Italian
Omar Apollo steps into the spotlight in Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Queer’
A new chapter for Omar Apollo
Omar Apollo is set to make his acting debut in Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer,” an adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ 1985 semi-autobiographical novel. This indie film, which was recently announced as part of the Venice Film Festival lineup, will also feature Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey.
A journey through post-war Mexico City
Set against the backdrop of 1940s Mexico City, “Queer” follows the life of Lee, portrayed by Daniel Craig. Lee is a character inspired by Burroughs himself, navigating a world of American expatriates, college students, and bar owners who are living off part-time jobs and GI Bill benefits after World War II. The narrative delves into themes of sex and drug abuse, with Lee becoming infatuated with Allerton, a younger American Navy serviceman played by Drew Starkey. Allerton, a drug user, initially indifferent to Lee’s advances, eventually relents, setting the stage for a complex and intense relationship.
A creative collaboration
The screenplay for “Queer” has been adapted by American playwright Justin Kuritzkes, who previously worked with Guadagnino on “Challengers,” starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist. This continued collaboration promises a seamless translation of Burroughs’ provocative narrative to the big screen. The film is set to premiere at the 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival, running from August 28 to September 7.
Omar Apollo’s musical journey
Omar Apollo, who recently released a 14-song LP titled “God Said No,” has expressed his deep connection to film scores. In a recent interview, Apollo shared, “I feel like I need a little more training and studying when it comes to [acting and screenwriting]. With music, I fixate on [a producer or artist] and go through their whole discography, so I plan to take a similar approach with film… I’ve been doing music for almost 10 years, and only now am I feeling completely confident in my abilities. I have so many ideas that I would love to actualize in film one day, but I’m not rushing the process.”
A serendipitous meeting
Apollo and Guadagnino first crossed paths through Loewe creative director Jonathan Anderson, who designed the costumes for “Challengers.” This meeting has now blossomed into a significant opportunity for Apollo to explore his acting ambitions.
The transition from music to film
In a 2022 interview, where Apollo received the Future Icon Award, he expressed his enthusiasm for acting, saying, “The transition of musician to actor… is always kind of funny but whatever, I’ll do it!” This statement reflects Apollo’s adventurous spirit and willingness to embrace new challenges.
Reflecting on the future
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, “Queer” represents a fascinating convergence of music and film. Apollo’s journey from musician to actor is a testament to the fluidity of creative expression. As we anticipate the film’s premiere, it’s worth reflecting on the broader implications of such cross-disciplinary ventures. How do these transitions enrich the artistic landscape? What new dimensions do they bring to storytelling?
Explore more
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of “Queer,” you can watch the trailer here. This link provides immediate access to additional details and multimedia resources, offering a richer understanding of the film’s context and themes.
In the ever-evolving world of cinema, the blending of music and film continues to open new avenues for storytelling. As Omar Apollo steps into this new role, we are reminded of the endless possibilities that lie at the intersection of different art forms.
