Daniel Craig’s transformative role in ‘Queer’ could redefine his career
A new chapter for Daniel Craig
James Bond. Benoit Blanc. Joe Bang. These iconic characters have become synonymous with Daniel Craig’s illustrious career. Now, Craig adds another complex character to his repertoire: William Lee, a drug-addicted gay American expat, in Luca Guadagnino’s provocative and fantastical love story, Queer. The film made its North American debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, where Guadagnino and co-star Drew Starkey engaged in a post-screening Q&A.
A performance for the ages
Craig’s portrayal of an emotionally fractured man is nothing short of transformative. This role could very well be his most compelling performance to date, potentially placing him at the forefront of the Oscar race for Best Actor. However, the film’s explicit sexual content and unconventional narrative might be a tough sell for the more conservative Academy voters.
Based on William S. Burroughs’ 1985 novel, Queer follows Lee, an American expat living in near isolation, save for brief encounters with a small group of acquaintances. When he meets Eugene Allerton (Starkey), a young student new to the city, Lee believes he might finally be capable of forming a meaningful, intimate connection with someone.
Daniel Craig’s versatile career
Craig is no stranger to Hollywood. While globally recognized as the suave 007 in five James Bond films, he has consistently demonstrated his range. From playing a menacing Irish mobster in Road to Perdition to the hilarious, twang-talking Joe Bang in Logan Lucky, Craig has shown he can tackle a variety of roles. His unforgettable turn as Benoit Blanc, the Southern-fried detective in Knives Out and its sequel Glass Onion, earned him Golden Globe nominations.
LGBTQ roles and the Oscars
LGBTQ roles have not historically been a major hurdle for Oscar contenders. From Paul Newman’s bi-curious Brick in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof to Colman Domingo’s portrayal of gay civil rights leader Bayard Rustin in Rustin, queer characters have regularly made it onto the Academy’s shortlist.
Craig, arguably overdue for an Oscar nomination, is entering a relatively thin Best Actor field. Aside from Ralph Fiennes (Conclave) and Domingo (Sing Sing), the competition seems wide open.
The recurring Oscars theme
A recurring Oscars theme is straight, cisgender actors being nominated—and winning—for playing LGBTQ roles. Over 80 nominations have gone to presumably straight actors in queer roles, and at least 15 have won. In the lead actor category, this includes big names like William Hurt (Kiss of the Spider Woman), Tom Hanks (Philadelphia), and more recently Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody) and Brendan Fraser (The Whale).
Regardless, Craig’s embodiment of Lee—both body and soul—allows him to fully inhabit Guadagnino’s vividly imagined world. It’s a dynamically complex role, one that actors of Craig’s stature rarely tackle, let alone execute so ably. A Best Actor nomination will surely be in the discussion for him.
Supporting cast shines
Other cast members are also vying for their own Oscar glory. Jason Schwartzman delivers what may be his finest performance yet as Joe, a sassy, heartfelt friend to Lee. He’s almost unrecognizable, packing on extra pounds and sporting a messy beard. After impressive performances in I Heart Huckabees and Asteroid City, a first Oscar nomination would be well-deserved.
However, Schwartzman may face competition from his co-star, Drew Starkey. Starkey’s Eugene is quiet but deliberate—a Luca Guadagnino version of Clark Kent, who only reveals his true self once his glasses (and shirt) come off. His understated performance might be a tough sell for the Academy, which tends to favor big and loud turns over subtler ones.
Starkey, looking like he was plucked from the tree that gave us Tom Hiddleston, is reminiscent of Jude Law’s Oscar-nominated role in The Talented Mr. Ripley, though without the womanizing swagger.
And then there’s Lesley Manville, who enters the film’s third act guns blazing—literally. With blackened teeth and an urgent need for a shower, Manville delivers a bold, go-for-broke performance. If passionate admirers of Queer get behind her, she could surprise us on Oscar nomination morning, much like she did for 2017’s Phantom Thread. Considering the hilariously jaw-dropping way she pronounces the word “brujería,” I wouldn’t be shocked if she pulled off another surprise nomination.
Luca Guadagnino’s Oscar chances
As for Guadagnino, his Oscar chances are a bit murkier. Despite a glowing filmography, Guadagnino has never really broken through with the Academy. Even Call Me by Your Name didn’t earn him a Best Director nomination. His other films have garnered mixed reactions, and his latest, Queer, might face the same fate. That said, Guadagnino’s unique blend of sex, drugs, and killer soundtrack choices deserves praise. I caught references to everything from Back to the Future to Under the Skin—and that’s not a criticism. It’s high praise. Will the Academy’s Directors Branch embrace such eclectic tastes? Unlikely. But what a world it would be if they did.
The technical brilliance of ‘Queer’
Beyond Craig and possibly Schwartzman, the film’s stunning cinematography, courtesy of Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, should catch voters’ attention. Likewise, the otherworldly production design by Stefano Baisi and Lisa Scoppa could be in the conversation. And let’s not forget the haunting, hypnotic score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, which even includes a beautiful original song.
Distributor A24 has a full slate of awards contenders this year, including Queer and their latest acquisition, Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist. They’ll undoubtedly push hard for Queer, but this might be their toughest sell.
Nevertheless, Daniel Craig is ready for his close-up. And Hollywood might just give him the nod he deserves.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Queer.