Luca Guadagnino’s much-anticipated adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novel “Queer” premiered at the Venice Film Festival, providing the first glimpse of Daniel Craig in the lead role.
Craig portrays William Lee, an American expatriate in his late forties living in 1950s Mexico City. The film captures Lee’s solitary existence, which is disrupted by the arrival of Eugene Allerton, a young student played by Drew Starkey. Allerton’s presence introduces a new dynamic to Lee’s life, leading him on a journey to forge a meaningful connection, which marks a significant shift from his previously isolated world.
The film, shot at the famous Cinecittà studio in Rome, also features a strong supporting cast including Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, Andra Ursuta, Michael Borremans, and David Lowery. The screenplay, written by Justin Kuritzkes, adds depth to the film’s narrative, continuing his collaboration with Guadagnino following their work on “Challengers.”
Guadagnino shared his personal connection to the project during the festival, recalling how reading Burroughs’ novel as a “lonely” 17-year-old in Palermo deeply influenced him. He described how the story of Lee and the connections he forms “transformed and changed” him forever, making this film particularly meaningful.
The premiere of “Queer” at Venice marks another significant moment for Guadagnino, who has previously presented acclaimed films like “A Bigger Splash,” “Suspiria,” and “Bones and All” at the festival. The film’s debut has generated excitement, particularly for Craig’s performance in this complex and introspective role.
