I haven't seen this film, but I've seen a mix of opinions about it. I thought about going to see it at the cinema, but I'm not sure I need to see it before it's available at home that badly.
The only things I know are that the actor (Timothée) portrays young love well, apparently, and that there's a sexual encounter involving a peach.

Yes, opinions are very mixed and I completely understand why some people are disappointed.
I read the book after seeing the movie so I was picturing the actors while I read and they really were enchanting in the film.  Plus, the book does go a bit further so that was a bonus.

For me the ending (book and movie) made me sad, but I wasn't disappointed or offended by it.
All along I saw both characters as bisexual so their relationship wasn't defined by the fact that they were both men.  I'm sure this is heavily influenced by the fact that I am bisexual.  The fact that I ended up marrying someone of the opposite sex doesn't mean I stopped being bi. 
So, I didn't see Oliver marrying a woman as a betrayal or denial or who he is. 
I was disappointed that Oliver and Elio didn't end up together, but not because Oliver married a woman.
Oliver went with what was easy.  He could have possibly stayed with Elio, but it would've been hard. 
And in the end it might not have worked out anyway.
I believe their relationship, while beautiful and real, was one of those things that aren't meant to last.  They happen at a particular place and time and can change us forever, but from the start they have an expiration date.  Elio and Oliver loved each other in a bubble; and while it might have been possible to take it further, ultimately Oliver choose to go back to the real world.

On an additional note, even if you don't like the ending, the movie is absolutely gorgeous!  The cinematography, the music and the performances are all outstanding.  And Timothee Chalamet is quite deserving of his Oscar nomination.

Last edited by tonnaree (January 31, 2018 2:38 pm)

I've read the book about one year ago and was overwhelmed with the almost painful honesty of Aciman's writing. After my deep impression of the book it was definitely worth of waiting for the movie which is beautuful, moving and excellent performed. Excellent. I liked all of it, the music, the acting, the sunny landscapes, the subtle sensuality.

Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet are both superb at expression of these fragile feelings, heartbreakingly honest and absolutely human. I think, many of us could totally identify themselves with the characters of Elio or Oliver.

It’s amazing to know, that Luca Guadagnino is sure about the sequel.

Now I've read also " Harvard Square" and "Out of Egypt" by Aciman and just received also the very new book of him , "Enigma Variations ". I like his style, his language, his sense of humour.

Last edited by DramaQueen (March 4, 2018 3:42 pm)

Go and watch.
DVD and Blu-ray are also released.

I have the film sitting on my shelf waiting to watch and I'm not really sure I want to now.
Ha!

besleybean wrote:

I have the film sitting on my shelf waiting to watch and I'm not really sure I want to now.
Ha!

If you've already got it, there's no harm in watching it to see what you think. You might not think the same as I do. Like I tried to say in my post, it's not all bad. But I don't think it's all good either, and things that I think were intended to move me just didn't.
And if you don't like it, I suppose you can give it away to someone else who might.

SusiGo wrote:

Yitzock, I am quite relieved to hear that I am not the only one who is not in love with this film. By now I have both read the book and watched the film and can only say that they do not work for me. I have watched a lot of gay-themed movies: Maurice, The Circle, A Single Man, God's Own Country, The Normal Heart and others and every single one felt to me more honest and convincing. 

For one thing - funny enough - the love scenes between Elio and the girl seemed to me more genuine and loving than the ones between him and Oliver. And I can only agree with you about the other points. 

In the book there is not much more at the end. A summary of their future but nothing that would change the outcome of the film. 

And finally - I know there has been a lot of demand for gay-themed films with a positive ending where the gay characters do not suffer constantly or die or are depicted as villains. And precisely therefore I am astonished at the success of this film. 

 

I also thought that the scenes with Elio and Marzia tended to seem a bit more passionate, or at least they were less elliptical and seemed to last longer.

I get what you mean about "positive" ending for LGBTQ+ characters. On the one hand, I think that if it's based on a true story and there was struggle, it shouldn't be completely ignored. And I think generally that the fictional stories I enjoy most often have hardship or death. Lots of straight and cisgender characters in film and literature die, too. But I do think people like to see films with characters who don't have such a sad ending, like in this film. Elio's "sadness" at the end is something that could happen to anyone who's had a first love, of any sexuality or gender. And for once, the parents' disapproval was not a plot point, because Elio's parents supported him.
 

I just went and checked my DVD shelf.
It's actually God's own Country, I have...obviously!

Good stuff.

Yeah, I didn't find Oliver particularly likeable, either (or attractive, for that matter - characters would say he was handsome and I was thinking "sure, if you say so." That's personal preference, of course.). He doesn't really seem invested in the relationship, more like it's a kind of game for him or something. Just a diversion.
I actually didn't think the ending was that sad, but that could have been part of the reason why, other than the fact that nobody dies or gets harassed/shamed/attacked for their sexuality.