Brief Intro
“Call Me by Your Name,” directed by Luca Guadagnino and released in 2017, is a visually stunning and emotionally rich film based on André Aciman’s novel. Set in 1983 in the Italian countryside, it tells the story of the passionate and transformative romance between 17-year-old Elio Perlman and 24-year-old Oliver, a visiting scholar. The film captures the essence of first love, self-discovery, and the fleeting nature of summer romances.
Literary Devices Used in Call Me by Your Name
Symbolism
Symbolism is a crucial device in this film, used to imbue objects, locations, and actions with deeper meaning. Here are two notable examples:
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| The peach scene | The peach symbolizes Elio’s sexual awakening and intense longing. |
| The statue in the garden | The statue represents the timeless nature of love and beauty. |
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is used subtly to hint at future events and the eventual outcome of the characters’ relationship.
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Elio’s gaze towards Oliver | Elio’s early, intense looks foreshadow his growing infatuation. |
| Oliver’s comment on the time | Oliver mentioning “Later” hints at the transient nature of their time together. |
Metaphor
Metaphors add layers of meaning and connect the characters’ experiences to broader human emotions.
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| The summer heat | The intense summer heat metaphorically represents the characters’ burning desire. |
| The river | The river symbolizes the flow of time and the fleeting moments of life. |
Imagery
Imagery creates vivid pictures that enhance the emotional depth of the story.
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Cycling through the countryside | Vivid descriptions of the lush landscapes amplify the idyllic setting. |
| The final scene | The imagery of Elio by the fireplace captures his profound sense of loss. |
Irony
Irony is used to highlight contradictions and deepen the audience’s understanding of the characters’ emotions.
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Elio’s initial indifference | Elio’s seeming indifference towards Oliver contrasts with his growing attraction. |
| Oliver’s engagement | Oliver’s future engagement contrasts sharply with his deep connection with Elio. |
Allusion
Allusions enrich the narrative by referencing cultural, historical, or literary elements.
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Reading from “Heart of Darkness” | Alludes to the complexity of the human heart and its hidden depths. |
| Classical music pieces | References to Bach and other composers highlight Elio’s intellectual background. |
Juxtaposition
Juxtaposition contrasts elements to emphasize differences and create a more complex narrative.
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Elio’s quiet introspection | Contrasted with Oliver’s outgoing personality, highlighting their differences. |
| The bustling city vs. the countryside | The tranquility of the countryside juxtaposed with the chaos of the city underscores the serenity of Elio and Oliver’s romance. |
Flashback
Flashbacks provide backstory and deepen the audience’s understanding of the characters’ past experiences.
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Elio’s memories of his father | Flashbacks to Elio’s father’s lessons on art and culture show the roots of Elio’s intellectualism. |
| Recollections of past summers | Elio’s reminiscences highlight the nostalgia and the recurring patterns of summer. |
Personification
Personification gives human traits to non-human elements to create a more relatable and vivid description.
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| The Italian villa | The villa seems to breathe and hold memories, becoming a character in its own right. |
| Nature around them | The trees and rivers are described as if they have feelings and memories, reflecting Elio’s emotions. |
Motif
Motifs are recurring elements that support the development of the theme and characters.
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| The motif of water | Water represents fluidity and change, appearing in various scenes like swimming and rivers. |
| The motif of books | Books symbolize knowledge and the intellectual bond between Elio and Oliver. |
Character Analysis Through Literary Devices
Elio Perlman
| Literary Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Symbolism | Elio’s piano playing symbolizes his emotional depth and intellectualism. |
| Imagery | The detailed descriptions of Elio’s surroundings reflect his sensitive and observant nature. |
Oliver
| Literary Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Irony | Oliver’s confident exterior contrasts with his internal vulnerabilities. |
| Allusion | His academic references and cultural knowledge emphasize his intellectual allure. |
Character Dynamics
| Relationship | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Elio and Oliver | Their relationship is driven by a complex interplay of desire, intellectual connection, and emotional growth. |
| Elio and his Father | The bond between Elio and his father is portrayed through subtle dialogues that reveal deep mutual respect and understanding. |
Thematic Analysis
Love and Desire
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Metaphor | The summer setting metaphorically represents the intensity and fleeting nature of first love. |
| Imagery | Vivid descriptions of intimate moments highlight the beauty and poignancy of love and desire. |
Identity and Self-Discovery
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Symbolism | Elio’s journey of self-discovery is symbolized through various objects and experiences, like the peach. |
| Flashback | Flashbacks to Elio’s past illustrate his evolving understanding of his own identity. |
Time and Memory
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Juxtaposition | The contrast between the vibrant present and reflective past highlights the theme of memory. |
| Motif | The recurring motif of water emphasizes the flow of time and the impermanence of moments. |
Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices
Visual and Sound Techniques
| Literary Device | Technique | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Symbolism | Cinematography | The use of lighting and color to enhance the symbolism in key scenes. |
| Imagery | Sound Design | The ambient sounds and music amplify the rich imagery described in the narrative. |
Key Scene Analysis
Scene Selection and Breakdown
1. The Peach Scene
YouTube Link: Peach Scene
- Breakdown: This scene is a poignant and sensual moment that encapsulates Elio’s sexual awakening and the depth of his feelings for Oliver. The use of the peach as a symbol and the intimate cinematography elevate this scene to one of the film’s most memorable moments.
2. The Final Fireplace Scene
YouTube Link: Final Scene
- Breakdown: The final scene where Elio sits by the fireplace is a powerful visual representation of loss and introspection. The lingering camera, combined with the haunting music, encapsulates the bittersweet conclusion of Elio’s journey.
Conclusion
Interactive Multiple Choice Quiz
Test Your Understanding!
- What does the peach symbolize in the film?
- A) Summer
- B) Elio’s sexual awakening
- C) Friendship
- Which literary device is used when Oliver says “Later” and it hints at their fleeting time together?
- A) Metaphor
- B) Foreshadowing
- C) Personification
- How is the theme of identity explored through Elio’s character?
- A) Through his relationship with his father
- B) Through his musical talent
- C) Through the objects and experiences that symbolize his self-discovery
(Answers: 1-B, 2-B, 3-C)