Matt St.Clair's Top 10 Films Of 2017

1. Call Me By Your Name

Much like how Call Me By Your Name is about the struggle to find words to express passion, it’s hard to say what it is that is so great about it that hasn’t been said already. As the lyrics in one song that plays in the film suggest, “words don’t come easy.” But thanks to the direction of Luca Guadagnino, the love shared between Elio and Oliver doesn’t need to be expressed in words. It is shown in the form of shoulder rubs and hands with a lit cigarette that symbolizes their passion as hot as the boiling summer sun. It’s also a film about first love and how it can be exuberant yet confusing.

Both of those feelings are perfectly realized through the leading performance of Timothee Chalamet as Elio. Armie Hammer is equally as impressive as Oliver, the sweet yet vulnerable object of Elio’s affection. The chemistry between the two actors helps give the film a lot of heart along with Michael Stuhlbarg as Elio’s father. Despite Stuhlbarg being mostly in the background, his monologue near the end is one for the ages. The film is like a cherished memory with fragments that allow me to reflect upon it ranging from the beautiful songs by Sufjan Stevens to the film’s heartbreaking final shot.

To Luca Guadagnino, I say Grazie for this masterpiece!!!

Here’s to the New Year!!!!