Daniel Craig opens up about filming intimate scenes in Queer

Daniel Craig reflects on the experience of filming Queer amid expectations of awards recognition.

Daniel Craig discusses challenges of filming Queer

At the Venice Film Festival, Daniel Craig talked about the difficulties of shooting explicit sex scenes in his new film Queer, directed by Luca Guadagnino. The movie, an adaptation of the William Burroughs novel, features Craig as an American expat involved with a young student in 1950s Mexico City. Craig emphasized that filming sex scenes lacks intimacy, saying, "We just wanted to make it as touching and as real as we possibly could." His co-star Drew Starkey echoed this, mentioning how prior choreographed sessions helped create a sense of comfort. The film is generating buzz, partly due to Craig's noteworthy performance, drawing comparisons to his earlier works. Guadagnino expressed admiration for Craig’s authenticity and vulnerability in his acting. The film is set to release later this year and may attract significant attention during awards season.

The release of Queer brings attention not just to its narrative but also to the evolving portrayal of intimacy in cinema. Craig's comments on the lack of intimacy during filming reflect a broader theme in the industry surrounding the authenticity of performances. As audiences demand more genuine portrayals of complex human experiences, films like Queer could set new standards for how emotional and physical connections are depicted on screen. This film also highlights the resilience of artists like Guadagnino, who continues to challenge norms, particularly after facing setbacks like last year's actors' strike.

Highlights

As Queer prepares for its release, it may redefine expectations for intimacy in cinema.