Spirituality in Call Me by Your Name

A reflection on spirituality and separation in Call Me by Your Name (Luca Guadagnino 2017; André Aciman 2007)
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Works Cited:
--Aciman, André. Call Me by Your Name. 2007. Picador, 2017.
--Call Me by Your Name. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, Sony Pictures Classics, 2017.
--Di Mattia, Joanna. “Beating Hearts: Compassion and Self-discovery in ‘Call Me by Your Name.’” Screen Education, vol. 91, pp. 8-15, 2018.
--Galt, Rosalind and Karl Schoonover. “Untimely Desires, Historical Efflorescence, and Italy in Call Me by Your Name.” Italian Culture, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 64-81, 2019, DOI: 10.1080/01614622.2019.1609220.
--Hudak, Justin. “Review: A Review of Call Me by Your Name, Courtesy of Philology 101.” A Journal of Humanities and the Classics, vol. 26, no. 2, 2018, pp. 151-160.
--Knievel, Seth. “Call Me by Your Name Dir. by Luca Guadagnino (review).” QED: A Journal in GLBTQ Worldmaking, vol. 7, no. 3, 2020, pp. 233-235.
--Like Stories of Old. “Anatomy of the Dreamlike Romance - Call Me by Your Name vs. Before Sunrise.” KZbin, 31 Mar. 2018.
--Roden, Frederick S. “Queer Jewish Memory: André Aciman’s Call Me By Your Name.” Journal of Modern Jewish Studies, vol. 18, no. 2, 2019, pp. 194-211, DOI: 10.1080/14725886.2019.1593702.
--Warren, Allen. “Life’s a Peach: The Convergence of Sexuality and Class in Guadagnino’s Call Me by Your Name.” Food Matters in Literature and Culture, vol. 8, no. 1, 2021, pp. 83-91.
Music: Sufjan Stevens's "Futile Devices," "Mystery of Love," and "Visions of Gideon." From
Call Me by Your Name: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Madison Gate, 2017.

[@quynhha1991]

I’m so obsessed with this movie, can’t get over it

[@ivonnevelez8055]

Same here ❤

[@jondishmonmusicandstuff2753]

The spell broke for me once I found out that army hammer eats human flesh yeah that ended the spell for me

[@quynhha1991]

@isaacetim6238 Not yet, I think I will come to read it someday

[@regianypires5283]

Me too. I can’t explain .

[@aratirao9149]

Same here too!

[@patrickmac2799]

I saw this movie while I was living in Florida 5 years ago. I now live in northern Italy, not far from where this was filmed. This is the sort of impact a film can make on someone's life. It is a beautiful poem.

[@boburzod]

are you happy with what you got?

[@patrickmac2799]

@@boburzod yes

[@Julia-be1zd]

I really wanna move to northern Italy too. How is life like there?

[@patrickmac2799]

@@Julia-be1zd It is a dream in summer if you live near the sea like I do. The food is good and the vistas are beautiful. Italians are not like Americans or English so there is ome cultural changes we need to make but I have found them to be lovely people.

[@drewm6119]

I love this, and I love your interpretation - I actually got so mad at even the filmmakers referring to the movie as just 'first love' because I always have seen the book and the movie as a representation of a once in a lifetime soulmate relationship. To just call this story 'first love' totally disregards the spiritual aspect for me.

[@helvete_ingres4717]

there was no 'spiritual aspect'..'love' as understood by this movie is purely physical, it's shallow as it gets. The father's speech, which everyone takes as the beating heart of the movie, is, in slightly more words, 'get laid while you're still hot'. This video is an extremely contrived thesis to generate clicks. Very profane too - 'queer and heavenly love', just no. Baffling movie for anyone to see anything of spiritual significance in - unless 'spiritual' to you means all that basic materialist bitch stuff like 'twin flames'. I wish people would stop revelling in utter shallowness and using words like 'divine' and 'spirit' for it b/c you (collectively) like how it sounds

[@goodToBeLost]

@@helvete_ingres4717 Interesting perspective. Could you recommend any movie that you personally consider to have captured well a more spiritual love?

[@lorainev.1295]

This guy was fantastic in CMBYN, effectively identifying with the character he played. Since then many films have followed in which he has done the same, continuously proving how talented he is. Indeed, till now Timothee Chalamet has never disappointed the audience. Greetings from France, Chalamet's second homeland!

[@thisisele]

i love the cinematography in this movie. i live in northern italy so the colors, the setting and the calmness is so nostalgic of my childhood summers i used to spend at my grandparents.

[@jlbarrientosc]

Same for me, I grew up in a small town in the South of Spain in the 80s

[@BlondedGarfield]

This video deserves literal millions of views, fantastic work

[@roc5291]

One of the things I noticed in the film was abundance of flies in scenes. I thought at first this was just real life flies just in the scene. But Director Luca Guadagnino was asked about this and refused to say. To me, it says something very subtle and yet profound about life. Flies only life for about 28 days. And their entire life is just meandering through from place to place before dying. Just like human beings often do. This one moment in time that Elio has with Oliver was these flies entire lives. And yet this one moment in Elio and Oliver’s long lives that was all too brief, will always be profound to both of them.

[@spcearcher]

i remember watching cmbyn for the first time in 2017, and it was so refreshing and comforting. i miss that first impression and how i felt back then. yes, i still watch the movie sometimes and read the book, but nothing compares to how i felt back in 2017. i'm just so glad to have had the opportunity to experience and study this world created by aciman and embellished by guadagnino.

[@sashapyrka1154]

As not native English speaker I didn't even know that Gideon is that guy from the bible. You brought a lot of light on that one skiped song of Sufjan's in Call Me by Tour Name. Thanks!

[@frederickroden3441]

A beautifully wrought and sensitive evocation of themes in the film adaptation.

[@dariobaxter4463]

I felt so represented by this film, I am also Jewish and bisexual like Élio and Oliver and I also identified a lot with Elio. 😊❤️ Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷💚

[@taliaf.3221]

The Jewish element of CMBYN is constantly brushed over because it's unfashionable. But bisexuality and Ashkenazi Jewish status are very similar: you seem like the societal norm, but once people find out who you truly are, you become the other. Bisexuality and Judaism are used as metaphors for each other through out the movie.

[@gabihill9016]

wonderful insight! i haven’t seen many people talk about the spirituality aspect of this film

[@nilanjanakundu3482]

Hello! I got to know about so many sources from your video. I have my dissertation submission on 27th. I would must say that your video and the bibliography really help me. Thanks a lot .

[@henleyaster]

Immaculate, best CMBYN vid I have ever seen. So complex and artful but wholly communicative. It reminded me of a thought by Italo Calvino "la fantasia è un posto dove piove" fantasy is a place where it rains.

[@hajil_e_duj9642]

🎶 I have love this film again Because of this video Because of your video 🎶

[@yo8833]

What a beautiful essay; you have a unique gaze and sensibility. This is marvelous

[@siweslibrary]

Beautiful analysis! I never considered the spiritual essence of the film and novel. After watching this it all makes sense from Aciman's text to Sufjan Stevens's soundtrack.

[@innagrishina4630]

Your analysis is so beautiful. Thank you for spelling out the things that were felt but no sounded out loud. You have a voice that fits so well with “the sensory stuff”. )

[@volveracasa969]

Awesome video analysis/interpretation, this video felt quite “unrealistic” due to the fantastic narration and references. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@andreaf8404]

this video is incredible. thank you, so much, truly ❤

[@clovu712]

What an excellent video you’ve made. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on religion as I have no knowledge of those stories. It gives this wonderful movie yet another layer of beauty and complexity. Thank you so much for this!

[@leonardoderosaASAP]

Great insights. I will come back to this interesting video to further understand your beautiful stances. I did not think about the spiritual side of the movie. But it is right there, I can start to see it now. I guess that the love that millions of people have for this story has its origins in the archetipical nature of Elio and Oliver' love. Their story is just as eternal and potent as the biblical figures you mentioned. Thanks, keep on going with more videos! ( sorry for my english, i'm italian ahhahaha)

[@cynthiaaaxox]

Cant describe it better. This video deserves more views

[@Tutulolbff]

Beautiful video! I’ve loved this movie since it came out and rewatch it every once in a while. I love finding these analysis videos that help me to understand and love it even further. The religion aspect is a new thing that I never realized or saw in other analysis videos so thank you!

[@Masonmadesunshines]

This is the best video analysis i've even seen.

[@guilhermeoliveira9215]

Truly fantastic, you put into words all I felt when I finished watching the movie and why I love it so much. For me this story is much more than the tale of a summer love, it is almost a retelling of an ancient myth, or better yet a present-day rendition of greek mythology

[@deannahirbawi7639]

I love this analysis!!

[@marmar929]

Such a good analysis of a theme in the story often overlooked. Great job!

[@nuwanarts20089]

Amazingly deep analysis of my favourite film from this century, so far!!!!

[@jylyhughes5085]

Thank you so much for this beautiful and sensitive spiritual approach to this sublime film. Deeply moved and grateful. 💙💙💙

[@jaquelinebernhard5682]

Merci pour cette vidéo et aussi pour la France qui est un petite moitié de Timothee, ce bijou ❤❤❤

[@giuliettamassina7787]

Les moitiés sont égales par définition. Timothée attribue définitivement son côté français à ce titre et l’a dit dans des interviews.

[@seaofflowers.]

Wow, thank you for this video. Adds so much more to an already deeply beautiful film. 🌹🌹🌹

[@rachel-qt2un]

absolutely love this, you worded everything so perfect.

[@blackcoffeguzzler]

Wow. Really astute analysis. Kind of blown away. You deserve more views.

[@loveatprogress]

thank you, you're so kind ❤

[@nilanjanakundu3482]

Hello! Loved your analysis. Could you please provide me the PDFs of three sources that you mentioned. I need that for my academic research. I want third, fourth and eighth source that you cited . I would be really grateful if you can send me those .

[@ItsChrissey]

Thank you sm for this! made me love the film even more.. Elio & Oliver~ theirs is the most beautiful love story 😪❤️‍🩹

[@elanasmusic]

Beautiful video

[@masonwalkerr]

this was incredible i loved being shown this perspective i finally understand so many parts about the movie that i never understood

[@stefanmusaki8881]

Well written ✍️

[@moma-b]

11:42 Have you listened to the commentary version of the movie? That "look into the camera" was not planned. It shouldn't have happened, he did it unintentionally. ;)

[@loveatprogress]

I don't believe I have! I'll check it out :)

[@HenryGray7401]

the whole movie was the portrait of a young boy on fire

[@vickymnichols4784]

Very interesting … my favourite film 🇮🇹😍

[@judethedudeisrude16]

Thanks for the video, well done. The film and movie speak to me in way nothing else has. It is something so viscerally, so painfully relatable as a gay man to see them love each other, I saw myself in Elio. When he silently cried with it parents around, like he wasn’t fully allowed or comfortable to feel upset about the loss of his lover much like many queer people in society feel today. A tragic story as old as time that is buried away in history due to stigma.

[@penniv9870]

Exquisite analysis. Thank you.

[@Maggiolone85]

I'm a devout, rather traditional Catholic and watched this film for the first time recently. I studied Italian film & art in my undergrad years for a bit in Rome. CMBYN has undeniable spiritual elements that are very obvious. Yes, it's a bit too sensual at times, but you can plainly see Elio & Oliver (and Elio"s father) are really searching for deep male friendship, companionship and affection - an affection among men that transcends sex, but here is presented sexually. I only wish that Oliver would have asked Elio to be a groomsman !

[@nelly_pa]

Thank you so much for this beautiful and insightful analysis of the movie. This is so well done - I love your work here and your passion in it. Love & Light ✨

[@theresaheyer537]

beautiful Timmy

[@isabelleliu995]

May I ask where the background music is from? I searched on KZbin, but can't find it anywhere. It really makes your video feel all the more ethereal

[@loveatprogress]

It's called "Song for Dad" by Humans Win. I pulled it from Storyblocks.com :)

[@nouspartimes]

it is brilliant, thank you :)

[@anajulia6020]

gosh... amazing. Loved your video, thank you

[@KhumoMarkham]

I absolutely love this video.

[@jaquelinebernhard5682]

How lucky you are, ❤

[@brendakagyekum92]

I love your take on this. New sub

[@zissumanter]

Human love, divine love, queer love gay love . Whatever you call it. It can only be when young. It can only be in "first". Lets not forget Italy and a great parents.

[@pradnyatoraskar9326]

love this SO much

[@norzakiahabdmajid5975]

Beautiful explaination👍👍👍

[@4gvs]

thank you so much for this video.

[@pavanb6412]

Thank you for the analysis

[@aweckzs]

great video! well researched

[@AromaAsol]

¿Hay alguien que hable español? No entiendo muy bien inglés y realmente me interesa el tema, podrías, por favor, hacer un resumen de lo que dice el video? Amo mucho esta película ❤

[@giuliettamassina7787]

El video compara las luchas de las personas bisexuales con el sentido judío de separarse debido a su historia. El autor judío lo sugiere en la novela en la que se basa la película. El director es gay. Por supuesto, la película es la historia de un niño menor de edad con un hombre adulto. La película está ambientada en la hermosa campiña italiana y presenta a artistas y música hermosa, lo que ayuda a romantizar algo que se sale de las normas sociales.

[@BakaNeBaka]

Love your voice. AND the actual study of this piece of cinema that MUST be studied.... ha The Biblical inclusion is personally painful...

[@LAZISH]

Simply wow!!!! Also, the novel is heavily influenced by Marcel Proust'a in search of lost time.

[@nouspartimes]

(oh, thanks for this insight, i will read the book again with that in mind)

[@joshmiller4676]

Close but no cigar... why does Mafalda ask Elio if he's been to the Gaverina?

[@iz1444]

❤

[@arjunviswanath543]

How would he live his future??.. I wanna know it.. because I don't know how to live after such a heart break...🥺

[@Confused_Waterbag]

8:25, what is Berlusconi in this context?

[@lauren9004]

interesting

[@BythiosBythosBrahma]

Queer and heavenly jearnings

[@srenmauritsen1343]

Whats the title of the first song, from 00:00-02:47? :)

[@loveatprogress]

"Song for Dad" by Humans Win. Got it from Storyblocks.com!

[@dtony1964]

You sure read a lot into that movie. I saw the fireplace scene as Elio working his way through the loss and grief. It was symbolized obviously as it takes the rest of us years. Then, his mother calls him back among us family. When he looks at us we know he's going to be okay.

[@THETOJAHS.7]

Isn't queer not allowed in the Bible

[@sebsun]

One of the most overrated movies ever! Most can't get past their lust for Timothee Chalemet, and thus project nuance and meaning to this film where little existed. If you are objective and can get past the superficial nature of the film, you would be able to acknowledge that their wasn't chemistry between the two leads, and while the music was beautiful, it did not properly align with some of the scenes in the film. Timmy is intoxicating, I get it :)

[@spcearcher]

i have no words to describe how much this video means to me. your analysis is so well organized and touching. thank you so much for this! 😭🤍