elio comes alive

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This shift right here, the sudden tilt of the head, is because Elio hears Oliver’s voice echoing through another part of the house.

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Just as this door opens and Elio walks into the hall, Hallelujah Junction by John Adams starts galloping, the sound of a hopeful heart pursuing the love it longs for.

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And in response to this, on the film’s commentary track, actor Michael Stuhlbarg (who plays Elio’s father in the film) says:

The music of love comes in. It seems to be the theme of what Elio’s feeling inside. He hears Oliver’s voice and he comes alive.

Do you remember what it is to have someone’s smile, or the look in someone’s eyes, or the sound of someone’s voice bring you to life and set off a symphony in your heart? 

I do.