Introduction
For over a decade, gay romance has been gaining more attention and has become an integral element of modern popular culture, promoting equality, acceptance, and tolerance. For example, a relatively recent 2018 film, Call Me by Your Name, directed by Luca Guadagnino, focuses on the story of a seventeen-year-old, Elio Perlman (Guadagnino, 2018). Throughout the plot, the audience observes how the young man falls in love with his father’s intern and doctoral student, Oliver (Guadagnino, 2018).
This film was chosen as the piece for discussion due to its role in spreading the message about sexuality. The piece’s cultural significance and critical acclaim are connected to the film’s sensitive and nuanced depiction of gay romance. Thus, although the film’s story is based on a love affair between two men, its message is deeper, demonstrating the intricacies of first love and the importance of being true to oneself.
Message to the Audience
Generally speaking, after watching the film, one can see that the message the director wanted to convey is how human emotions are complex and how the first love can be intense. However, sexuality is the central element in conveying the message to the audience. With the story focused on two young men who form a deep connection despite the challenges and different backgrounds, the director wants the viewer to feel the emotions of excitement and sorrow at the same time. Through such an interpretation of gay romance, it was possible to show that love has no boundaries or genders and that the intensity of emotions experienced by those in love is not limited to sexuality.
With this in mind, the director additionally wanted to pay attention to how modern society reacts to same-sex relationships, highlighting that, despite the negative stereotypes, they are still meaningful and beautiful. As Elio’s father emphasizes, “how you live your life is your business,” and it is important to remember that “our hearts and our bodies are given to us only once” (Guadagnino, 2018, 02:01:12). Therefore, the film nurtures an appreciation of beauty and tolerance toward all.
Representation of Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Class
As for the representation seen in the film, it concerns the LGBTQ+ community. Through its plot and representation of such a community, the film challenges heteronormative discourse, which reinforces the ideas of heterosexuality in society. To tackle the given barrier, the film illuminates that all love is equal and deserves respect and acceptance. The chosen representation helps not only break down the barriers and challenge the idea of heterosexuality but also promotes understanding for members of society, despite their differences.
Feminist or Sexist Perspectives
Overall, it can be claimed that the movie’s message is feminist since it challenges the stereotypes built and sustained by a patriarchal society. To incorporate feminist discourse into the film’s plot, the male-male relationship is seen as a traditional female-male relationship, with both connections being viewed as equal. As a result, the conventional idea that the male should be dominant and the woman should be subservient is subverted. For example, Elio is viewed as an effeminate character, while Oliver is seen as a more masculine man. This way, the film highlights that the stereotypes prevalent in society for hundreds of years are not viable and that gay relationships can be just as intense and passionate as heterosexual ones.
Notable Features and Personal Insights
What I like about the film is the theme of acceptance of oneself, support, and tolerance. Toward the end of the film, Elio’s father, when having a conversation with his son, admits that Elio and Oliver “had a beautiful friendship. Maybe more than a friendship” (Guadagnino, 2018, 01:59:42). The man highlights that most parents in his place would try to change their child and pray that they become what is perceived as normal.
Despite being a man of another generation, Mr. Perlman embodies those who support minorities and spread kindness and wisdom (Guadagnino, 2018). Such a character is meant to emphasize the importance of acceptance and challenge the dominant discourse about sexuality. Therefore, the film is a significant cultural artifact not only because of the message but because of the characters and their meaning.
Conclusion
Hence, Call Me By Your Name‘s message is much deeper, highlighting the complexities of first love and the value of staying true to oneself, although the plot revolves around the love affair between two men. It is clear that the director intended to make a point about how complicated human emotions can be and how passionate a first love can be. Yet to effectively communicate the idea to the audience, sexuality is the key component. As for the film’s representation, it concerns the LGBTQ+ community.
Overall, it can be said that the film’s message is feminist because it dispels misconceptions that patriarchal culture has fostered and maintained. I find the film’s emphasis on tolerance, support, and self-acceptance appealing. The representation of Mr. Perlman is intended to highlight the value of acceptance and to raise issues with the mainstream discourse on sexuality.
Reference
Guadagnino, L. (Director). (2018). Call me by your name [Film]. Sony Pictures Classics.