Call Me By Your Name is a romantic coming of age story set in the summer of 1983, directed by Luca Guadagnino. The film follows 17-year-old Elio Perlman, played by Timothee Chalamet, as he falls in love with Oliver, an American graduate student played by Armie Hammer. It earned an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and was also nominated for Best Picture and Best Actor. One of the memorable elements of the film is the use of vintage bicycles.
The Bicycle Scene in Call Me By Your Name
In the film, Elio and Oliver take a series of rides on two vintage bicycles. The first is Elio’s red Bianchi, a classic Italian road bike made famous by cycling champions of the era. Later they ride a yellow Bianchi mountain bike, also known as a “Bianchina”, which was a popular model in Italy during the 1980s. Both bikes were chosen by the production designer, Violante Visconti di Modrone, to evoke the time period and add to the atmosphere of the story.
The History of Bianchi Bikes
The Bianchi brand was founded by Edoardo Bianchi in 1885 and has been producing bicycles for over 130 years. Bianchi is one of the oldest bicycle companies in the world and has been an innovator in the industry since its early days. The company started making bicycles for the Italian Army in the 1890s and later expanded to different models for the racing and touring markets. In the 1930s, Bianchi introduced the first commercially available mountain bike, the Frejus. This was followed by the introduction of the “Bianchina” in the 1950s, which is the model used in Call Me By Your Name.
The Bianchi Frejus
The Bianchi Frejus was the first mountain bike to be commercially available. It was designed by the Italian cyclist, Fausto Coppi, and was first released in 1932. It was an unusual design for its time, as it featured a single-speed drivetrain and a rigid frame. The Frejus was designed for off-road riding, which was a relatively new concept at the time. Today, the Frejus is a highly sought-after vintage bike, and is still popular among vintage cycling enthusiasts.
The Bianchina
The Bianchina was introduced in the 1950s and was designed to be a more leisurely, comfortable ride. It featured a three-speed hub, a lighter frame, and a step-through frame. This made it ideal for casual city riding, as it was much easier to get on and off than a conventional bike. The Bianchina was extremely popular in Italy, and today it is still a favorite among vintage cycling enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The use of vintage bicycles in Call Me By Your Name is an excellent example of how production designers can evoke a certain time period through their choice of props. The two bicycles used in the film are classic Italian models that were popular during the 1980s. The Bianchi Frejus was the first mountain bike to be commercially available, while the Bianchina was designed for casual city riding. Both models are still popular among vintage cycling enthusiasts today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bikes were used in Call Me By Your Name?
The two bikes used in Call Me By Your Name were a red Bianchi road bike and a yellow Bianchi mountain bike, also known as a “Bianchina”.
When was the Bianchi Frejus released?
The Bianchi Frejus was designed by Fausto Coppi and released in 1932.
What was the Bianchina designed for?
The Bianchina was designed for casual city riding, as it was much easier to get on and off than a conventional bike.
Is the Bianchi Frejus still popular?
Yes, the Bianchi Frejus is still popular among vintage cycling enthusiasts.
Are the bicycles used in Call Me By Your Name still available?
Yes, both the Bianchi Frejus and the Bianchina are still available through vintage cycling enthusiasts.
Who designed the Bianchi Frejus?
The Bianchi Frejus was designed by the Italian cyclist, Fausto Coppi.
What year was Call Me By Your Name released?
Call Me By Your Name was released in 2017.
What was the first mountain bike to be commercially available?
The first mountain bike to be commercially available was the Bianchi Frejus, released in 1932.
What is the Bianchina?
The Bianchina is a yellow Bianchi mountain bike, also known as a “Bianchina”, which was a popular model in Italy during the 1980s.
Who plays Elio in Call Me By Your Name?
Elio is played by Timothee Chalamet in the film.
Who plays Oliver in Call Me By Your Name?
Oliver is played by Armie Hammer in the film.
Who was the production designer of Call Me By Your Name?
The production designer of Call Me By Your Name was Violante Visconti di Modrone.
What awards did Call Me By Your Name win?
Call Me By Your Name won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and was also nominated for Best Picture and Best Actor.
How old was Elio in Call Me By Your Name?
Elio was 17 years old in the film.
What type of company is Bianchi?
Bianchi is one of the oldest bicycle companies in the world and has been producing bicycles for over 130 years.
When was the Bianchina released?
The Bianchina was introduced in the 1950s.
What type of bike was used in Call Me By Your Name?
The two bikes used in Call Me By Your Name were a red Bianchi road bike and a yellow Bianchi mountain bike, also known as a “Bianchina”.
What other movies has Luca Guadagnino directed?
Other movies directed by Luca Guadagnino include Suspiria (2018), A Bigger Splash (2015), I Am Love (2009), and The Protagonists (1999).
Who founded the Bianchi brand?
The Bianchi brand was founded by Edoardo Bianchi in 1885.
What was the Frejus designed for?
The Frejus was designed for off-road riding, which was a relatively new concept at the time.
What other awards was Call Me By Your Name nominated for?
Call Me By Your Name was nominated for Best Picture and Best Actor at the Academy Awards.
When was Call Me By Your Name released?
Call Me By Your Name was released in 2017.