Luca Guadagnino’s Queer (2024), adapted from William S. Burroughs’ semi-autobiographical novella, presents a visually arresting yet narratively disjointed exploration of obsession, addiction, and unrequited desire.
The direction in the film is good. Guadagnino, known for his sensual storytelling in films like Call Me by Your Name, crafts a stylized vision of 1950s Mexico City. Shot primarily on soundstages at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios, the film embraces a theatrical artificiality, with meticulously designed sets and anachronistic musical choices, including tracks by Nirvana and Prince. While this approach creates a dreamlike atmosphere, it sometimes clashes with the gritty realism inherent in Burroughs’ narrative, leading to a sense of detachment from the story’s emotional core.
The acting in the film is good. Daniel Craig delivers a transformative performance as William Lee, shedding his James Bond persona to portray a man consumed by longing and self-destruction. Craig captures Lee’s vulnerability and desperation with nuance, offering one of his most compelling performances to date. Drew Starkey, as the enigmatic Eugene Allerton, provides a subtle counterbalance, embodying the aloofness that both entices and torments Lee. Supporting roles by Jason Schwartzman and Lesley Manville add depth, though their characters occasionally feel underdeveloped.
The writing in the film is good. The screenplay, penned by Justin Kuritzkes, attempts to translate Burroughs’ introspective prose into a cinematic narrative. However, the film’s structure—divided between Lee’s infatuation in Mexico City and a hallucinogenic journey in South America—lacks cohesion. The episodic nature of the storytelling, coupled with a meandering second half, dilutes the emotional impact and leaves character motivations ambiguous.
The cinematography in the film is good. Sayombhu Mukdeeprom’s cinematography is a standout, imbuing the film with a rich, painterly quality. The use of expressive lighting and colour palettes enhances the film’s surreal tone, particularly during the psychedelic sequences. The visual composition often mirrors Lee’s internal turmoil, creating a visceral connection between the character’s psyche and the film’s aesthetic.
The special effects on the film are good. The film employs special effects sparingly but effectively, particularly in depicting Lee’s drug-induced visions. These sequences are visually striking, utilizing disorienting imagery to convey the character’s altered states of consciousness. However, some critics have noted that the heavy use of CGI in certain scenes undermines the film’s authenticity, rendering parts of the setting artificial.
Queer is a bold cinematic endeavour that showcases Luca Guadagnino’s flair for visual storytelling and Daniel Craig’s range as an actor. While the film excels in its aesthetic presentation and performances, it falters in narrative cohesion and emotional resonance. For viewers open to a stylized, introspective journey into desire and identity, Queer offers a unique, if uneven, experience.