Setting the Scene: The Art of Building Atmosphere in ‘Call Me by Your Name’
In the realm of filmmaking and screenwriting, the setting is much more than a mere backdrop. It’s an essential character, a silent narrator that sets the tone and influences the emotional landscape of the story. Luca Guadagnino’s “Call Me by Your Name,” adapted from André Aciman’s novel by screenwriter James Ivory, is a masterclass in using setting to enhance the intimacy and emotional depth of a narrative.
The Role of Setting in ‘Call Me by Your Name’
Set in the sun-drenched, idyllic countryside of 1980s Northern Italy, “Call Me by Your Name” unfolds in a world that seems almost suspended in time and space. The setting, with its languid pace, lush landscapes, and rustic charm, is fundamental to the story’s unfolding romance. It provides a sanctuary where the characters can explore and express themselves, away from the prying eyes of the world.
For screenwriters, this film exemplifies how setting can be used to amplify the emotional stakes. The intimate moments between Elio and Oliver are underscored by the tranquil and isolated surroundings. The rolling hills, the quiet piazzas, and the secluded swimming spots become accomplices in their burgeoning relationship. This is an excellent lesson in screenwriting: your setting should not just be a place where events happen; it should actively contribute to the narrative’s emotional and thematic fabric.
Techniques for Creating Vivid Settings in Screenwriting
Creating a vivid setting in a screenplay requires a keen eye for detail and an understanding of the story’s emotional core. In “Call Me by Your Name,” the descriptions of the setting are both evocative and purposeful. The villa, the town square, the peach orchard – all these locations are imbued with a sensory richness that brings them to life.
A useful screenwriting tip here is to use the setting as a means to reflect the characters’ internal states. Elio’s journey of self-discovery and awakening desire is mirrored in the ripening Italian summer – lush, vibrant, and brimming with possibilities. When writing a screenplay, consider how your setting can mirror the emotional journey of your characters.
Importance of Setting in Screenplay Structure for Emotional Depth
In screenwriting, structure is key, and setting plays a vital role in this structure. In “Call Me by Your Name,” the progression of the setting – from the open, sunlit spaces of the Italian summer to the more introspective, closed spaces of winter – parallels the arc of the story. It’s a subtle but effective way of punctuating the narrative and guiding the audience through the emotional journey.
The structure of your screenplay should consider how the setting changes or evolves throughout the story. These changes can act as signposts, marking key developments or shifts in the narrative. They can also be used to heighten the emotional impact of certain scenes. For example, the scene in “Call Me by Your Name” where Elio and Oliver share a moment of closeness in a deserted berm is made all the more poignant by the isolation and tranquility of the setting.
Character Development and Dialogue: The Heart of Intimacy in ‘Call Me by Your Name’
In “Call Me by Your Name,” the intricate tapestry of character development and dialogue forms the core of the film’s intimate narrative. The film’s emotional potency is rooted in its deeply nuanced characters, Elio and Oliver, and the authentic dialogue that carries their story. This combination is a quintessential example of how character and dialogue intertwine to create a compelling, intimate narrative.
Analyzing Character Development in “Call Me by Your Name”
Elio Perlman, the film’s protagonist, is a character of immense depth and complexity. His journey of self-discovery, sexual awakening, and emotional growth forms the backbone of the story. From the outset, Elio is portrayed as intelligent, sensitive, and somewhat aloof, qualities that are gradually peeled back to reveal vulnerability and longing.
Oliver, on the other hand, initially comes across as confident and carefree, but as the narrative progresses, layers of his own vulnerabilities are revealed. The genius of “Call Me by Your Name” lies in its ability to slowly unfold these characters, allowing the audience to grow and empathize with them as they navigate their emotions and desires.
For screenwriters and novelists, Elio and Oliver’s development offers valuable insights into writing multi-dimensional characters. The key is to craft characters with internal conflicts and desires that evolve throughout the story. This evolution can be subtle, manifesting in small gestures or changes in behavior, rather than grand, dramatic shifts.
Writing Tips for Creating Authentic Characters
Creating characters as authentic as Elio and Oliver requires a deep understanding of human psychology and emotion. When writing a screenplay or a novel, it’s crucial to invest time in developing your characters’ backstories, even if these details never make it explicitly into the script or book. Understanding who your characters are, where they come from, and what drives them will inform their actions and reactions, making them more believable.
Another tip is to embrace subtlety. In “Call Me by Your Name,” much of the characters’ development is conveyed through subtle cues — a glance, a touch, a hesitant step. These nuances are as powerful as any line of dialogue, sometimes even more so. They require the audience to read between the lines, engaging them more deeply with the characters.
The Role of Dialogue in Developing Intimate Relationships
Dialogue in “Call Me by Your Name” is a masterful blend of what is said and what is left unsaid. The conversations between Elio and Oliver are often loaded with subtext, conveying layers of emotion and unspoken thoughts. This is where the film’s dialogue shines — in its ability to convey profound emotional depth in simple exchanges.
When developing intimate relationships between characters, dialogue should feel natural and reflective of the characters’ personalities and experiences. In “Call Me by Your Name,” the dialogue ranges from playful and flirtatious to deep and philosophical, mirroring the characters’ evolving relationship. This diversity in dialogue adds realism to their interactions and deepens the audience’s investment in their relationship.
A useful technique in writing dialogue is to ensure that each character has a distinct voice. This distinction is not just about how they speak but what they choose to say and how they react in conversations. Effective dialogue should reveal something about the character, whether it’s their background, their current emotional state, or their desires.
Visual Storytelling and Subtext: Show, Don’t Tell in ‘Call Me by Your Name’
One of the most evocative tools in a filmmaker’s arsenal is visual storytelling — the art of conveying narrative and emotional subtleties through imagery rather than dialogue. Luca Guadagnino’s “Call Me by Your Name” stands as a poignant testament to this art form. The film masterfully employs visual cues and symbolism to weave a story of burgeoning love, longing, and heartache, often without the need for words.
The Use of Visual Storytelling to Convey Intimacy
In “Call Me by Your Name,” intimacy is often communicated through visual elements rather than explicit dialogue. The film’s cinematography captures the languid atmosphere of an Italian summer with its lingering shots of the sun-drenched countryside, setting the stage for Elio and Oliver’s romance. Their connection is depicted through glances, touches, and shared moments in serene landscapes, all of which convey a deepening intimacy more powerfully than words could express.
The film’s use of space also plays a crucial role in visual storytelling. The openness of the Italian villa with its large rooms and expansive gardens, juxtaposed with the closeness of Elio and Oliver in those spaces, visually encapsulates the tension and closeness in their relationship. These visual choices are subtle yet impactful, speaking volumes about the characters’ internal experiences and their evolving relationship.
Screenwriting Tips for Using Visual Cues and Symbolism
For screenwriters, translating emotional depth and narrative complexity into visual terms can be challenging but rewarding. A key tip is to think of the screenplay as a blueprint for visual storytelling. This involves not only describing actions and settings but also considering how these visual elements can symbolize deeper themes or emotions in the story.
For instance, in “Call Me by Your Name,” the recurring motif of water — swimming in the river, lounging by the pool — symbolizes both the freedom and fluidity of Elio and Oliver’s summer romance. Similarly, the scene with the statue emerging from the water serves as a visual metaphor for awakening desire and beauty.
To enhance your screenwriting with visual storytelling, consider how objects, settings, or even colors can be imbued with symbolic meaning. These elements should be woven seamlessly into the narrative, creating layers of meaning that viewers can unravel.
The Power of Subtext in Writing a Screenplay
Subtext is the unspoken undercurrent of a scene or dialogue, the hidden emotional or thematic content that isn’t explicitly stated but felt. In “Call Me by Your Name,” subtext is a driving force. The conversations between Elio and Oliver are often about mundane topics — music, literature, history — but beneath the surface, there’s a current of unspoken attraction and tension.
Writing effective subtext requires a nuanced understanding of your characters’ motivations and emotions. It’s about knowing what is left unsaid but understood between the lines. When Elio and Oliver discuss the story of the Knight and the Princess, the real conversation is not about the book but about their unvoiced feelings for each other.
To create subtext in your screenplay, focus on what your characters are not saying. Their words might be talking about one thing, but their actions, expressions, or the context might be telling a different story. This layering of meaning enriches the narrative and engages the audience more deeply, as they become active participants in uncovering the underlying themes and emotions.
Conclusion
“Call Me by Your Name” is a masterclass in visual storytelling and the use of subtext. For screenwriters and filmmakers, it serves as a reminder of the power of imagery and the unspoken in crafting profound emotional experiences. By skillfully employing visual cues, symbolism, and subtext, storytellers can create narratives that resonate on a deeper level, leaving a lasting impact on their audience. In the realm of cinema, sometimes what is not said is just as important as what is, and a picture can indeed be worth a thousand words.
✍️ Whether you’re mastering the art of dialogue, structure, or character development, the power of AI can be a game-changer in your writing journey. My Free Ebook, ‘AI for Authors’ delves into how AI-powered prompts can provide a unique edge to your storytelling process. If you’re intrigued by the prospect of supercharging your fiction skills, download your free copy today and explore new horizons in creative writing.
A.I. in Screen Trade 