Life’s a Peach: The Convergence of Sexuality and Class in Guadagnino’s Call Me by Your Name

Call Me by Your Name (2017) became famous for its “peach scene,” though the orchard around Perlmans’ villa where this fruit thrives could not have grown on own. Distinctions of class and a parasitism most affluent their workers cultivate paradise director Luca Guadagnino sets blossoming romance between Elio Oliver. Apricots are clear metaphor desire here, yet prolificacy is only possible through invisibility silent intervention other food items, from peas to latkes frozen chicken. Critics pointed out beauty Italian setting use as temporary escape heteronormative surveillance, well way domestic flow in scenes almost wordlessly. What these critics missed connection occurrences explaining how working built (but do benefit from) heaven Earth, young male lovers may permit bodies act without restraint. While queer theories inform discussion, my primary vehicle interpretation will be food, both prominent place movie ways it parallels structure at villa. I find film quietly reflects levels economic privilege exploitation needed experience depicts, with usurpation many helping remind audience stepping-stones asserts required access more subversive space.