While Call Me By Your Name has received universal acclaim from critics and most viewers, it hasn’t come with some criticism about the age gap between the two romantic leads.
Based on André Aciman’s novel of the same name, the film is set in 1980s Italy, as 17-year-old Elio (played by Timothée Chalamet) embarks on a summer affair with 24-year-old doctoral student Oliver (Armie Hammer).
Some viewers, however, have commented on the fact that Oliver is essentially sleeping with a boy under the age of 18.
“We weren’t trying to make some salacious, predatory movie,” Hammer told the Hollywood Reporter. “The age of consent in Italy is 14. So, to get technical, it’s not illegal there.
“Whether I agree with that or not, that’s a whole ‘nother Oprah, you know? Would it make me uncomfortable if I had a 17-year-old child dating someone in their mid-20s? Probably.
“But this isn’t a normal situation: The younger guy goes after the older guy. The dynamic is not older predator versus younger boy.”
Call Me By Your Name is gearing up to be one of the biggest LGBTQ films of the year, receiving critical acclaim across the board.
It was released in the UK last month, and will be in cinemas in the US on 24 November.
Meanwhile, director Luca Guadagnino recently told Gay Times that a sequel to the movie has already been discussed.
Related: Exclusive: Call Me By Your Name stars on why the gay love story is timely
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