Review of Call Me by Your Name (2017) by Stephan S — 22 Feb 2018

My opinion on this film seems to differ quite a bit from that of the general public. I didn't feel the need to say much after seeing the film, however, after seeing that's it's up for best picture, I'd like to share my thoughts, and question why the public seems to find the film so fantastic.

During the entire length of the film, to , there is a burden of style. While extremely aesthetic, (the beautiful picture perfect Italian scenery) it distracts to the point that it seems to be the main target of the film.

This cinematic aspect didn't allow me to get into the actual story but kept me caged in the idea of the film, rather than simply engaged.The second, and more important flaw in the film is not only the acting but the script, and the storyline specifically.

We jump into the fantastical love story of these two men before we've heard them have an actual conversation, which they never even seem to have. The words they share feel scripted, unreal, and to me held little substance.

Midway through the film, I was aware they seemed deeply in love, but frankly, I just didn't believe it. Perhaps, however, in the end, what matters most is what the movie makes you feel. It is not about the little things you liked or disliked throughout the film, but the small moments where something in you stopped, and truly felt something on a level residing deeper than thought.

I truly, cannot say for a moment that this film made me feel a thing emotionally. This is why I feel the need to ask the public an honest question. Did this film truly impact you, did it truly inspire you, could you really lose yourself in it? Or is it simply the idea of this film that is so likable.

The aesthetic, the genre, the music, the shots, etc... I want to ask this question not because I am so entitled to my opinion, but really because I feel so confused as to why this film has the highest of reviews.

I would like to compare to another LBGTQ film for those who would want to oppose my opinions in saying it is because of the film's genre. The film Brokeback mountain, a type of love story also shared between two men, completely sucked me in.

There were at least three times in the film were I was fully in tears, where I wasn't thinking about the film or the way it was done, times where I wasn't thinking at all. These were true moments of great film where the storyline led me to understand the characters struggles, desires, and deepest sides, and where I couldn't help but feel the emotions they seemed to feel themselves.

If you've made it this far through the review, thank you for taking the time to hear what I have to say! I am not a film critic, this is true, and I do not write for a magazine, however, simply because everyone else is in love with a film does not mean that you have to be.

Please, honestly, ask yourself if this movie was truly as brilliant as you have made it out to be.