20 Facts About The Movie Queer

The Vision Behind "Queer"

Luca Guadagnino, the acclaimed director known for his work on "Call Me By Your Name," brings his unique vision to the upcoming film "Queer." This historical romance drama promises to be a deep dive into the complexities of love and obsession in 1940s Mexico City.

1. Director and Screenplay: Luca Guadagnino directs "Queer," with a screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes. Their collaboration follows their previous work on "Challengers."

2. Plot Overview: Set in 1940s Mexico City, the film follows Lee, a WWII veteran who becomes infatuated with Allerton, a young drug addict. This narrative is based on William S. Burroughs’s semi-autobiographical novel.

The Cast and Characters

A film is only as strong as its cast, and "Queer" boasts a lineup of talented actors who bring depth to their roles.

3. Daniel Craig as Lee: Daniel Craig stars as Lee, Burroughs’s alter ego. This role marks Craig’s first dramatic film post-James Bond.

4. Drew Starkey as Allerton: Drew Starkey plays Allerton, the young man who captures Lee’s heart.

5. Supporting Cast: The film features Jason Schwartzman as Joe, Lesley Manville as Dr. Cotter, Henry Zaga as Winston Moor, Drew Droege as John Dume, Ariel Schulman as Tom Weston, Colin Bates as Tom Williams, Ronia Ava as Joan, Perla Ambrosini as Lee’s Mother, and Simon Rizzoni as Bartender.

Production Insights

The making of "Queer" involved meticulous planning and a dedicated team to bring Guadagnino’s vision to life.

6. Production Background: Guadagnino has been passionate about adapting "Queer" since he read the book at 17. Filming began in Rome on April 29, 2023, and wrapped on June 29, 2023, with additional scenes shot in Quito, Ecuador.

7. Cinematography and Music: Sayombhu Mukdeeprom handles the cinematography, while Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross compose the music.

8. Costume Design: Jonathan Anderson, creative director of Loewe, designed the costumes, marking his second collaboration with Guadagnino.

Release and Reception

Anticipation for "Queer" is high, with the film set to make a significant impact on the festival circuit.

9. Release Date and Festivals: "Queer" will premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2024, and will also feature at the 62nd New York Film Festival in October 2024.

10. Runtime: The film’s runtime is 135 minutes, trimmed down from an original cut of 185 to 200 minutes.

11. Budget: With a budget of €48 million, "Queer" is a significant production for Guadagnino and his team.

Historical and Cultural Context

"Queer" is set in a time when gay relationships were heavily stigmatized, adding depth to its narrative.

12. Historical Context: The film’s setting in 1940s Mexico City highlights the challenges faced by gay individuals during that period.

13. Themes: "Queer" explores themes of love, obsession, and survival, delving into the complexities of human relationships.

14. Burroughs’ Influence: The novel "Queer" by William S. Burroughs is semi-autobiographical, drawing from his own experiences as a gay man in post-war Mexico.

Critical Acclaim and Future Prospects

Early reviews and industry buzz suggest that "Queer" could be a standout film in 2024.

15. Daniel Craig’s Performance: Craig’s portrayal of Lee is being hailed as a career-high performance, with potential for an Oscar nomination.

16. Critical Reception: Early reviews praise the performances, direction, and historical significance of the film.

17. Venice Film Festival: "Queer" will compete for the Golden Lion at the 81st Venice International Film Festival.

18. New York Film Festival: The U.S. premiere will take place at the 62nd New York Film Festival in October 2024.

19. Distribution Rights: A24 has acquired the distribution rights for "Queer" in the United States.

20. Cultural Significance: "Queer" contributes to the growing body of LGBTQ+ films, shedding light on a lesser-known period in LGBTQ+ history.

Final Thoughts on "Queer"

"Queer" is shaping up to be a must-watch film. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, it dives deep into 1940s Mexico City, exploring love, obsession, and survival. With Daniel Craig taking on a challenging role as Lee, the film promises a standout performance. Drew Starkey, Jason Schwartzman, and Lesley Manville round out a stellar cast. The historical context adds layers to the narrative, making it more than just a love story. Guadagnino's personal connection to the project shines through, ensuring a film rich in emotion and authenticity. Early buzz hints at critical acclaim, with potential Oscar nods on the horizon. A24's involvement guarantees a wide release, bringing this important story to many. "Queer" isn't just a film; it's a significant cultural piece that will resonate with audiences and critics alike. Don't miss its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival.