T4K3.news

Queer starring Daniel Craig receives mixed reviews

Critics describe the film adaptation as tedious and lacking coherence.

December 5, 2024 at 05:00 AM

A Trojan horse of a movie, starring Daniel Craig

The film adaptation of Burroughs's novella has received mixed reviews, with critics calling it tedious.

Critics find flaws in Queer starring Daniel Craig

Luca Guadagnino's adaptation of William S. Burroughs's novella "Queer" features Daniel Craig in a role filled with graphic content and surreal visuals. Critics have pointed out that while the film draws viewers in with a provocative premise, it struggles in its pacing and narrative, especially in the second half. The 137-minute film showcases Craig as William Lee, a drug-addicted expatriate in 1950s Mexico City, but many feel that the attempt to explore deep themes is overshadowed by a tedious execution. Guadagnino's decision to replicate the surrealism that characterizes Burroughs's work has received mixed reactions, with some praising it and others calling it a misfire. The film's provocative nature, including explicit gay scenes, has sparked discussions in the film community, although its long runtime and slow pacing have disappointed many viewers.

Key Takeaways

✔️

The film has received mixed reviews, with criticism aimed at its pacing and second half.

✔️

Guadagnino's adaptation of Burroughs's work may confuse viewers with its surrealism.

✔️

Daniel Craig's performance is seen as dimmed by a lackluster narrative and direction.

"Queer is a Trojan horse of a movie that punishes you once you’re trapped in the theater"

This highlights the criticism that the film's allure quickly fades as it progresses.

"Initially, I thought Queer had an interesting, if slow, first half"

The critic acknowledges some merit in the beginning but warns about the decline in quality.

"At 137 minutes, Queer is too long, and the interminable second half makes it feel nine hours longer"

This emphasizes the common concern regarding the film's pacing and length.

"The visual effects in the latter half are an endurance test of bad quality"

Highlights the criticism towards the visual representation in the film's surreal parts.

Ultimately, "Queer" appears to be a bold yet flawed project that struggles to balance its intentions with viewer expectations. Daniel Craig's star power may initially draw audiences in, yet many may leave feeling unsatisfied by the drawn-out narrative and lack of coherence in the storytelling. This film reflects a broader trend in cinema where adaptations of complex literature sometimes fail to resonate with wider audiences. The contrasting reviews highlight a disconnect between artistic ambition and audience enjoyment, raising important questions about how filmmakers can more successfully bring challenging texts to the screen without alienating viewers.