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| Source: Imdb |
This
coming of age drama about sexual identity and love just had me going "Wow!" What an
awesome work of cineastic art! I can’t believe how fantastic the actors were,
first and foremost their youthful lead, Timothée Chalamet. HOW did they find
this one, who speaks 3 languages flawlessly and plays both piano and guitar
like a god? And can ACT to bring the house down?! He performs with such
confidence and bravery, yet communicates such subtlety and natural
vulnerability with a finesse that is just awe-inspiring, providing a flawless
portrayal of a sensitive, confused, sometimes moody teenager figuring out his
feelings, his body and the world. I have a feeling that this film will remain
his defining work, and with good reason. Now I also understand why they had the
casting director in the credits in the beginning.
His partner, Armie Hammer, was also stunning. The way he let his emotions peak through the suave façade just so... and then the softness behind his eyes when he let himself feel more. The confusions of these two while they danced around each other was exquisite to watch, neither of them understanding either themselves or the other’s actions, their looks, their words to each other. Amazing work. This movie had so many highlights, and then Oliver goes and breaks Elios heart for Christmas. Mesmerising to watch Chalamet act that phone conversation. They also didn’t skimp on chemistry, meaning the actors looked completely comfortable with each other. Everything grew organically from a sort of indifferent curiosity into a tender, bitter-sweet romance which I couldn’t get enough of.
On top of the terrific cast, they had these endless takes sometimes, particularly with Chalamet, who filled the space effortlessly and without stumbling or slipping even once. Great combo of top quality film making and fantastic actors. Oh my god, and the scene with Elio molesting a peach with his thumb (not the other)? That... I don’t even know how that made me feel.
Script-wise this smacks of either something from the personal history of the writer or the pen of a damn good observer. The development picked up speed in such a subtle way that at first, the film was sort of dragging, but by the end I couldn’t get enough of their electric relationship. I was checking the timer and begging for more time with them, they were so beautiful to watch. (They glossed over the sex scenes a bit but I guess there’s only so far they can ask their (reportedly straight) actors to go, though I do feel that something more explicit would have fit this film perfectly and would not have seemed cheap or like it was only there because they wanted to show some skin.) The characters were all very unique, three-dimensional and likeable in their own ways. I particularly loved the beautiful, physical relationship Elio had with his parents and that he was so in touch with his body. That was great. It made me envy the Italian temperament because this is the kind of effortlessly touch-based relationship I wish I had with my family and friends. Elio rarely has to ask for somebody to touch him. Hugs and caresses are casual gestures freely dispensed. This probably makes him bolder to ask for what he wants from Oliver, too.
The technical side was flawless. Old-school methods, natural light, great use of locations. And everything was interspersed with little artistic hints, reminders, metaphors, which made the whole thing from a gripping drama into a true work of art. The editing did its best to let the actors breathe – again, it was mostly Chalamet who got the longest takes -, but was not shy to cut to the chase to avoid unnecessary filler seconds. The runtime seemed daunting in the beginning, but was over all too quickly in the end.
Finally, Sufjan Stevens contributed hugely to the soundtrack! Wow, I recognised the voice, but I thought they would use period music, i.e. Simon and Garfunkle, so I couldn’t place it.
Beautiful, beautiful work. Definitely a 5/5. I can't get this film out of my head.
His partner, Armie Hammer, was also stunning. The way he let his emotions peak through the suave façade just so... and then the softness behind his eyes when he let himself feel more. The confusions of these two while they danced around each other was exquisite to watch, neither of them understanding either themselves or the other’s actions, their looks, their words to each other. Amazing work. This movie had so many highlights, and then Oliver goes and breaks Elios heart for Christmas. Mesmerising to watch Chalamet act that phone conversation. They also didn’t skimp on chemistry, meaning the actors looked completely comfortable with each other. Everything grew organically from a sort of indifferent curiosity into a tender, bitter-sweet romance which I couldn’t get enough of.
On top of the terrific cast, they had these endless takes sometimes, particularly with Chalamet, who filled the space effortlessly and without stumbling or slipping even once. Great combo of top quality film making and fantastic actors. Oh my god, and the scene with Elio molesting a peach with his thumb (not the other)? That... I don’t even know how that made me feel.
Script-wise this smacks of either something from the personal history of the writer or the pen of a damn good observer. The development picked up speed in such a subtle way that at first, the film was sort of dragging, but by the end I couldn’t get enough of their electric relationship. I was checking the timer and begging for more time with them, they were so beautiful to watch. (They glossed over the sex scenes a bit but I guess there’s only so far they can ask their (reportedly straight) actors to go, though I do feel that something more explicit would have fit this film perfectly and would not have seemed cheap or like it was only there because they wanted to show some skin.) The characters were all very unique, three-dimensional and likeable in their own ways. I particularly loved the beautiful, physical relationship Elio had with his parents and that he was so in touch with his body. That was great. It made me envy the Italian temperament because this is the kind of effortlessly touch-based relationship I wish I had with my family and friends. Elio rarely has to ask for somebody to touch him. Hugs and caresses are casual gestures freely dispensed. This probably makes him bolder to ask for what he wants from Oliver, too.
The technical side was flawless. Old-school methods, natural light, great use of locations. And everything was interspersed with little artistic hints, reminders, metaphors, which made the whole thing from a gripping drama into a true work of art. The editing did its best to let the actors breathe – again, it was mostly Chalamet who got the longest takes -, but was not shy to cut to the chase to avoid unnecessary filler seconds. The runtime seemed daunting in the beginning, but was over all too quickly in the end.
Finally, Sufjan Stevens contributed hugely to the soundtrack! Wow, I recognised the voice, but I thought they would use period music, i.e. Simon and Garfunkle, so I couldn’t place it.
Beautiful, beautiful work. Definitely a 5/5. I can't get this film out of my head.
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