All the respect for Chalamet

Rating: Null/10 (25 December 2017)

This film is a brilliant exploration of the sadness surrounding the discovery of one's first love to someone of the same sex. The story's pace and the timing of any important revelations is perfect, the sensitive and effortless direction captures the beauty of Italian landscape and the mood and spirit of the '80s. A lot have changed still then regarding the treatment of LGBTQ issues, but given the location of the film is in Italy, I'm guessing the male machismmo is still very much pervasive there at this day and age. It almost feels like were watching a contest going on between Elio, Oliver or Mr. Perlman, Elio's father, as to who is the most miserable.
Chalemet gave a very heart-breaking performance for a straight guy as a teenager trying to discover his sexuality with his father's research assistant in his mid-20s. Too effective and credible a performance that I believe he should not gain a reputation for brilliance entirely just because of this film. It's an acting talent that should not be wasted, more doors should open up for the audience to show off his acting chops.
With Hammer, he exudes the melancholic aura that he desperately tries mask. Whatever it is that looms at the back of his head, it is best for the viewer to figure this on their own make theoir own opinion. It is this ambiguity that makes his performance an interesting one to watch as the story unfold.
Mr. Stuhlbarg, on the other hand, is just an important character in the film and just as pivotal as the two male lovers because as the title suggest, he could have said that line himself to Elio or Oliver..

My rating: A-minus