William Lee: Sit down on your ass!
Scenario
In 1950s Mexico City, an American ex-pat in his late forties leads a solitary life amidst a small American community. However, the arrival of a young student stirs the man into finally establishing a meaningful connection with someone.. Daniel Craig was ultimately the one who convinced Luca Guadagnino to cast Drew Starkey after watching audition tapes with Guadagnino and telling him "That' s the guy" after seeing Starkey’s.. Or what’s left of it after four years in the Navy..
Unfortunately, the film fell far short of these aspirations
Features Orfej (1950). I approached the release of Queer with high expectations, hoping it would offer a profoundly moving and memorable cinematic experience. The casting of Daniel Craig in the role of a queer man was particularly intriguing. It signaled a departure from his iconic portrayal of the suave James Bond and presented an opportunity to showcase his versatility and depth as an actor.
However, the execution is flawed, and this promising concept never fully materializes
The primary shortcoming of Queer lies in its lack of a cohesive narrative. Rather than delivering a structured and engaging story, the film feels more like a collection of loosely connected scenes. It focuses on an alcoholic gay writer living in Mexico City, a premise that had the potential to be a profound exploration of isolation, identity, and personal struggle. A fragmented and disjointed storyline remains that fails to establish meaningful emotional or thematic connections.
Ultimately, Queer is a missed opportunity
This incoherent approach undermines the film’s potential as a character study. Daniel Craig’s performance, while earnest, is constrained by a screenplay that offers him little to work with. His portrayal is overshadowed by the directionless storytelling, leaving what could have been a bold and career-defining role unrealized. It is frustrating to see an actor of Craig’s caliber unable to shine due to the limitations of the material.
Unfortunately, I cannot give this film more than three stars
Its fragmented narrative and inability to engage with its themes substantively result in a hollow and unfulfilling viewing experience. While the film flirts with the promise of emotional depth, it never follows through, leaving the audience questioning what they have just seen.