"Queer": Daniel Craig impresses in the fragmented fictional universe of William S. Burroughs

Until now rather discreet in France, apart from a forgettable remake of Suspiria in 2018, the American director Luca Guadagnino stands out by signing an adaptation of the unadaptable William S. Burroughs. Revolutionary American novelist, adept at the fragmentation of narration in favor of impressions, Burroughs inspires filmmakers.

After David Cronenberg and his successful Naked Lunch in 1991, Luca Guadagnino also proved inspired in Queer, which introspects homosexuality in 1950s America, and is released in theaters on Wednesday, February 26.

American homosexual in the 1950s, William Lee finds refuge like many others in Mexico. A dilettante heroin addict, solitary and disillusioned living in the middle of a community of anonymous expatriates, he lives by his wits, searching day by day for his fix. In his fifties, he sees Allerton arrive at his uninhibited twenties. Charmed, William is overwhelmed by the feelings awakened in him by this young man with whom he will live a tumultuous relationship.

Queer version Luca Guadagnino immediately inspires support with his beautiful evocation of Mexican exoticism that was to inspire Americans in the mid-20th century. A luminous reconstruction without emphasis, simply realistic and sensitive. If the image charms from the outset, the charisma of Daniel Craig as William Burroughs' alter-ego does the rest, like a guide to the heart of an underworld that becomes as much the subject of the film as the emotional plot.

The actor plays it smart by embodying a role that is the polar opposite of the virility personified by James Bond, whom he has been playing since Casino Royale in 2006. He thus avoids an identification that is too strong and reductive for an actor with visibly varied skills. Elegance and confidence nevertheless remain common points. Yes, undeniably on screen, Daniel Craig exudes.

The same elegance and mastery of the camera characterize Luca Guadagnino's staging, more observant than identifying, while remaining sensitive. It is the director's desire to become a narrator, a storyteller, and to let the spectator be caught up in the story. He does not remain passive, however, the reading of feelings remaining intimately linked to the interweaving of interpretation and environment, at the crossroads of the staging.

Gender : Drama Director: Luca Guadagnino Actors: Daniel Craig, Drew Starkey, Jason Schwartzman Country: United States / Italy Duration: 2 h 16 Release: February 26, 2025

Prohibited for ages 12 and up with warning

Synopsis: In Mexico in the 1950s, Lee, an American, leads a disillusioned life within a community of expatriates. The arrival of young Allerton will turn Lee's existence upside down, and bring back forgotten feelings in him.