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| Images courtesy A24 |
Daniel Craig steps outside the bounds of franchises like James Bond and the Knives Out series to star in the release of William S. Burroughs Queer.
The film, which is based on Burroughs' novella of the same name, is one that won't hit with general audiences but might gain cult status over time. The book, which was a sequel to one of his other works, Junkie, sees the main character, Lee living as an arrogant expatriate in the Mexico City bar scene. Lee traverses the nightlife perusing for new sensual encounters with young men. He sets his sights on a youthful arrival named Eugene Allerton and begins to obsess over him. A casual relationship blooms and our central character spirals further into his proclivities.
Queer is a deep dive into Lee's homosexuality, alcoholism and altogether addictive personality. Some of the topics of the movie may not appeal to general audiences as they may be uncomfortable with the sexual nature of the subject matter. However, watching Craig engage in some of the sex scenes adds another level to his dedication to the craft. The man doesn't shy away from anything, showing creative bravery by taking on a smaller role in a more independent film, but also for his attention to detail and absolute respect for the source material and character as written on page.
Burroughs life was chronicled through his works and was even "totally excluded from the queer canon", as stated by author Jamie Russell. Burroughs partitioned himself from homosexuality even stating that, "I have never lived gay a day in my life." However, that wasn't true. His writings, which were based on his life, documented his experiences, at the cost of embellishment.
This is not an easy film. It's one that makes you question things and often forces you to adjust to plot points that may be distressing for some. This, in itself, is the definition of art. Film should be used to expand on our culture as it continues to change and shift with the times. Queer is a look back at a time when being gay was not accepted by society as a whole, forcing people to look beyond the confines of a limited and repressive world to live how they wanted.
The sex scenes are realistic and don't feel forced or unnatural. Queer pushes boundaries and forces the viewer to see the world through Burroughs eyes, ones which are deeply flawed and effected by various drugs, booze, psychedelics, and the man's self-destructive tendencies.
Guadagnino's directorial skills allow him the fortitude to offer up a film which is truly not one of his best works, but is ultimately another success in his ever-expanding repertoire of projects about humans and their relationships, no matter how challenging or potentially detrimental. Much like his version of Suspiria, Queer is an unrelenting dramatic and visual feast, setting us down in Mexico City and allowing us a broad view of Lee's strange life outside of the States and expands on Craig's already impressive career of defining characters.
Adding to the luster of the film is a great performance from Jason Schwartzman, again proving what an asset he can be when given the proper role. He serves up the balance to Lee's self-sXeriousness with one of the best darkly comic roles of 2024. Guadagnino consistently proves that he is one of the best working modern directors. Queer is another specimen of his consistency and infinite commitment to storytelling and realistic character driven stories.
-CG