12 Most Emotionally Devastating Movie Moments Of 2017
6. Call Me By Your Name – Mr Perlman’s Moving Monologue
Now for a movie moment that’s emotionally devastating but in a good way. And yes, that is actually possible. At the end of director Luca Guadagnino’s romantic coming-of-age drama we see its young protagonist Elio (Timothée Chalamet) left heartbroken by the departure of his summer love Oliver (Artie Hammer).
Throughout the film, Elio has been under the impression their relationship was a torrid secret but it turns out that not only has his dad Mr Perlman (Michael Stuhlbarg) known of it all along, he also actively encouraged their affair to blossom, which comes to light in a heartfelt speech he gives his son.
He lets Elio know he’s accepting, even envious of the powerful connection he and Oliver shared and recognises that though his son is sad there is beauty in that sadness – “Right now, there’s sorrow, pain. Don’t kill it and with it the joy you’ve felt”, he tells Elio. Yes, Elio is heartbroken but he’s experienced true love and has his father’s acceptance and support. A thousand parent points to you, Mr Perlman.