In Queer, Daniel Craig relinquishes all the Jim Bond glamour to assume an entirely new character. Co-directed by Luca Guadagnino and adapted from William S. Burroughs’s semi-autobiographical novel, this film breaks down vulnerability, desire, and identity. In 1950s Mexico City, Craig plays Lee, an American expatriate, smitten with a much younger man, Allerton, played by Drew Starkey, who is lost in a muddle of lust, love, and longings.
This is one of Craig’s biggest departures since his praises have been for gritty, all-action kind of roles. This time around he dived much deeper into the skin of a character described as fragile and needy, far cry from the stoic Bond persona he carries. Critics have already started praising Craig for bringing some raw performances since the film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and has already hinted at possible award recognition.
Queer is unflinching in its presentation of desire. The movie brings into view the nuances of vulnerability in the relationship as Craig reveals emotional and physical rawness, which is generally not seen in his films. The sex scenes, which are so much about an emotional need as well as a physical desire, reflect the core theme of giving up love. Craig’s attitude towards such incidences reflects his commitment to realism, as does the characterization of Lee’s struggle with addiction.
He worked extensively with an acting coach, getting immersed in Burroughs’s world, to capture Lee’s essence. His performance brings out the embodied writing of a man who continually works on himself to be a risk-willing and challenge-embracing actor.
But as the film preps for November 27, in Queer, Craig promises to show the unbelievable range but also a deeply human story of love and loss-thus cementing his reputation as one of the most daring actors of his generation.
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