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Luca Guadagnino's 'Queer' Explores Unsynchronized Love and Complex Masculinity

Daniel Craig stars in this adaptation of William S. Burroughs' semi-autobiographical novel, blending surreal visuals, emotional depth, and unconventional storytelling.

  • The film, directed by Luca Guadagnino, adapts William S. Burroughs' 1985 novel 'Queer,' portraying themes of unfulfilled connection and emotional repression in 1950s Mexico City.
  • Daniel Craig plays William Lee, a heroin-addicted expat, while Drew Starkey portrays Eugene Allerton, the younger man who becomes the focus of Lee's obsession.
  • Shot primarily at Cinecittà Studios in Rome, the film combines artificial backdrops with an anachronistic soundtrack featuring artists like Nirvana and Prince to create a unique aesthetic.
  • Justin Kuritzkes' screenplay expands on Burroughs' original work, adding surreal sequences and new character dynamics while maintaining fidelity to the novel's core themes.
  • The film has received polarized reactions, earning a standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival but facing censorship in Istanbul for its provocative content.
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