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It’s set in Italy because that is where the book is set. Elio is over the age of consent and has consented to the relationship, so it’s not exactly comparable to Spacey’s unwanted advances on underage boys and certainly not to pedophilia.
That said, I can completely understand finding the relationship uncomfortable. Armie Hammer looks way too old to be Oliver while Chalamet looks quite young and therefore the age gap between them looks more extreme than it is supposed to be. I didn’t particularly believe in the love story and found it uncomfortable to watch, but whether that was due to the age gap or the actors’ chemistry I’m not sure. Mostly I didn’t really warm to Armie Hammer.
I think there is an issue of perspective – the fantasy of an idyllic summer romance is supposed to be from Elio’s point of view. I even recall an interview or something where Ivory said something about this. Its about his first fling with this fantasy older man – there’s a significant difference between that and the perspective of an older man on seducing a teenager. I think that idea of perspective is a crucial difference between this and, say, Manhattan. However I don’t think it was entirely successfully pulled off – certainly it’s much less subjective than the book, we’re not as clearly immersed n Elio’s point of view, there’s a certain distance.
I don’t think the film is trying to sell their relationship to us as ideal, though. Doesn’t the last scene make that clear?
(Also, was anyone else reminded of Claire's Knee at any point or was that just me?)
Anyway, I’m not even in this HoF so will stop now. I do have mixed feelings on this movie but I absolutely love the song they used in the dancing scene. Such a great choice of something period-appropriate but not too obvious. Other period details like Elio’s rucksack were spot on too.
That said, I can completely understand finding the relationship uncomfortable. Armie Hammer looks way too old to be Oliver while Chalamet looks quite young and therefore the age gap between them looks more extreme than it is supposed to be. I didn’t particularly believe in the love story and found it uncomfortable to watch, but whether that was due to the age gap or the actors’ chemistry I’m not sure. Mostly I didn’t really warm to Armie Hammer.
I think there is an issue of perspective – the fantasy of an idyllic summer romance is supposed to be from Elio’s point of view. I even recall an interview or something where Ivory said something about this. Its about his first fling with this fantasy older man – there’s a significant difference between that and the perspective of an older man on seducing a teenager. I think that idea of perspective is a crucial difference between this and, say, Manhattan. However I don’t think it was entirely successfully pulled off – certainly it’s much less subjective than the book, we’re not as clearly immersed n Elio’s point of view, there’s a certain distance.
I don’t think the film is trying to sell their relationship to us as ideal, though. Doesn’t the last scene make that clear?
(Also, was anyone else reminded of Claire's Knee at any point or was that just me?)
Anyway, I’m not even in this HoF so will stop now. I do have mixed feelings on this movie but I absolutely love the song they used in the dancing scene. Such a great choice of something period-appropriate but not too obvious. Other period details like Elio’s rucksack were spot on too.
Though I did approve of the ending
yup joking. I remember Raul thought everyone would love Wizard of Oz and of course it didn't work out that way. My mom doesn't like that movie either, btw.
