Daniel Craig shines in Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Queer’ at Venice Film Festival
A night to remember
Daniel Craig delivered a career-defining performance in Luca Guadagnino’s romantic drama Queer, portraying a gay American expat in 1950s Mexico City. The film, known for its explicit love scenes, captivated a packed theater during its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, earning a remarkable 9-minute standing ovation.
As the applause began, Craig appeared emotional, hugging Guadagnino while the crowd chanted “Luca! Luca! Luca!” Each actor descended the Sala Grande steps individually to bow, with Craig blowing kisses to the audience as his wife, Rachel Weisz, looked on proudly. The climax of the ovation came when Craig and his co-star embraced, prompting cheers from Guadagnino and the audience.
A tale of solitude and connection
Based on the 1985 novel by William S. Burroughs, Queer follows Lee (Craig), an American expat who spends his days in near isolation, interacting only with a few members of the small American community. His encounter with Eugene Allerton (Starkey), a young student new to the city, offers him a glimpse of the possibility of an intimate connection.
A journey into the psychedelic
While the movie begins as a conventional romance, it soon takes a turn for the psychedelic, incorporating hallucinations and imagination in a manner reminiscent of Guadagnino’s supernatural horror film Suspiria rather than the romantic drama Call Me by Your Name. During a press screening earlier in the day, dozens of viewers walked out, but the premiere audience remained captivated.
A stellar cast and crew
The screenplay for Queer was penned by Justin Kuritzkes, Guadagnino’s collaborator on Challengers. The cast also includes Jason Schwartzman, Lesley Manville, Henry Zaga, Drew Droege, Ariel Schulman, Colin Bates, Ronia Ava, Perla Ambrosini, and Simon Rizzoni.
A festival debut for Craig and Starkey
Queer marks Daniel Craig’s first appearance at the Venice Film Festival, although he previously filmed scenes for the James Bond movie Casino Royale in the historic Italian city. This is also the festival debut for relative newcomer Starkey, who is poised for a breakout role following his performance in this film.
Guadagnino’s rich history at Venice
Italian auteur Luca Guadagnino has a long-standing relationship with the Venice Film Festival, having premiered numerous films there over the years. His directorial debut The Protagonists premiered in 1999, followed by the 2004 documentary Cuoco Contandino. His Desire Trilogy installments I Am Love (2009) and A Bigger Splash (2015) starring Tilda Swinton, 2018’s Suspiria with Dakota Johnson, the 2020 Ferragamo documentary The Shoemaker of Dreams, and the romantic horror Bones and All (2022) starring Timothée Chalamet and Taylor Russell, which won the Silver Lion for best direction, all showcased his diverse storytelling abilities.
Personal reflections
As a cinema enthusiast, witnessing the evolution of Daniel Craig’s career from the iconic James Bond to a deeply nuanced role in Queer is nothing short of exhilarating. Craig’s ability to immerse himself in such a complex character speaks volumes about his versatility as an actor. Guadagnino’s direction, known for its visual splendor and emotional depth, adds another layer of brilliance to the film.
For those who appreciate the art of storytelling through cinema, Queer is a must-watch. It challenges conventional narratives and delves into the human psyche, offering a unique cinematic experience. The film’s exploration of solitude, connection, and the human condition resonates deeply, making it a standout at this year’s Venice Film Festival.
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