudity out of the film, despite screenwriter James Ivory's original script containing it.
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