The movie Queer proves two things, life has come a long way since the 1950’s and Daniel Craig is a brilliantly versatile actor.
Mexico, in the 1950’s. A time when homosexuality and drugs are illegal. In a seedy backstreet bar, the only reprieve from the hot night air comes from a slowly spinning large fan and copious amounts of alcohol.
Middle aged American expat Lee (Daniel Craig) sits at the bar downing shots. His cream linen suit looking almost as tired as him. He looks around the room at the usual suspects. Bored and lonely he stares out the window.
A tall, slender young man walks by, Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey) and so begins his infatuation.
He follows Eugene and finds him playing chess in another bar. Nights pass as Lee builds up the courage to approach Eugene. But Eugene is no push over, Lee will have to work hard to penetrate the former soldiers emotional barrier.
Persistence eventually pays off and Lee is soon living out his dream.
When things ultimately turn sour a compromise is made. Eugene agrees to accompany Lee on a fully paid trip into the Amazon to source a drug that boasts telepathic qualities. His ultimate aim is to “communicate without talking”.
The movie touches on loneliness, lust and how the all-consuming loves of our lives never leave us.
As the final credits rolled I pondered:
- The muted tones and faded images help establish the movies’ tone;
- Craig is utterly believable as lonely, infatuated, alcoholic Lee. The man does drunk very well, whether with a martini or a dirty shot;
- The movie is an adaptation of Beat icon William S. Burroughs’ autobiographical novella, which makes the storyline all the more interesting;
- Best supporting actor goes to the linen suit;
- The soundtrack would be worth looking out for if it was available;
- Queer will not be for everyone, I suggest not going with a new date or your mother.
For more information go to Luna Cinemas. In cinemas Feb 6.
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