Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Queer’: A personal journey to the screen
A long-awaited adaptation
Luca Guadagnino’s adaptation of the William S. Burroughs novella “Queer” is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival, marking a significant milestone in the director’s career. This project, which Guadagnino has been passionate about for many years, finally came to fruition thanks to the efforts of producer Lorenzo Mieli and Fremantle’s head of literary acquisitions, Raffaella de Angelis, who secured the book rights. Guadagnino quickly teamed up with “Challengers” writer Justin Kuritzkes, and with the help of CAA chief executive Bryan Lourd, they brought Daniel Craig on board to play the protagonist, Lee. Drew Starkey, known for his role in “Outer Banks,” was cast as the younger man who becomes the object of Lee’s intense infatuation.
A bold and intimate portrayal
From the director of “Call Me by Your Name,” “Queer” promises to be one of the most talked-about indie films of the year, featuring intimate love scenes between the two male leads. Venice Film Festival artistic director Alberto Barbera has praised the film’s explicit erotic sequences, calling them “a sign of great courage in an era in which these behaviors are still rejected by a significant part of the audience.” The film is set to be released in U.S. theaters later this year by A24.
Guadagnino’s connection to ‘Queer’
Reflecting on his first encounter with “Queer” at the age of 17, Guadagnino recalls how the book’s candid exploration of homoerotic love resonated with him as he was discovering his own sexual identity. Beyond its themes, it was Burroughs’ language and imagination that captivated him, particularly the imagery of a translucent body projecting out of the physical body in search of the loved one. This powerful image has been incorporated into the film.
Adapting an unfinished novel
The adaptation process for “Queer” was a collaborative effort between Guadagnino and Kuritzkes. They aimed to complete the unfinished novel by understanding Burroughs’ intentions and how he might have concluded the story. With the guidance of Oliver Harris, a renowned Burroughs scholar, they discovered a tender and shy side to the author, which influenced their portrayal of the novel’s themes of love and connection.
A universal love story
Guadagnino and Kuritzkes did not see “Queer” as a story of unrequited love or an older man trying to win over a younger, straight man. Instead, they focused on the themes of connection, disconnection, repression, and compression. Their goal was to create a universal love story that would resonate with audiences, making Burroughs’ work accessible and relatable.
Casting Daniel Craig
Getting Daniel Craig on board was a pivotal moment for the project. Guadagnino’s agent, Bryan Lourd, suggested Craig for the role, and after reading the script, Craig was enthusiastic about the project. Known for his iconic role as James Bond, Craig’s involvement brings a level of star power and depth to the film. Guadagnino praises Craig as one of the great actors of his generation, capable of delivering a subtle and profound performance.
Addressing explicit content
The explicit sex scenes in “Queer” have drawn attention, especially in contrast to the lack of such scenes in “Call Me by Your Name.” Guadagnino dismisses the criticism of his previous film, emphasizing that the narrative and themes of “Queer” necessitate a more explicit portrayal of the characters’ interactions. The film explores the depths of their connection and the dramatic denial that inhabits them, making these scenes integral to the story.
Discovering Drew Starkey
Casting Drew Starkey as Allerton was another significant decision. Guadagnino was impressed by Starkey’s self-tape and his ability to embody a young man from the 1950s. Starkey’s performance captures the era’s articulacy and gestures, bringing authenticity to the character.
Capturing the spirit of the Beat Generation
Guadagnino aimed to keep the revolutionary spirit of the Beat Generation alive in his adaptation. He wanted the film to be picaresque, funny, romantic, and revolutionary, reflecting the youthful energy and desire for change that defined the era. By doing so, he hoped to create a film that resonates with contemporary audiences while staying true to the essence of Burroughs’ work.
Final thoughts
“Queer” represents a significant achievement for Luca Guadagnino, bringing a deeply personal project to the screen. With its bold portrayal of love and connection, the film promises to be a standout at the Venice Film Festival and beyond. For those eager to delve deeper into the world of “Queer,” you can watch the trailer and explore more about the film.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.