September 3rd 2024.
The highly-anticipated premiere of Luca Guadagnino's Queer at the 2024 Venice Film Festival has left James Bond in the dust, thanks to the transformative performance of Daniel Craig. As the opening scene unfolds, it becomes clear that this is not the suave and confident Bond we've come to know, but a jittery and desperate soul named William Lee.
Set in the 1950s, Lee finds himself in a Mexico City bar with a young and freckled companion. Despite their intimate setting, Lee insists that he is not queer. This sets the stage for a story that delves into Lee's struggles with addiction and his search for love and acceptance amidst a society that looks down upon homosexuality.
As an expat who had to flee his home country after a drug bust, Lee's cards are already stacked against him. But he finds solace in a community of fellow homosexuals who live their lives openly, even though happiness seems to elude them. However, things take a turn when a young student named Eugene Allerton catches Lee's eye, igniting a strong infatuation within him.
Craig's performance as the lovesick expat is nothing short of impressive, showcasing a physicality that goes beyond the much talked-about sex scenes. From his cringe-inducing bow to his hallucinogenic-fueled dance routine with Allerton, Craig fully embodies the character of William Lee. And his intimate scenes with co-star Drew Starkey are a refreshing depiction of the hesitant and fumbling nature of getting to know someone before giving in to desire.
Director Luca Guadagnino, known for his success with Challengers, brings a different kind of story to the table with Queer. However, some may argue that Craig's performance carries the weight of the film, as the storyline may be difficult for some viewers to fully grasp. Without Craig in the leading role, would the film still have the same impact?
Written by Justin Kuritzes, Queer stays true to the original short novel by William S. Burroughs, even incorporating elements of the author's own life. However, the addition of a third act involving a trip to South America to hunt down ayahuasca may be a bit too much for some viewers. The appearance of Lesley Manville as Dr. Cotter, a character reimagined as a female ayahuasca expert, adds an interesting dynamic but may not fully connect with the rest of the story.
As the film comes to its conclusion, it becomes clear that Guadagnino may have tried to merge two different movies into one. From a slow-burning period drama to a mind-bending adventure, Queer takes viewers on a wild ride that may be too much for some to handle. While Burroughs fans may appreciate the added layers to the story, mainstream audiences may find it a bit confusing.
Overall, Queer is a bold and transformative film that showcases Daniel Craig's talent as an actor, earning him well-deserved Oscar buzz. But for those hoping for a film similar to Guadagnino's previous success, Call Me By Your Name, Queer may take them on a completely unexpected journey.
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