Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Queer,’ based on the work of William S. Burroughs, is a film that demands attention. Set in 1950s Mexico City, the film follows William Lee (Daniel Craig), an American expat, as he navigates a world of loneliness and longing. When he encounters the young Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), Lee finds a glimmer of hope for intimacy, but the path to connection is fraught with complexities.
‘Queer’ is a bold departure from Burroughs’ original text, embracing surrealism and symbolism to explore the inner workings of a man grappling with his identity. Guadagnino masterfully employs striking visuals, from slow, sizzling shots of Lee in a neon-drenched hotel room to the spectacularly surreal, to create a mesmerizing collage that reflects the film’s themes. The film delves into themes of disembodiment through evocative imagery, such as a spinning limbless woman and Burroughs appearing as a ghost alongside Allerton.
The second half of the film, titled ‘Traveling Companions,’ sees Lee and Allerton embark on a journey to South America, where they encounter the hallucinogen Yage. This journey intensifies the film’s exploration of self-identity and connection, culminating in a striking scene where their bodies merge, reaching through one another like putty. ‘Queer’ immerses viewers in a purgatorial space inhabited by the lonely, where tactility, like the recurring centipede imagery, serves as a constant reminder of the human condition.
Guadagnino’s masterful use of music enhances the film’s impact, with the deliberate placement of songs adding depth and resonance. The film opens with two Nirvana songs, ‘All Apologies’ and ‘Come As You Are,’ both of which resonate with the film’s themes of self-discovery and acceptance. ‘All Apologies,’ a cover by Sinéad O’Connor, speaks of the pain of regret and the desire for forgiveness, while ‘Come As You Are’ plays over a scene of Lee walking through a Mexican street, capturing his desire and vulnerability.
The inclusion of these songs, coupled with the film’s exploration of repressed desire and identity, highlight Guadagnino’s commitment to creating a film that resonates with queer themes. This is further emphasized by the inclusion of a clip from Jean Cocteau’s 1950 film, which foreshadows the Orphean myth and the theme of looking back to the past.
‘Queer’ is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s a powerful testament to Guadagnino’s talent and a testament to the enduring impact of William S. Burroughs’ work. With its mesmerizing visuals, compelling performances, and evocative soundtrack, ‘Queer’ is a cinematic experience that deserves to be seen and savored.
