'Call me by your name' is a coming-of-age story about a young boy and his budding but ambivalent sexuality. The film has some nice touches, like the exploration of the ideas of manhood through literature and Greek sculpture, but overall the symbolism (Eden, fruit, abundance, male statues, gushing rivers) becomes too self-indulgent and heavy-handed.
Minus points also for some 'arty' dialogue, odd musical choices, unnecessary addition of contemporary Italian politics and clunky editing. Plus points for the abundant and complex depiction of sensuality, always true to life, and for the compelling performances by the two main leads as well as the father. In its best moments the film takes you back to the intensity and confusion of adolescence and reminds you how beautiful and valuable it is.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Language: English Runtime: 2h 12 min Year of release: 2017 Streaming Platform: N/A
Hot take is a series in which I offer my first impressions of films from India and around the world.
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