Beuniq - Be Uniq , Be Cinematic - Tumblr Blog

The studio version of “For Your Love” is good. The live version is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING HOLY FUCK!!!

miss ya :’(

How I wish GoT to end

1) Jon Snow and Daenerys rulling on the throne together as king and queen. Although this is highly unlike and I believe realistically one or maybe both of them will die I wish for this.

Or

2) Sansa takes the throne. Unlike most I like her arch as a character and can see alot of parallels between her and Cersei. I think this could be a very interesting bittersweet ending depending on which side of the coin her character lands.

Or

3) The Night King takes the throne and evil rules. This is the dark part of me coming to the light. It would just be so cool considering how much his character has been built up to see this unstoppable force take what he wants.

I have many other theories that do not regard the throne but they shall wait for another day.

Why I already love the joker movie

This is based on the trailer alone and I am well aware of the fact that the real movie could be garbage.

The movie is so clearly inspired by iconic films of the 70s like all of Martin Scorsese work (Taxi driver) which is interesting because at one point he was in talks to direct this movie. The directing and cinematography looks absolutely beautiful. The way the music swelled when the joker was running down the tunnel was beyond beautiful. The pilled up trash by the dinner showing how disgusting Gotham is but also a reflection of the jokers inner mind and feelings. I was truely surprised when I recalled that Todd Philips us directing considering his previous body of work (Hangover, Due Date, War Dogs) this comes right out of left field and does so in the greatest way.

All the lines said in the trailer were so powerful particular what the joker writes in his notebook "The worst thing about having mental health is having to pretend that you don't" which speaks to a discrimination that still exists in society today. Joaquin Phoenix truly comes across as someone who has zero control because of his own illness and the world's treatment of him, as shown by him getting beaten up numerous of times. Gotham makes joker into a villian just how it made Batman in the hero it deserves it got the villian it deserves with the joker. Also I hope that little boy is Bruce Wayne.

I was very much reminded of movies like American Pyscho, Nightcrawler not from a stylistic perspective but when it comes to analysing these horrible evil people and seeing inside their minds, thier perspective. This idea of hearing a mask, forcing a smile because the joker cannot smile himself is an incredible idea and what makes the arc of the trailer alone where in the final shot he finally smiles.

The tragedy of the everyman as popularized by Death of A salesmen is taken to the full extreme here and I cannot wait to see how it plays out. Especially is they do the infamous talk show scene from the dark knight returns plus it was a good nod to the 70s by having Robert de niro be the host. I have many many thoughts on this trailer that I could spend hours typing away but all in all I am very excited for this film and cannot wait to see it opening night.

Ps - Heath Ledger did an amazing performance as the joker as did Jack Nicholson and Mark Hamill and there can be many actors who give different performances so don't just not like this movie because Heath Ledgers joker is the only joker because that is simply not true and you could be missing out on another great joker performance.

Titans

This trailer has me conflicted.

If you know me then you know i adore Robin and Nightwing and from the pictures of his costume it looks great but then in the trailer he stepped on someones neck. He wouldn't do that like I understand he is stepping out from Batmans shadow but it's not in his nature to say "F*** Batman", in my opinion. Also why is Dick Grayson like 10x older than the rest of the cast. I love all the iterations of Robin and I don't want to see Dick Grayson disrespected like this when his character has such amazing archs and depth.

Then there is Starfire who I love, I have no problem with them choosing and actress of colour to play her and I think she was the best part of the trailer. My only quarrel is with her wig and the fur coat as I personally don't think it matches with her as a character. Also I would of liked to see her and Robin interact but I understand that they can only show so much in a trailer.

Beast Boy looks so budget and I doubt they will even be able to display his powers properly in this show. Raven looks great to me and her powers look well realised and i like the way she ended the trailer.

Going for the dark setting because it's an edgy, gritty show but it comes across that they couldn't afford to pay for good lighting. I am getting a CW Riverdale vibe from the show (there is nothing wrong with that) but I was hoping for a show more elevated.

I am trying to have faith in this show as I love these characters so much and I have seen them done well before but this trailer is making it hard.

Boy Erased

Boy Erased looks like such an incredible heart breaking film.

It's good to see Joel Edgerton directing again after doing such a good job with The Gift. I'm excited to see how he has progressed as a director and how he will handle such a different project.

I'm so happy Lucas Hedges is getting leading roles that show off his acting range. The cast is amazing and will most likely all do a stellar job also having Troye Sivan is always a plus.

The trailer made me cry but also made me wish i could see the movie right now.

P.S. - I think this is gonna be a great awards contender

Fox Cancellations and the Disney Deal

As we know today Fox cancelled many of there TV shows including Brooklyn Nine Nine and Lucifer, this has left many fans angered.

Fox as a company have now got a deal with the NFL for Thursday Night Football which means much of their roster has to change. However this is not the only reason for the cancellations. Many people are thrilled at the possibility of Disney buying out Fox as it means all the Marvel characters shall be united but many of them forget the negatives that follow such a big deal. Multitudes of people will lose their jobs as Disney doesn't need doubles of a job and also by Disney buying Foxs entertainment it also means it will be buying some of their TV shows, which I am not sure.

With this deal it proves that Foxs heads Rupert Murdoch and his two sons James and Lachlan Murdoch are no longer intrested in producing or creating original content and would rather have their focus on news and sports.

There is always the possibility that Chomecast get the deal instead of Disney as they are offering cash whilst Disney offers stocks so even all of you routing for Disney should be cautious in your faith.

Lastly, Brooklyn Nine Nine has been picked up by NBC so Lucifer fans should have some hope that another studio will pick up the show.

Tranquillity Base Hotel and Casino (My Thoughts)

After listening to the album I find myself in a state of confusion. Unlike many Arctic Monkeys fans I am not enamoured with the album, insted I find myself leaning to the side of disappointment.

I complete understand an artist evolving and it has been 5 years since AM so I am incredibly proud to see the band push out into a complete new style. The 70's throwback vibes make it a more relaxing album compared to some of their previous more festival head banging songs. Naturally this change has thrown me for a loop.

However I would say that the album demands repeat listening in order for you to decode each lyric and figure out you own feelings towards it.

I'm unsure about how non Arctic Monkeys fans will view this album as it isn't as commercially viable as AM was but then again neither was Suck it and See or Whatever People Say I Am and both if them found success.

Perhaps it is my own fault for having to high expectations and this is causing my disappointment but it could also simply be that I am not a fan of this style of music, only time will tell.

Since Infinity War my brain has been running wild with theories so here are some of the thoughts i have right now (they will change as Antman and the Wasp as well as Captain Marvel come out). Spoilers.

As we’ve seen Tony and Peters father and son dyamic grow it is a possibility that in Avengers 4 we see Tony lay down his life to save Peter. Which would be heartbreaking. Or the whole pregnancy conversation was forshadowing and since Avengers 4 takes place 5 years later we see Tony and a preganant Pepper, if she is alive.

There is obviously no way Spider Man is remaining dead but I also think that it is unlikely that Cap will die despite the iconic death of Captain American. This is because with Red Skulls apperance there is already a basis for another Captain Anerica movie as well as the rise of Hydra (again). As well as Bucky being able to get his revenge on Hydra for all they did to him.

However if Captain America did die we could see either Falcon or Bucky take on the mantel as they have done in the comics. Then again we can see Bucky be the White Wolf now and stay in Wakanda (if Wakanda is even still ok). Side note: Imagaine how cool it would be to see Bucky with a white metal arm and when he fights his opponents blood gets sprayed on the arm. The visuals!

Speaking of visuals, Doctor Strange. By far the best avenger in Infinity War (in my opinion) his powers has such a great range and flare but despite Cummberbatchs teasing of maybe no Doctor Strange 2 with that end credit scene there is no way it’s not happening as otherwise there would be this massive loose thread. I’m sure Kevin Feige doesn’t want that.

Another magical being is Wanda aka Scarlett Witch at the end of Infinity War we see her in a very vulnerable state. I believe this state can be manipulate by Thanos using the reality stone so he can trick Wanda using either Vision or Quicksilver in order to stop her destroying the stones. This can do one of two things either give us an epic moment where we get to see Wanda take control and destroy the stones or we can see Wanda loose control, if she lost control we would get to see her go bad and get a House of M storyline. No matter which way she goes we would still get to see how power at the fullest extent. I also believe Wanda will go off with Doctor Strange as Kevin has said they are using the same magic but Wanda’s is out of the control. Therefore when she goes off with Doctor Strange she will be able to control her magic and together they will take down Baron Mordo.

Thor is the character I am must unsure about he is someone with nothing to lose and despite his wit and winning looks he is a character who has suffered. This suffering has proven in Infinity War he is willing to lay down his life to save the galaxy. Possibly in Avengers 4 he will actually die doing so but if he doesn’t die we could see him go off with the Guardians of the Galaxy. Infinity War has proven they have a great dynamic and can play well off each other. Another option is that he could go off with Bruce Banner due to their founded friendship in Ragnorok. Side Note: Seriously where is Valkyrie?

Bruce Banner/Hulk are going to have to sort out there issues. Clearly we have seen Hulk in a vulnerable state now as he was beaten by Thanos making his scared and hurting his pride. With such a new character development I found hard to believe that he will die but I don’t think that he will be around as frequently or as prominently in the next phase. We also need to get closure with him and Black Widows relationship. I am also unsure if they will end up together but if they do I think it would be a walk off into the sunset kind of ending.

We have to talk about the first female Avenger Black Widow, with the recent talks off an all female marvel film I highly doubt this team would happen without Black Widow as many people have been waiting for her solo film so to not include her would be extremely disappointing. I also think if Hawkeye is alive that Natasha will be the one to bring him back in due to their close friendship.

The Guardians I am the most unsure about, Gamoras death could either bring them closer together or push them further apart. I don’t think anyone will die from the Guardians but if someone did I think it would be Starlord. Also with the absences of any MCU superhero couples Mantis and Drax I think will end up admitting their feelings to one another.

Another person who is definitely safe is Black Panther to be honest I was surprised they killed him anyway. Black Panther is safe as he is now an icon there is no way they are letting this money maker die having only one movie.

Antman and the Wasp is the next Marvel movie coming out, we do know that Avengers 4 will feature a teen Antman daughter due to it’s future setting. However I think the film will end with either the two in the Quantum Realem to avoid death or one maybe both of them dying. Hank Pym will not die however as he will be reunited with his wife. In Avengers 4 we could see both pairs of Antman and Wasp or even in their own movie. I also think in Avengers 4 we see the science team eith Hank, Tony, Bruce and Shuri. If Shuri is still alive. This team will be working to either break the stones, reverse time etc.

The last character is the one and only Captain Marvel. She is said to be the strongest Avenger in the MCU so her strength is what will be used to beat Thanos. Yet in her own film I think she is going to abandon earth to stay with Jude Laws character. However she will leave on good terms as shown by Nick knowing her pager. The reason I believe she leaves is because Nick has to contact via pager. I do hold out hope that Captain Marvel will set up Secret Invasion and we will see that as the next big event.

Once Avengers 4 ends there will be ramifications and also a new Avengers no matter how much I try I do not know and I am just as excited as all of you.

Questions I have after Infinity War

SPOILERS

Is Valkyrie dead?

Is Cap gonna find out Red Skull is alive?

Is Red Skull going to bring Hydra back?

Did they really just destroy Wakanda?

Is anyone actually dead or are they going to bring back everyone or just the ones who faded to ash?

Is the time stone going to be used to bring everyone back?

Is Hawkeye dead as well, going to be in Avengers 4 or he's just off being with his family?

Is Antman and the Wasp going to end with them turning to ash?

Is it bad that I find Thanos really charismatic?

With all the OG Avengers being left alive who of them will die in Avengers 4 (if any)?

Will Marvel let Wanda be fully evil one day?

Why is Thors life so sad?

Solo's Suffering

Solo is the newest movie comimg out from the star wars/disney system whilst it isn't the first non episode movie for the franchise it is breaking a lot of new ground.

Solo is focusing on one titular character which we have come to know so well throughout the episodes. Han Solo is alot of people's favourite character and to reinterpret him will naturally upset and offended some people because he won't be portrayed the way everyone wants him to be.

Not only is their a problem with fans reactions but also Alden Ehrenreich has both the honour and burden of the character cemented in Harrison Fords legacy. We have become so use to associating the character with Harrison that to see a new face take over will take a lot of great acting and script writing to convince us this younger actor is the same Han Solo from episodes 4,5 & 6.

Then there is an issue of release date Solo abandons a now tradition for Star Wars which is having a December release. By ditching this month for May Solo faces more competition as May is in the mayhem which is the summer movie season. Of course diehard fans will still go regardless of a date but the average movie goer can often only afford one movie a month in the cinema. In May you have Avengers: Infinity War , Deadpool 2 and then there's Solo.

Lastly you have the problem with directors, now an infamous issue in which Kathleen Kennedy fired Phil Lord and Chris Miller and insted instated Ron Howard to take over the project. This will naturally give the film two different feelings as we are seeing the film through two (or shall I say three) people's eyes. Obviously there is the example of Josh Trank being fired from Rouge One and Garreth Edwards taking over however the difference in that situation is that Rouge One was a story already told just without the visuals, it was building on something pre-established whilst Solo is doing something new. This change naturally brings out trepidation as we have seen directors taking over projects from other directors fail before. We've seen this in Justice League, A.I and Bad Girls each has it's own set of circumstances but some would say the same outcome.

All of these points have definitely hurt Solo in some form in the end they might have just enhanced the film but to see that we will have to wait till May.

My Problem with All Female Remakes

I'm a believer in representation and I think that's incredible important that people can see themselves portrayed in the media however I disagree with seperating the different types of people to thier own specific media.

All female remakes are the prime example of this as insted of making it so that men and women are on the stage they create the same inbalance just reversing the genders who have power. This isn't setting a positive example for the future of film but the complete opposite.

I have more of a problem with the remake aspect then the all female part, this is because it shows Hollywoods like of originality and lack of faith in actresses. Lack of originality is shown as writers can't think of new original characters which could be female that insted they have too just use other peoples. The lack of faith is shown by the belief that these films would only be successful if they have a previous brand name attached to it. The problem is we already know this is not true as we've had Bridesmaids, Bad Moms and Girls Trip which all disprove this ideology.

When we hear all female remake we think of the newest incarnation of Ghostbusters and Oceans Eight. My biggest problem with these two films is they are of films which didn't need a remake or sequel. Insted of using this fresh idea to improve a C rated movie they apply it to A rated movies with large fanbases. This only feuls hate to the films and make people go in with a biased mindset as they have expectations and prejudices set up by the original movies.

Rather then undercutting all these incredible actresses and properties Hollywood should make original properties which can showcase the women in thier glory whilst not making them the enemy to men.

Fast And Furious - Perfect Popcorn Picture

The fast and furious franchise is by no means one of the greatest of all time and the films are never of astounding acting or revolutionary direction however they forfill their purpose perfectly. This franchise reason for continuation is that it’s a popcorn flick which suits the summer movie season. It has mass appeal because of its gigantic action scenes which they manage to continuously up the anti of. Each next instalment has you wondering how they will make an even bigger spectical.

Whilst the acting isn’t going to get any Oscar nominations the cast has a great chemistry (when they aren’t fighting one another backstage) which pushes the running message of family. The film also has a clear understanding of who are its stars (The Rock, Vin Diesel, Paul Walker [may he rest in peace] and the newcomer Jason Statham) yet it doesn’t let them overshadow the secondary characters (Tyrese, Ludicrous, Michelle Rodriguez). I do believe they have added too many characters into the franchise making it hard for everyone to be unique and have character development. Yet having so many characters means their is more representation of each demographic, this means more people are going to show up to watch your movie as they are reflected in it. I think that this franchise shows Hollywood how you can have diversity (in both race and gender) without it feeling like tokenism.

From the first film which focused on the realistic aspects of the world of underground street racing it was Fast Five which breathed life into this B rated franchise. It did this by making it unrealistic; and by adding The Rock. These impossible aspects is what turned the franchise into a popcorn series and made it reach the heights that it has today.

Being a popcorn picture is not a bad thing after all the Fast and Furious franchise just keeps making more and more money with the mose recent instalment (Fate of the Furious) earning over a billion at the box office, guaranteeing the franchises future. Also by being a popcorn picture you’re more likely to have a fanbase which means more movies, more money. Who wouldn’t want that?

The Importance of Nightwing

Nightwing is also known as Dick Grayson and previously Robin. When he was dismissed from his Robin position Dick Grayson had decided he wasn’t done with the vigilant life and becomes Nightwing.

Admittedly I’m not excited for the supposed upcoming Nightwing movie (which I do not believe will go ahead) or Brenton Thwaites portrayal of this character in the live action Titans series. This is because I don’t have faith that they will do the character justice. Hopefully I’m just being cynical and will be proven wrong.

Nightwing for me has always been both masculine and feminine never really molding into one category. Which I appreciate as it shows how everyone is both masculine and feminine because we have a wide vary of traits. Dick Grayson comes from a circus backgroud with this past his fighting style is more elegant and has more of a performance nature. This is unlike most superheroes who have a very strong and dominant presence in the arena.

Starfire is Nightwings first love and the two shared an beautiful relationship that questioned wither it’s love or lust. I think that it’s Nightwings awkward innocence in this relationship that makes it so sweet. It is also this innocence that puts Nightwing in the more vulnerable position. This type of vulnerability in love isn’t shown often for the man as it’s seen as emasculating them but in fact it’s doing the opposite.

Batgirl and Nightwing, I love this relationship despite it never really having a happy ending. The two have always had feelings for each other but after the devestation of The Killing Joke their relationship just doesn’t seem to work. Yes, Nightwing does sleep around and is a playboy but it’s always very affectionate besides you can always tell he loves Barbara Gorden.

He’s a rape victim whilst male rape does happen in comic books much more then in the media of TV and Film I still think the fact that Nightwing has been raped twice makes it even more heartbreaking. Besides males being abused by females is a thing that needs to be talked about more often because it is a thing that happens which people tend to sweep under the rug. The fact that Nightwing is a character who can do this futher goes to show his importance as he is providing such a taboo topic a platform.

Nightwing is important as he shows the diverse sides of the heterosexual male often not shown in the media. He displays the various vunerablities of humans and also opens up topics for discussion that others keep closed.

Why Dunkirk is a different type of war film

———SPOILERS——–

Majority of war films have sad disturbing imagery that show the truth of war and life in the trenches but with quite a few of these films there is this sense of patriotism, brotherhood and sacrifice. These are the themes which pull on our heart strings and make us more understanding of the characters motives.

Then there’s Dunkirk…

Dunkirk is more then just a movie by Christopher Nolan starring Harry Styles, it is technically incredible to watch with multiple sequences that make you feel genuine fear. However I believe it’s the movies core message that makes it so special.

I would compare Dunkirk to Apocalypse Now not because they are similar films but because of how they explore the darker more sinister aspects of war that are rarely spoken about. Over here in England I remember multiple people being appalled by its lack of patriotism when I came out of the screening. I felt quite the opposite and thought this new prospective was a breath of fresh air into a genre that can be seen as tiresome to some. This idea that it was every man for themselves and that the government could turn their back on thier own men was new and original. It showed how when we are in such heavy situations we cannot help but let our survival instincts take over even if they do not align with our own moral code. Yet as the storm calms we see that we do abide by that code which is shown by Kenneth Branagh staying behind to help the French allies.

Cillian Murphy’s character of a soldier suffering from PTSD shows how traumatising the war is and while it may not be the first time this has been talked about or shown on film it still manages to remind you of the damage war does. The film pushes you in your ability to empathize and sympathize as Cillian does murder sailor boy George, even though it’s not deliberate is the act itself forgivable because he is a man who’s suffering. When a film pushes you to ask such deep questions that is when it has truly made an impact.

Tom Hardy shows the sacrifice of war a man who very easily could have turned around and safed himself but insted chose to risk his life to save people whom he didn’t know. Hardy represents all the unknown soldiers, forgotten heroes who made sacrifices not for glory or fame but for the future. At the end of the film he is captured and we know none will save him and those soldiers he saved won’t ever know who he is but it’s the fact that he did it which means the most.

Harry Styles is the survivor, a soldier who did what he had to do in order to live but he is not a man without a conscious. At the end of the film on the train he talk about (and I’m paraphrasing) “we just survived” and him being ashamed of the man for not looking at him because he feels guilty for his actions and wishes he did more.

By Dunkirk not focusing on one character it is able to say more despite it taking place in such a short time pireod. It’s a film that is a cinematic experience from the 70mm viewing to the realism of every noise. I believe that whilst Dunkirk does challenge difficult subject matters it does still show the patriotism, brotherhood and sacrifice while it may not be so plain to see it is there.

Dunkirk is different type of war film as it has a balance its able to display the different people in the war but also able to show both the positives and negatives of the war.

Why Nobody is talking about Pitch Perfect 3

Rather then being an analysis of the film this piece examines the marketing of a movie, so no spoilers here.

This film came out during Christmas time, obviously different countries mean different dates but for the majority it screened during the festive period. Yes it’s true that films released very close to the big day tend to not earn as much due to people busy with other activities. However there is always a rise in ticket sales after the 25th (when people have free time on thier hands) yet Pitch Perfect 3 still couldn’t make an impact. Why is this?

Overcrowding In that week of release Pitch Perfect 3 was contending with Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle, Star Wars - The Last Jedi and The Greatest Showman. If that wasn’t enough this years awards season films Mollys Game, All The Money In The World and Shape Of Water were also competing. Most people cannot afford to see all these films so they chose one and Pitch Perfect 3 wasn’t alot of people’s choices.

No Hype While the film most certainly has an fanbase shown by it’s great hype for the first and second movie. For this release the fans just didn’t seem to care as much with the film not being as talked about as the previous two instalments.

Wrong Date, Wrong Time Not only was this film released at one of the most crowded periods of time it also isn’t a festive film. On the other hand neither is any of the other movies that were in cinema but unlike those movies Pitch Perfect 3 had a last minute marketing switch up which using the 12 days of pitchmas song left audiences confused as to wither or not it is a festive movie. Then there is also the factor of demographic which for the franchise would be blanketed as teen girls or musical fans. The teen girl demographic would of had more fun if the film came out in summer when they are on holiday and can go with all thier friends. Whilst musical fans had The Greatest Showman which had a lot of hype due to its star studded cast and unbelievable music so they were more likely to see that film.

Conclusion All in all this isn’t an assessment of the movie but why some films, big or small, franchise or solo, don’t do as well as anticipated or fall under the radar. Whilst the cast did talk about a possible fourth instalments with those box office numbers it isn’t likely but you never know what will happen on the ancillary market.

Three Billboards - Jason Dixon

——SPOILERS—–

Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing Missouri is a complex ensamble movie based around the three billboards our protagonist Mildred sets up about the death and rape of her daughter. Eventhough it is an ensemble piece and every ones acting is incredible, due to an great script written by Martin McDonagh, however Sam Rockwells character Jason Dixon stood out the most to me because of his character arc.

At the beginning of the film I hated him so much, I honestly wanted him to die. His racist, homophobic and pure aggression made him seem unredeemable to me yet as the film progresses we see him change. When he receives that letter from Chief Willoughby there is this moment where he becomes vunrable, he’s lost his idol, friend and his career. The words of his dead partner strike him so much so that he wants to change.

We see this first when the fire breaks out and he saves the rape case file rather then just saving himself showing how he does care.

Then in the hospital he breaks down into tears when facing Red Welby who he mercilessly beat to a pulp. He cries not only due to the guilt of his actions but also that Red still shows him kindness despite his actions.

His character arc ends in the last third where we see a man who hated minorities now being a minority (due to his burns). We are also taught a lesson about not jumping to conclusions as we find out that Jason never burned the billboards and so was scorned for no reason. Yet it is this scarring that has now made him a decent human being.

The last thing that made me forgive him was the beating that he took in order to criminalise the rapist, risking his life in order to do so. It showed that he was a man who believed in justice and was willing to go the extra mile to get it.

Jason’s influenced by his mother who has these beliefs about the world so his ability to overcome this poisonous views and become a better person us extremely powerful. He is by no means a great human being as we all have our flaws but the fact that this movie was able to make me do a completely 180° on someone who I thought I could never change my mind about deserves my utmost respect and applause.

A Star To Watch - Lucas Hedges

Lucas Hedges is an actor who just keeps working you may not see him and instantly recognise him but you will know that you know him. He perfectly defines the saying ‘no small parts only small actors’ as in all his roles his parts aren’t the main yet he still manages to leave an impact.

His filmography is already incredible starring in such high calibre films like; Moonrise Kingdom, Grand Budapest Hotel, Manchester By The Sea, Lady Bird and Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing Missouri. All of these films star such great actors, incredible direction plus get a lot of awards attention.

He has shown his range by taking a vast amount of roles all very different from one another. My personal favourite was his performance in Lady Bird as he was sweet and charming but the scene outside the coffee shop was so impactful despite its brief nature. The scene really stuck with me and made me pay attention to him.

In the future watch out for Lucas Hedges because there are going to be bigger and brighter things in his future (hopefully a leading role).

Why Call Me By Your Name is my favourite movie of 2017

A bit late I know but any excuse to gush about this movie I will take. It was upon my second viewing of the film when I realised that this movie had become my number one. For some this my not be a hard fleet but for me, who watches nearly all the movies released from indie to blockbuster, comic book to Oscar bait, this is a massive feet especially since I watched it so late in the year. Typically my favourite movies are those which move me so deeply or ones which question my belief system. Whilst Call Me By Your Name didn't overly push my beliefs it did help me come to terms with myself but it did also shake me to my very core.

The film isn't a GAY love story it's just a love story which happens to be between two men. In reality it could be anyone in Elios or Olivers shoes and that's part of the films beauty. The fact that it's a relationship which we all long for, such a heart warming and passionate love.

Whilst the film could have easily been cinematic porn Luca Guadagnino directing makes it so every sexual encounter is tender, endearing and captivating. A clear example of this is when the two have sex for the first time rather then showing the act we pan to a beautiful elegant tree. This single tree for me symbolizes Elios and Olivers relationship so perfectly.

The only really sexual scene we get is the 'infamous' peach scene. An simplistic way to describe the scene would be, a horny teen masturbates with a peach and then his boyfriend eats it. Such a simple description can cause such a massive misunderstanding leading people to believe it is a lewd scene when in fact it's incredible artistic and well done. It would have been incredibly easy to ruin the entire film if this one scene was done wrong by the impeccable directing and acting gives it a gravitas. Through this moment we are given the chance to see Elio explore himself and his desires but after all is done and Oliver enters we seen an escalation plus an in sight into how Elios mind works. It evloves from lust, comedy, disgust, humiliation, fear and sadness.

This movie is able to reach its glory through its soundtrack, instantly after I watched it I bought the album because the music was not only that good but that instrumental to the film. Obviously the two songs that are thought of are Sufjan Stevens "Mystery of Love" and "Visions of Gideon". Both the melody and the lyrics of the songs fit the film so perfectly and if "Visions of Gideon" doesn't haunt you after watching that ending then I do not understand you as a person. It perfectly captures all of the saddness and sorrow that Elio is feeling while "Mystery of Love" captures the journey of discovery he is on.

We can't talk about this film and not mention the acting, the star Timothée Chalamet. This movie has put him on the map and on a very long and prosperous road to stardom. The character of Elio could have come across as unsympathetic due to his vast intellect and stand offish nature however both Timothée and the screenplay writer James Ivory make us see his vulnerabilities and relatability through nuances and his teen tendencies. Timothée was incredible through out the movie but my part of his acting was at the end during that phone call and fireplace sequence where we see him start to digest what he has learnt causing him to break. When he repeats "Elio" to Oliver on the phone the way he changes his voice with each utter of the word is able to broadcast his emotions but invoke yours as well. Then at the fireplace he does something completely different by saying nothing which says everything. Simply using his body language and his tears to convey such pain was absolutely incredible but heart breaking to watch.

Armie Hammer. Oliver. This man is not getting enough credit for his performance sure he doesn't have as much screen time as Elio but that doesn't mean he isn't as important and that his role should be overlooked. Armie had a very tough job of portraying someone who we had to be charmed by but also not know very much about. Whilst on the surface it may seem like an easy role the layers of this character are plentiful and Armie peels away at them all. It's slight moments like him crying when he looks at Elio that give us in sight into the depth of his love. There is also his guarded side which we see by him not making an obvious first move and constantly fearing for Elio. Then there is insecurity we see after there first time at the lake. By we get to the end we are still completely charmed by him we don't hate him for leaving and not staying with Elio because there is hope, then all that hope is destroyed making us and Elio simultaneously realise how little we knew Oliver. Despite this bombshell we still can't hate Oliver as even in this moment of pain we can understand his reasoning.

My final point (surprisingly) is the cinematography which gives such an aesthetic. It makes you want to fly to Italy right away because it's that beautiful. The imagery reflects there relationship and enhances the films enchanting aesthetic. This is also why Call Me By Your Name is one of the most eye pleasing films.

All in all I am completely enamoured by this film and believe it deserves all the acclaim and love in the world. Thank you for reading ♡

Call Me By Your Name (2017) alternative posters

me waiting for all the awards that call me by your name and the cast deserve

Go See ‘Call Me by Your Name’

You can read a refined/fuller and richer review over at medium.com. Hope it makes you a fan!

The film is beautiful in every sense of the word and as both actors have put it, is an earnest story of first love, coming of age, vulnerability, sexual awakening, and so much more. 

I’m aching to see Call Me by Your Name again. I am so enamored by the screenplay, the direction, the cinematography, the soundtrack, but most of all the actors. All of them are marvelous in their roles but the dynamic between Armie (Oliver) and Timothée (Elio) as well as the way Michael (Mr. Perlman) and Amira (Annella) carried themselves, just unf, so fucking good.

The acting in this film has so many levels, from Timothée Chalamet’s emotional rawness to Armie Hammer’s control of tone and nuanced facial expressions to the final monologue performed by Michael Stuhlbarg. It was so refreshing and captivating to watch all of the characters interact with one another. I honestly don’t believe the film would be what it is without the cast. 

They delivered the story of Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman in ways that far exceeded my expectations (having read the novel and not being a fan of it almost a decade ago). There are parts of the film that differ from the novel but I kind of appreciate Luca Guadagnino’s & James Ivory’s decisions to have the film stand apart from being an exact retelling of the novel. 

There are dozens of scenes from this film that are memorable, that made me bite my lower lip, that made my heart ache. Moments where I laughed unexpectedly and felt safe, and moments where I felt like I was reliving a vulnerable experience. I love films that can do this to me despite the emotional and psychological toll they can have.

Aftermath of the Peach Scene

This scene stood out because the film ‘went there’ but it’s also where Elio goes through an array of emotions: being aroused to feeling embarrassed to feeling ashamed and there’s that word again, left vulnerable in front of Oliver. What I love about this scene is that Oliver immediately understands and stops joking around, embraces him, and then holds him. 

It was such a beautiful and tender scene and one that resonates with me, for having lived moments where I was that vulnerable and my lover at the time held me but also because it made me remember moments where I didn’t have anyone or the person I wanted to make me feel safe didn’t. 

This is something the film constantly has me doing; remembering moments where my expectations were met and weren’t. Having me sway back and forth between content and melancholy, and where that might sound like torment, I appreciate it (though that might make me a bit of a masochist).

Elio’s Spot

Another phenomenal scene where Chalamet’s ability to be a vulnerable and portray a sentiment we all can understand and even appreciate is when the two are in Elio’s secret spot, standing in the cool waters of the spring and this dialogue occurs:

I am notorious for downplaying compliments, it’s an awful habit, and the way this scene was shot and acted just had me nodding my head.  I haven’t resonated so closely with a character in so long that having it played in front of me I found myself completely stunned and in awe.

The Scene where the Title is Spoken

Of course I’d mention this scene where Oliver, with his hand on Elio’s face, whispers: “Call me by your name and I’ll call you by mine.”

I distinctly remember my face scowling and rolling my eyes whenever I saw this clip play in the trailer. A tiny but commanding voice in my head going, “Ugh, cheesy”, but the build up to this scene and having it finally unravel I found myself blushing. I could feel myself turn pink with excitement and my jaded self eroding away to allow for beautiful and romantic moments to happen without scorn.

Like, getting real with y’all here, but I can’t find the words to perfectly explain the importance and beauty of this scene but know that it’s so much more intense than what the trailers show.

The Way they portrayed Eroticism

One criticism the film receives is that there isn’t a full-on sex scene and not going to lie, where it’d be nice, I’m relieved. I’m glad there isn’t a full-on scene where one of them has their legs up in the air and the other is thrusting and grunting. Why? Because they handled it so much better, far better than a sex scene would’ve been.

A good chunk of the novel, and the film, revolves around nuances and subtlety in both the way Elio and Oliver speak to one another but also the way in which they touch one another. 

Here’s some examples…

There’s one particular scene, just before the two have sex off-camera, that was so erotic and intimate that it just shows Luca knows what the fuck he’s doing as a director, okay?

When this scene played out I was astonished by how cute, intimate, but more importantly suspenseful and erotic this scene was. It’s a perfect example of how not every movie needs a raunchy sex scene to show intimacy.

The Train Scene

It’s sad. It’s the moment where Elio sees Oliver off and there are little to no words exchanged between the two and that’s what makes this scene memorable. So much is said through gestures and facial expressions from both Armie and Timothée, they don’t need to say the words to convey what they feel because it’s understood. [Fun Fact: If you read the screen play, it’s written that Oliver recites the lyrics to “Love My Way” by The Psychedelic Furs]

And damn it, I just fucking can’t get over the scene immediately after. Elio sitting at the bench, just before he gets up, he lets out a breath and does his best not to cry. He then goes to the phone booth and calls home, where he talks to his mother and during this his tone falters while he says, “Listen, Mom, can you…can you come get me, Mom?” Oh my heart, it ached so much, I wanted to reach out and hold him. And the momentum of this scene continues, where it cuts to Annella driving Elio home and Elio, with puffy eyes and a look of utter heartbreak and sorrow.

You can watch this scene here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr7BTBwZoxU

I loved how this was scene was filmed, how Amira Casar composed herself as Annella and comforted her son. She didn’t ask questions or scold him to “man up,” she smoked a cigarette and drove all while letting her son mourn Oliver’s departure. 

Mr. Perlman’s Monologue

“Remember, our hearts and our bodies are given to us only once. And before you know it, your heart is worn out, and, as for your body, there comes a point when no one looks at it, much less wants to come near it. Right now, there is sorrow, pain. Don’t kill it. Embrace it with the joy you’ve felt.”

I’d be doing everyone a disservice if I didn’t mention the final monologue given by Michael Stuhlbarg. It’s in this moment where the audience realizes that the parents, or at least Mr. Perlman, was aware of the relationship between Elio and Oliver. This is so powerful and so meaningful, in this scene Mr. Perlman doesn’t pass judgment but just tries to comfort his son with some words of wisdom.

The delivery from Stuhlbarg is breathtaking and oscar-worthy. In interviews, Stuhlbarg talks about how the film and its message resonated with him as a parent: “One of the sentiments that I love most strongly is the idea that as humans, we go through all sorts of things, and how lovely for a parent to say, ‘I see what you’re going through, and as hard as it may be, don’t crush it or try to ignore it.’” [see the full interview on vox.com] 

So it’s no surprise that in this final speech to Elio that every word that comes out of Stuhlbarg is with intent and carefully placed to really drive home that Mr. Perlman cares for his son, realizes his son just went through first love, and doesn’t want him to do what everyone else does when they meet heartbreak.

The Ending Credits

It’s the winter after Oliver left and Elio gets a surprise call from Oliver. They catch up, where Oliver tells that he’s getting married next spring. Moments after Elio is whispering into the phone, “Elio, Elio, Elio, Elio, Elio…” to which Oliver responds, “Oliver…I remember everything.”

The film then cuts to Elio sitting over a fireplace, his mother setting the table for dinner, and the ending credits begin to play, leaving viewers to watch Elio go through wave after wave of memories and the emotions they bring.

The film ends about 40-pages before the novel does and they changed the way in which Elio finds out. In the novel Oliver returns to tell the Perlmans in-person of his engagement while here we see the exchange happen over a phone call and to be honest, the way Luca handled it makes me love the way the film ends.

There aren’t many films that have memorable or beautiful ending credits and this one takes the cake. It’s artistic and so carefully acted and edited. On top of that, they picked a perfect song to play alongside: “Visions of Gideon” by Sufjan Stevens. I mean, just look at the first verse:

I have loved you for the last time Is it a video? Is it a video? I have touched you for the last time Is it a video? Is it a video?

It’s a perfect combination and heightens the film’s ending.

On how I love and hate Sufjan Stevens

Which brings me to my next point: Sufjan Stevens. He has three songs that play throughout the movie: Futile Devices, Mystery of Love, and Visions of Gideon. And honestly if you wanted a playlist that summarizes the film, there you go. The songs couldn’t have been a coincidence for the film and with Luca as director, I highly doubt he didn’t have them in mind. 

I love Sufjan Stevens but I also hate him because there’s few artists that leave me crippled wallowing in despair. His music is tragically beautiful in every note and verse, that I’m not surprised that some of the happiest and tragic moments of my life had a Sufjan Stevens song close by. 

Don’t get me wrong, the soundtrack to Call Me by Your Name is outstanding. So much so that I’ve been listening to it on repeat for the past week almost every day, even at work. [Check it out on Spotify]

Last Words

I’m likely going to pick up the novel again and give it a second-go, if I loved the film this much as a 28 year-old, perhaps where I’m at now will let me appreciate Aciman’s work.

There’s so much more I can say and probably will, but this is the majority of what I wanted to say. The film is beautiful and I will be rooting for it come Oscar time, for it not to win an Oscar would be just blasphemy in the highest degree.

Check out my medium.com review for some bonus material.