Daniel Craig has taken on a role that starkly contrasts with his James Bond persona in Luca Guadagnino's latest film "Queer," which premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 3, 2024. The movie, set in 1950s Mexico, features Craig as a drug-addicted gay American, marking a significant departure from his previous on-screen appearances.
The film, based on an unfinished novel by William S. Burroughs, explores the life of Craig's character, William Lee, in Mexico City. Lee navigates a world of substance abuse and complex relationships within the U.S. expat community. The story culminates in a journey to the jungle in search of a hallucinogenic drug, reflecting Burroughs' own experiences and the Beat Generation's fascination with altered states of consciousness.
Luca Guadagnino, known for his 2017 critically acclaimed film "Call Me by Your Name," directs "Queer" with a focus on character development rather than explicit scenes. The director stated, "I think Daniel has been so beautifully naked in terms of the soul in this movie that this is going to be the thing that people will connect with, no matter how naked he is on the screen."
Craig, now 57, expressed his long-standing desire to work with Guadagnino, saying, "I met him 20 years ago, yeah, nearly, yes, and we always said we'd work together eventually ..., and we did." This collaboration represents a shift from Craig's high-budget Bond films to a more intimate, independent production.
The film features intimate scenes between Craig and co-star Drew Starkey, who plays a quiet bisexual character. To prepare for their roles, Craig and Starkey engaged in movement and dance classes, which Craig described as ice-breaking exercises that helped them build the necessary intimacy for their on-screen relationship.
"Queer" is one of 21 films competing for the prestigious Golden Lion award at the 92-year-old Venice Film Festival, with the winner to be announced on September 7, 2024. The festival, the oldest of its kind in the world, continues to be a platform for groundbreaking cinema and challenging narratives.
"I don't think about it. No, I mean, what's the point? You know, I can't control it."
The film's setting in 1950s Mexico City provides a rich backdrop for the narrative. During this period, the city was experiencing significant growth and cultural change, mirroring the broader social shifts of the decade. The U.S. expat community in Mexico also saw substantial expansion during this time, creating a unique cultural milieu that the film explores.
"Queer" represents not only a departure for Craig but also a continuation of the increasing representation of LGBTQ+ stories in mainstream cinema. As the industry evolves, films like "Queer" contribute to a more diverse and inclusive cinematic landscape, challenging traditional narratives and expanding the range of stories told on the big screen.