My name is Salik Waquas, and I am a passionate filmmaker and full-time film colorist. Owning a post-production color grading suite has allowed me to delve deeply into the nuances of visual storytelling. For me, every frame is a canvas, and the interplay of light, color, and composition can evoke emotions that words often cannot. “Call Me By Your Name” directed by Luca Guadagnino, is a film that epitomizes this belief. Its cinematography doesn’t just complement the narrative—it elevates it to a realm of poetic resonance. In this article, I will share my insights on the various elements that make the cinematography of this film so compelling.
About the Cinematographer
The visual poetry of “Call Me By Your Name” owes much to the masterful work of Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, an acclaimed Thai cinematographer renowned for his exceptional ability to blend naturalistic lighting with evocative imagery. His previous works, such as “Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives,” showcase his talent for creating immersive atmospheres that pull the audience into the story’s emotional core. Mukdeeprom’s sensitivity to the environment allows the setting to become a character in itself, adding depth and texture to the narrative.
In this film, his collaboration with director Luca Guadagnino results in a visual narrative that feels both intimate and universal. Mukdeeprom doesn’t just capture beautiful images; he captures the subtleties of human emotion and the unspoken connections between characters. His cinematography invites viewers to experience the story as if it were a cherished memory of their own.
Inspiration for the Cinematography of “Call Me By Your Name”
The cinematography draws inspiration from the concept of memory and the ways we recollect our past. Guadagnino described the film’s aesthetic as reminiscent of one’s own memories—a notion evident in the warm hues, soft focus, and gentle camera movements throughout the film. The aim was to authentically portray a 1980s summer in Northern Italy, capturing the essence of the time and place.
One notable influence is Jean Renoir’s “A Day in the Country,” particularly in the use of windows and the interplay between interior and exterior spaces to reflect the characters’ emotional states. The balance of light and shadow, emphasis on natural settings, and focus on sensory details contribute to a cinematic experience that feels both immediate and timeless. The film doesn’t just show the Italian countryside; it immerses you in it, making you feel the warmth of the sun and the gentle breeze.
Guadagnino’s preference for shooting on film rather than digital also plays a crucial role in achieving this aesthetic. He has expressed that film provides a “better practical experience and an aesthetic choice.” The texture and grain of film add a layer of authenticity and nostalgia, aligning perfectly with the film’s themes of love, desire, and the fleeting nature of time.
Camera Movements Used in “Call Me By Your Name”
The camera movements are subtle yet profoundly effective in conveying the characters’ inner worlds. The film employs slow pans and steady tracking shots that allow scenes to breathe, mirroring the gentle pace of a summer romance. This technique lets viewers absorb the lush landscapes and the nuanced performances of the actors.
Handheld shots are used sparingly but with great impact to convey intimacy and immediacy, bringing the audience closer to the characters’ internal experiences. For instance, when Oliver touches a wall as he descends the stairs or when Elio’s fingers graze a piano, these actions are given prominence, highlighting their physical connection to their surroundings and each other. The fluidity of the camera work immerses the viewer in the characters’ world, emphasizing emotions over explicit dialogue.
Compositions in “Call Me By Your Name”
The framing often places Elio and Oliver within the lush landscapes of Northern Italy, emphasizing their connection to the place and to each other. Scenes are composed to highlight the space between the characters—sometimes bringing them together in close quarters, other times emphasizing the distance and tension. The use of reflections and mirrors adds layers to the storytelling, symbolizing the characters’ self-discovery and introspection. These compositional choices contribute to a visually rich narrative that complements the film’s themes.
Lighting Style of “Call Me By Your Name”
Lighting plays a pivotal role in setting the film’s tone and mood. Mukdeeprom predominantly uses natural light, capturing the golden glow of the Italian sun. Exteriors are bathed in warm, inviting light that enhances the idyllic setting and mirrors the blossoming relationship between Elio and Oliver.
During more intimate or introspective moments, the lighting shifts. Interiors become dimmer, with light filtering softly through windows, creating a chiaroscuro effect that adds depth and complexity to the scenes. Practical lighting sources like lamps and candles are used to maintain the authenticity of the setting. This contrast between light and shadow reflects the characters’ emotional states—the joy and freedom of their connection contrasted with the uncertainty and vulnerability they feel.
The lighting doesn’t just illuminate the scene; it tells a story. It guides the audience’s emotional responses, subtly indicating shifts in the narrative’s tone. The interplay of brightness and darkness mirrors the ebb and flow of Elio and Oliver’s relationship, making the lighting an integral part of the film’s emotional landscape.
Lensing and Blocking of “Call Me By Your Name”
The decision to shoot the entire film with a single Cooke S4 35mm lens was a deliberate choice that profoundly affects its visual language. This lens provides a natural field of view that closely resembles human eyesight, fostering a sense of immediacy and immersion. It allows for seamless transitions between wide shots and close-ups without altering the film’s visual consistency.
Blocking—the arrangement of actors within the frame—is used masterfully to convey the characters’ relationships and emotional journeys. Guadagnino pays close attention to the physical distance between Elio and Oliver, using their positions to reflect their growing intimacy or emotional barriers. Movements are choreographed to appear organic, enhancing the film’s naturalistic feel. The actors move fluidly within the space, reflecting the organic development of their relationships. This careful attention to blocking ensures that every gesture and movement contributes to the storytelling.
Color Grading of “Call Me By Your Name”
As a colorist, I was particularly struck by the film’s exquisite use of color grading to reinforce its themes and emotional arcs. The palette is dominated by warm, saturated colors—verdant greens, sun-drenched yellows, and serene blues—that evoke the vibrancy of summer and the intensity of first love.
The color grading subtly shifts throughout the film to mirror the narrative progression. During the height of Elio and Oliver’s relationship, the colors are rich and luminous, enhancing the dreamlike quality of their experiences. As the story moves toward its conclusion and the seasons change, the palette cools. Muted grays and deep blues emerge, reflecting the melancholy of their separation and the onset of winter.
One of the most powerful examples is the final scene, where Elio sits by the fireplace. His face is illuminated by the warm glow of the flames, standing in stark contrast to the cooler tones surrounding him. This juxtaposition highlights his internal warmth—his memories and emotions—against the colder reality of his current situation. The color grading here amplifies the emotional impact, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.
Technical Aspects of “Call Me By Your Name”
From a technical standpoint, “Call Me By Your Name” is a testament to the power of traditional filmmaking techniques in an era dominated by digital technology. The film was shot on 35mm film, specifically using an Arricam LT camera paired with a Cooke S4 35mm lens. This choice underscores Guadagnino’s commitment to the tactile qualities of film—the grain, the depth, the organic feel that digital formats often lack.
The use of a single lens required meticulous planning and creativity. It challenged the filmmakers to find innovative ways to capture different perspectives and emotions within the confines of this limitation. This constraint, rather than hindering the production, became a catalyst for deeper artistic exploration.
Sound design also plays a crucial role. The ambient sounds—the rustle of leaves, the lapping of water, distant conversations—are carefully layered to enhance the sense of place and immerse the viewer in the world of the film. These subtle audio cues work in harmony with the visuals, creating a fully realized sensory experience.
Conclusion
“Call Me By Your Name” is a masterclass in cinematic artistry. The collaboration between Luca Guadagnino and Sayombhu Mukdeeprom results in a film that is rich in texture, emotion, and sensory detail. Every element—from the thoughtful camera movements and meticulous compositions to the evocative lighting and nuanced color grading—serves to deepen the narrative and connect the audience to the characters on a profound level.
As a filmmaker and colorist, I am inspired by the film’s ability to convey complex emotions through visual storytelling. It doesn’t rely on grand gestures or overt exposition. Instead, it invites viewers to observe, to feel, and to become a part of the characters’ journey. “Call Me By Your Name” isn’t just a film you watch; it’s an experience you live and remember, much like a cherished memory of your own.
In reflecting on this film, I’m reminded of the profound impact that thoughtful cinematography can have on storytelling. It’s a testament to the power of cinema to transport us, not just through narrative, but through the artful interplay of light, color, and composition. This film reaffirms my passion for the craft and inspires me to continue exploring the limitless possibilities of visual storytelling.