OK, let's see if I can recall what I said. First, why does Lee let Allerton have a life separate from him. Allerton plays chess with the woman. There is another guy that's there. What do they mean to Allerton? Why doesn't Lee try to learn more about them? Also, what does Joe mean to Lee? What does Lee mean to Joe? Joe seems to hint he's interested in Lee, but never really pushes it. He does say he's happy to see Lee when Lee returns back to Mexico City. When Joe explains what happened to Allerton, Lee seems uninterested in finding Allerton. But he came back to Mexico City. Why did he do that, only to give up? What do you think Lee does afterwards? What's he looking for? Does Joe's presence help? Why didn't Joe leave? What kept him in Mexico City? His life seems the same as it always has been. He's constantly getting robbed by men he's interested in.
@@tennisCharlzz I think he gave up because of the news Joe gives Lee that Allerton is in South America with another army ex-pat as his tour guide. I can only guess that while he wasn’t ready to explore his queerness at the time with Lee, two years later, Allerton has found someone else. As Dr. Cotter said: “Once the door is open, it can’t be closed. We can only look away, but why would we?” Allerton chose to look away, but we can infer from the epilogue, he couldn’t look away forever.
I loved one detail: after the time skip not only Lee had a camera just like Allerton did, he had his hair styled the same as Eugine, but at the same time he was dressed the same as when the two of them had met, as to symbolize the merge between the men, the way they’re life is intertwined (at least for Lee), both the influence of Lee’s relationship with Allerton on his present and the longing and nostalgia for the past
My favorite symbolism is the chess game which Allerton plays with the woman and not Lee. That scene where he sets up the chess board while talking to Lee and then, Lee understands that it's his cue to to leave when he's done setting up the chessboard. It's like Allerton is telling Lee that he's playing a game with that woman, but not with him. Even though he is playing chess with him. Powerful.
I was thinking, perhaps Lee doesn't really want to know Allerton as a person at all. He's not curious about this woman or his personal life. He wants a physical relationship then something beyond that. Sort of like a Vulcan mind meld, but more spiritual. Sure, he's fascinated by Allerton's beauty (who wouldn't be) but he wants to know what it's like to be Allerton or his essence or to connect with him. Although he talks to Allerton, he's only interested in the stories he tells. He shows very little curiosity about Allerton. That discussion Allerton has explaining what he does for a living isn't that compelling to Lee.
Burroughs complained about Marker being a chess player in his letters to Ginsberg. He remarked that it was a pointless pursuit that could someday be completely solved by a thinking machine which proved to be a prophetic observation.
Might point out that Lee sets up the board terribly. Besides the continuity errors with the piece placements, he sets a bishop as a pawn and a knight in the corner like castle. The king and queen aren’t positioned right either.
@@tennisCharlzz I noticed this too. It's evidenced more by when Allerton wants to pursue some of his own interests in South America and Lee is dismissive and doesn't want to go. He's not actually interested in Allerton as a person, more the idea of him.
For some reason the crying snake near the end represented allerton himself to me. A snake because of how he kept hurting lee, bur ultimately choking on his own identity and weeping deep within himself for the relationship and life that couldn't be
13:53 I love how in the earlier scene, Allerton’s back is to Lee, with only his leg extended. But in the last, he is the bigger spoon. In Lee’s last moments, it shows the importance of the embrace and how Lee remembers it or rather how it felt and its impact. Also in the first scene, Allerton’s brow is furrowed. But here we cannot see their faces. I don’t know if I’m reaching, but I also tie it to the news of Allerton going back to South America with another army ex-pat (I figure he is going to reopen the door but with someone who he openly feels the same way about and sure about his identity). In a way, it’s almost like the younger Allerton letting Lee know that he is queer and no longer disembodied.
I was fascinated by the line "He mentioned something about maybe seeing you down there" re: South America at the end. I'm still pondering what it means. My best guess so far is that maybe it meant he thought he might connect with Lee telepathically.
Thank you! This truly helped me take a strip back to understand the film’s symbolism more. I was struggling with piecing everything together and it makes better sense now . Great take!
I saw it as a pure expression of loneliness. Nothing more. Like the whole movie. It was about loneliness, fear of rejection. I didn't even see that Allerton loved him. It was just a pass time for him.
There is actually a nice detail in the film connected with the floating woman scene. The doctor whom Lee visited is played by a famous Belgian painter called Michael Borremans who's real life work seems to connect with the movie. One very clear example is the floating woman scene which comes directly from his painterly work as it is a very distinct synthesis which he often revisited through the years. You can find the same ''floating woman'' image in many of his paintings like ''The skirt'', ''The painting of melancholia'', ''The stars''etc.
Although Lee is infatuated with Allerton, he never seems to push himself into the relationship that Allerton has with that woman he plays chess with and the other man who Lee seems to know. Why do you think he lets that part of Allerton's life remain a mystery to him. Also, what do you think Joe means to Lee or what does Lee mean to Joe. It seems Joe hints that he's interested in Lee, but Lee isn't interested in him. They seem to have more in common, and yet, that relationship doesn't happen. Still, it's his one connection to Mexico City when he returns. Also, I believe Lee has styled his hair like Allerton when he returns to Mexico City. He also doesn't seem compelled to find Allerton again. One wonders what Lee chooses to do and why he chose to come back to Mexico City. If it's to find Allerton, then why doesn't he pursue it any further?
in response to your last question, i think Lee finally, mostly lets go of Allerton.. knowing he ate his heart out for an impossible synchronicity between them. yet, he is searching for closure in this ambiguous way of returning to Mexico. I think him keeping his hairstyle like Allerton represents him holding onto in a personal way, without pursuing him physically. but we know, from the last scene, that Allerton and Lee's moments of affection remained with him until death.
An excellent analysis of the symbols & background of this masterpiece from Luca Guadagnino. Not many people would understand, or care to understand, the depth of what Guadagnino wants to communicate. Thank you, Lucas.
Really enjoyed your analysis of the film. I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I started the movie. The dialogue wasn't hitting at first, but glad I stuck with it. My goodness! This movie could have been the biography of my life. I'm 50 now, and there are so many things I can relate to in this movie. Loved it!
Nice piece of work here, Lucas. I've read QUEER many times, as I have JUNKY, NAKED LUNCH, INTERZONE, EXTERMINATOR!, THE WILD BOYS, and the LETTERS of WILLIAM S. BURROUGHS 1945-1959. The Letters, edited and with a fantastic introduction by renowned Burroughs scholar Oliver Harris, is must reading for anyone who loves Burroughs' work. One artistic directorial artistic license that I disagreed with is Allerton being the object of the "William Tell" act, which ended Joan Vollmer's life. Also, Burroughs WAS very much in love with Joan but as he wrote to Allen Ginsberg around 1952, (Allen was accusing Bill of having it both ways and it was driving Joan off the rails), writing: "Of course I love Joan...there are certain aspects that are not amenable to any solution." In other words, Burroughs could not help that he was attracted sexually exclusively very young men. Joan did not go in with her eyes shut. So there it is. The film is an incredible piece of art which is extraordinary given the complicated material, which reads as deceptively simple. Far from it. Thank you for a great review!
That was a great analysis with which I agree about 90%. 🙂 I had a bit of a different take on a few things. I, too, think this is an excellent movie in so many ways. It is well written, the acting (especially Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey) is superb. The cinematography and music are phenomenal. It definitely represents the lives and the psychology of gay men at two very different stages of self-acceptance in the early '50s. So, why is it so divisive? Why do some love it and some hate it? I think it has to do with a few things. First, there are people who are homophobes and hate queer movies. Not sure why they went (LOL--yes, I am pretty sure, at least). Second, it has a lot of metaphors in it. People's brains tend to be dichotomous as to whether they are linear thinkers and like movies in which everything is spelled out for them OR they are less concrete and more associative thinkers and like the many interpretations of metaphors. Of course, it's really a continuum, but these are the extremes. People at the first extreme (more concrete thinkers) would hate this movie and not understand its true meaning. Those at the other extreme probably would love it. As you say, it's the story of a gay man in middle-age (former military) who lives in Mexico. He's a drug addict, which likely represents the misery he experiences as a gay man in the '50s. He says he's in Mexico because his drug habit would get him imprisoned in the U.S. Remember, though, this was the era of McCarthyism, and his homosexuality also may have gotten him imprisoned--as a "communist"). So, he lives in Mexico and is seeking a meaningful gay relationship. Unfortunately, all he finds is superficial hook-ups. He sees and becomes infatuated with Eugene, a younger man who is struggling with his queer identity and is unable to accept it. Yet, he is drawn to Lee, the older man. This sets the stage for what is to occur. The part that I think really confuses people and is off-putting for them is Chapter 3 with the telepathy augmenting drug in South America. This is the metaphor for the struggle that Eugene is going through, knowing that he is attracted to men, specifically Lee, and denying his own homosexuality. Lee "hears" the thoughts of Eugene during their drug intoxication, "I AM NOT QUEER!" Ultimately, Eugene runs away in an effort to escape his sexuality and love for Lee. And Lee lives on alone, lonely, and grieving over the loss of Eugene, and dies a miserable death. Whie the movie has a bit of romance; it really is a tragedy of two gay men who are at very different stages of their lives and unable to connect in the early '50s. That is my assessment of the movie.
Instant Subscribe! Exquisitely worded and explored. I'd admit honestly that going in more or less blind after having only watched the trailer and a few tidbits here and there about the movie, and no context of the book, was left bit flummoxed with the symbolism. Thank heavens for your informative dissection. Intriguing piece of cinema for sure,,,
Excellent review and straight to the point,thank you so much. I just came from the cinema,thinking that this movie lacks something in the plot that makes me feel empty somehow. There are good moments like the sex scenes and the dreams, but as the film moves on is like the plot weakens heavily to strike a chord with me in the whole, but your review makes sense and the killing of Burroughs wife is vital to understand that. Guadagnino is a good director, but i think in the hands of Del Toro or Cronenberg could have been maybe a more challenging film. My gratitude to you to make me understand this movie.😊
Another awesome analysis Lucas. I love this movie and saw it twice in the theaters. I’m reading the novela now too. What an interesting man Burroughs was!
Omg what a life Burroughs lived, I couldn’t believe so many of the things I was reading when doing my research, I’m sure the novella is excellent with so many new ideas, enjoy!!
The snake eating its tail at the end was crying. I still don't understand what happened to Allerton when they were in South America. Most confusing movie I've ever seen in my entire life.
I watched the movie last week and was supper confused. This video helped a lot but what helped me the most was reading the book and really diving into the authors historical context and general life. I think what Lucas (the director) did was outstanding! Combining a fictional story with the authors actual life. If you take just a few hours to read the book and research a little bit a out the author I promise you will understand way better and its actually quite beauriful what they did
I saw a perfect example of anxious+avoidant types in love. Super didactic. Thank you, Lucas, for filling in the details of the book author's personal life. It was very elucidative. What did you get from the floating sheet of paper between Lee and Eugene?
I saw this film yesterday. Your excellant insight and previous knowledge of William Burroughs' history explained all of my questions regarding the symbolism. Now, I fully get it! Thanks!
The second time I saw it, I told my friend that you could change the title from Queer to Addiction and it would be a totally different movie without changing a thing. Suddenly you have a movie about a man wrestling with his addictions, a younger man who realizes that and keeps his distance, then tries to finally connect with him via the trip only to have the addiction get in the way. You have two movies depending on which angle you view it from. It's this weird kaleidoscopic thing. It's sort of brilliant.
loved this thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙏🏾. i thought it was visually stunning when watching but felt i was missing a lot, still enjoyed the storytelling but we as an audience could’ve benefitted from a bit more context that was given in the book.
Vi esta película hace poco y fue tan emocional, lloré no solo por la belleza de la cinematografía y esa elegancia europea, me sentí indudablemente representado, la Soledad, el Muerdo, la vergüenza, todo un viaje para lograr el amor propio. Buen análisis. 😊
I think your interpretation is excellent but I also want to say that I think this is a movie that could be discussed for very long time which I think makes it such a special film I couldn't help but think through the film though in some of the scenes that William Lee was also grieving not only for the situation with his wife but also I believe for is lost youth which may or may not have tied in with his desire for Allerton. Definitely a film that encourages to be discussed and analyzed.
Strongly agree with every word! I’m already noticing as time passes, this comment section becoming richer and richer with ideas beyond this video, it’s beautiful to see
@lucasblue20 one other thing I'd like to add is I felt as though Allerton was not on the same intellectual level that William Lee was on I noticed the second time in conversations especially in the first part after they first meet that they weren't really matched intellectually the scene where William Lee is talking about that he's a homosexual and that his family has always been cursed with being one while Allerton is just eating though Allerton was listening I felt that moment of confession from William Lee needed more attention from Allerton
Thank you very much for the video! I guess some things got clearer to me. I started watching the movie because it was Luke’s one and I love CMBYK, and because it was Daniel Craig and it was interesting. I didn’t like it for the first time, got really confused with the second part of it. Watched it again the next day and fell in love with it. Still not feeling good about the ending. Will watch it again after this analysis though. For me this is another big thing about love that Luca has created. And Daniel did a fantastic piece of work! Fantastic! Love him there! And thank Luca for being so god damn talented. ❤
Thank you for your intelligent and clear analysis ≈ even into the depths of conveying the Transcendence found in QUEER, both the Film & William S Burroughs's novella !!
Your're amazing. I'm going to see it soon. So many others have told me not to go because it's so sad or suggestive of internalized and external homophobia. I can handle that. I would like to walk along with this couple in this film...who despite all are moving forward with courage for the sake of love. IMO, their relationship however conflicted/painful is a self-confident assertion of their lives and of their love. Whether that love ends at some point, does not negate it. (just some thoughts) Whoever said that love is not without pain.
Great video. That's exactly what I saw. True connection with Ayahuasca. Fear after that. I think the ceremony is the heart of the film. I loved it. By the way, I' ve seen it twice already. Thank You
8:21 Lee does not say that, Gene does. It's the realisation he comes to that makes him then disappear after. Not sure why he would think Lee would have said that. Overall I liked his interpretations but I am always a little irritated by people who state their interpretations as facts, which he seems to do all the time. There is a difference between 'This part means...' and 'I interpreted this part as being...'.
Haven’t seen this yet so will be back when I do! I just wanted to wish you a very 🎁🎄🧑🎄MERRY CHRISTMAS Lucas🎅🎄🎁 and continuing success in 2025! It’s been such a pleasure to follow your insightful videos and many thanks for your continued feedback also in the comments … it’s an added attention that really makes such a difference!! 🙏🏻🙋🏻♀️🙏🏻
It was a movie about loneliness and fear of rejection imo. Allerton did not love Lee. I read the book. An insufferable book that was beautifully made into a movie. Well done is an understatement.
I have a cool interpretation of one scene! During the yagé scene, when Lee and Eugene were sitting across from each other by the campfire. Lee was covering himself, looking ashamed, while Eugene was staring directly at Lee with a mask of terror and what looks to be disdain. I think this is a visual representation of their own internal struggles. Lee is out of the closet, freely living as a queer, and hating himself IMMENSELY for it. Meanwhile Eugene is not out of the closet, he's been denying that queer part of himself with all he has, and to him, Lee is a representation of 'queerness' since he's out and about, and because Eugene hates the idea of being queer, he has a strong disdain for Lee. Then, maybe the part of them looking like THAT while fading into nothingness is supposed to represent how these twisted, miserable versions of themselves were slowly dissipating, leaving only love and understanding, hence why in the next scene, they were more in sync. (Idk, maybe I'm wrong, but I just thought about this a few minutes ago and I wanted to share.)
@andieshults4083 oh yeahhh, thanks for bringing this up, I think the glass indicates the barrier of separation Lee always felt when with Allerton. He could be right next to him, but there was always something preventing a pure form contact and connection. That’s my interpretation but it would be interesting to see if anyone else adds to this thread
The paper passing between them is blank. I think it represents more what neither were able to complete, only symbolized from Burrough's POV of the unwritten novella on which this is based. That is Luca doing his thing.
@@lucasblue20I’m from UK, but went to the premiere of it last year. I would love to hear your thoughts on the film as I find your analysis videos brilliant. I fw them a lot they are the perfect amount of personal opinion, analysis, insight and commentary rather than just summing up the plot of the movie. I’ve written a long ass review about the brutalist because it infuriated me so much. I wanted to love it so bad. Love your channel man
@@ellalep omg sooo kind of you to say, you don’t know how much it warms my heart to hear, thank you 🙏🏾 and wow lucky you but also it’s unfortunate I guess cuz u watched a movie you didn’t enjoy for 3 and a half hours haha it’s all good though, glad you could express yourself with a review, that’s really important. I think it releases wide in both our countries on the same day, the 24th, but I do have tickets to see a special screening tmrw so I’ll work on a video next week and upload likely the week of the 27th if not the 24th. Cannot wait! Feel free to link me your review too
Yearly, @ this time, when film prizes are being passed around and nominations too--- there is a film I feel I should see, but there's little enthusiasm. [MARRIAGE STORY & 1917, come to mine, neither which I particularly enjoyed.] This year it is QUEER. Even listening to a cogent commentary like this one, my interest level remains low. I think I will just listen my inner voice. A twist appears to be that Burroughs accidentally killed his wife. It's what Norman Mailer said too. And the historic "sexuality issues" just seem like yesterday's bacon.
A really powerful film. Would love to discuss your thoughts and answer anymore questions, lemme know below
My comment appears to have disappeared?
OK, let's see if I can recall what I said. First, why does Lee let Allerton have a life separate from him. Allerton plays chess with the woman. There is another guy that's there. What do they mean to Allerton? Why doesn't Lee try to learn more about them?
Also, what does Joe mean to Lee? What does Lee mean to Joe? Joe seems to hint he's interested in Lee, but never really pushes it. He does say he's happy to see Lee when Lee returns back to Mexico City. When Joe explains what happened to Allerton, Lee seems uninterested in finding Allerton. But he came back to Mexico City. Why did he do that, only to give up?
What do you think Lee does afterwards? What's he looking for? Does Joe's presence help? Why didn't Joe leave? What kept him in Mexico City? His life seems the same as it always has been. He's constantly getting robbed by men he's interested in.
@@tennisCharlzz I think he gave up because of the news Joe gives Lee that Allerton is in South America with another army ex-pat as his tour guide.
I can only guess that while he wasn’t ready to explore his queerness at the time with Lee, two years later, Allerton has found someone else.
As Dr. Cotter said: “Once the door is open, it can’t be closed. We can only look away, but why would we?” Allerton chose to look away, but we can infer from the epilogue, he couldn’t look away forever.
I loved one detail: after the time skip not only Lee had a camera just like Allerton did, he had his hair styled the same as Eugine, but at the same time he was dressed the same as when the two of them had met, as to symbolize the merge between the men, the way they’re life is intertwined (at least for Lee), both the influence of Lee’s relationship with Allerton on his present and the longing and nostalgia for the past
This shii is so poetic
My favorite symbolism is the chess game which Allerton plays with the woman and not Lee. That scene where he sets up the chess board while talking to Lee and then, Lee understands that it's his cue to to leave when he's done setting up the chessboard. It's like Allerton is telling Lee that he's playing a game with that woman, but not with him. Even though he is playing chess with him. Powerful.
I was thinking, perhaps Lee doesn't really want to know Allerton as a person at all. He's not curious about this woman or his personal life. He wants a physical relationship then something beyond that. Sort of like a Vulcan mind meld, but more spiritual. Sure, he's fascinated by Allerton's beauty (who wouldn't be) but he wants to know what it's like to be Allerton or his essence or to connect with him. Although he talks to Allerton, he's only interested in the stories he tells. He shows very little curiosity about Allerton. That discussion Allerton has explaining what he does for a living isn't that compelling to Lee.
Burroughs complained about Marker being a chess player in his letters to Ginsberg. He remarked that it was a pointless pursuit that could someday be completely solved by a thinking machine which proved to be a prophetic observation.
Might point out that Lee sets up the board terribly. Besides the continuity errors with the piece placements, he sets a bishop as a pawn and a knight in the corner like castle. The king and queen aren’t positioned right either.
@@tennisCharlzz I noticed this too. It's evidenced more by when Allerton wants to pursue some of his own interests in South America and Lee is dismissive and doesn't want to go. He's not actually interested in Allerton as a person, more the idea of him.
I haven’t found any analysis that ties in all of the motifs coherently, this is sooo good !!!!!!
You don’t know how happy I am to hear this! So so glad you found the analysis so clear for such an obscure movie, thank you so much!!
you actually did a proper explained video instead of recapping the plot. I love you
For some reason the crying snake near the end represented allerton himself to me. A snake because of how he kept hurting lee, bur ultimately choking on his own identity and weeping deep within himself for the relationship and life that couldn't be
Oh... Did shed a tear for the ending since it reminded me of the other gut wrenching one - All of us Strangers!!!!
Even those lights at the end. Truly sadening
13:53 I love how in the earlier scene, Allerton’s back is to Lee, with only his leg extended. But in the last, he is the bigger spoon.
In Lee’s last moments, it shows the importance of the embrace and how Lee remembers it or rather how it felt and its impact. Also in the first scene, Allerton’s brow is furrowed. But here we cannot see their faces.
I don’t know if I’m reaching, but I also tie it to the news of Allerton going back to South America with another army ex-pat (I figure he is going to reopen the door but with someone who he openly feels the same way about and sure about his identity).
In a way, it’s almost like the younger Allerton letting Lee know that he is queer and no longer disembodied.
I was fascinated by the line "He mentioned something about maybe seeing you down there" re: South America at the end. I'm still pondering what it means. My best guess so far is that maybe it meant he thought he might connect with Lee telepathically.
Incredible video! I was so confused by this movie but you answered every single question I had, thank you!!
So happy to hear this! Thank you so much!!
Thank you! This truly helped me take a strip back to understand the film’s symbolism more. I was struggling with piecing everything together and it makes better sense now . Great take!
So happy to hear this, thank you so much!!
I thought the ending of the bed scene was to show that allerton still has a hold on lee even til he dies
I saw it as a pure expression of loneliness. Nothing more. Like the whole movie. It was about loneliness, fear of rejection. I didn't even see that Allerton loved him. It was just a pass time for him.
@@cryptoha5076i can see that, thanks for the interpretation
There is actually a nice detail in the film connected with the floating woman scene. The doctor whom Lee visited is played by a famous Belgian painter called Michael Borremans who's real life work seems to connect with the movie. One very clear example is the floating woman scene which comes directly from his painterly work as it is a very distinct synthesis which he often revisited through the years. You can find the same ''floating woman'' image in many of his paintings like ''The skirt'', ''The painting of melancholia'', ''The stars''etc.
I just came out of the movie and needed to make sense of my thoughts! Great video!
omg. I had just finished it and with your analysis, it all made perfect sense. Such a powerful film when seen through these explanations.
Although Lee is infatuated with Allerton, he never seems to push himself into the relationship that Allerton has with that woman he plays chess with and the other man who Lee seems to know. Why do you think he lets that part of Allerton's life remain a mystery to him.
Also, what do you think Joe means to Lee or what does Lee mean to Joe. It seems Joe hints that he's interested in Lee, but Lee isn't interested in him. They seem to have more in common, and yet, that relationship doesn't happen. Still, it's his one connection to Mexico City when he returns.
Also, I believe Lee has styled his hair like Allerton when he returns to Mexico City. He also doesn't seem compelled to find Allerton again. One wonders what Lee chooses to do and why he chose to come back to Mexico City. If it's to find Allerton, then why doesn't he pursue it any further?
in response to your last question, i think Lee finally, mostly lets go of Allerton.. knowing he ate his heart out for an impossible synchronicity between them. yet, he is searching for closure in this ambiguous way of returning to Mexico. I think him keeping his hairstyle like Allerton represents him holding onto in a personal way, without pursuing him physically. but we know, from the last scene, that Allerton and Lee's moments of affection remained with him until death.
An excellent analysis of the symbols & background of this masterpiece from Luca Guadagnino. Not many people would understand, or care to understand, the depth of what Guadagnino wants to communicate. Thank you, Lucas.
what a great analysis! thanks so much especially for all the research and including the director's visions as well
Really enjoyed your analysis of the film. I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I started the movie. The dialogue wasn't hitting at first, but glad I stuck with it. My goodness! This movie could have been the biography of my life. I'm 50 now, and there are so many things I can relate to in this movie. Loved it!
Nice piece of work here, Lucas. I've read QUEER many times, as I have JUNKY, NAKED LUNCH, INTERZONE, EXTERMINATOR!, THE WILD BOYS, and the LETTERS of WILLIAM S. BURROUGHS 1945-1959. The Letters, edited and with a fantastic introduction by renowned Burroughs scholar Oliver Harris, is must reading for anyone who loves Burroughs' work.
One artistic directorial artistic license that I disagreed with is Allerton being the object of the "William Tell" act, which ended Joan Vollmer's life. Also, Burroughs WAS very much in love with Joan but as he wrote to Allen Ginsberg around 1952, (Allen was accusing Bill of having it both ways and it was driving Joan off the rails), writing: "Of course I love Joan...there are certain aspects that are not
amenable to any solution."
In other words, Burroughs could not help that he was attracted sexually exclusively very young men. Joan did not go in with her eyes shut. So there it is.
The film is an incredible piece of art which is extraordinary given the complicated material, which reads as deceptively simple. Far from it.
Thank you for a great review!
That was a great analysis with which I agree about 90%. 🙂 I had a bit of a different take on a few things. I, too, think this is an excellent movie in so many ways. It is well written, the acting (especially Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey) is superb. The cinematography and music are phenomenal. It definitely represents the lives and the psychology of gay men at two very different stages of self-acceptance in the early '50s. So, why is it so divisive? Why do some love it and some hate it? I think it has to do with a few things. First, there are people who are homophobes and hate queer movies. Not sure why they went (LOL--yes, I am pretty sure, at least). Second, it has a lot of metaphors in it. People's brains tend to be dichotomous as to whether they are linear thinkers and like movies in which everything is spelled out for them OR they are less concrete and more associative thinkers and like the many interpretations of metaphors. Of course, it's really a continuum, but these are the extremes. People at the first extreme (more concrete thinkers) would hate this movie and not understand its true meaning. Those at the other extreme probably would love it. As you say, it's the story of a gay man in middle-age (former military) who lives in Mexico. He's a drug addict, which likely represents the misery he experiences as a gay man in the '50s. He says he's in Mexico because his drug habit would get him imprisoned in the U.S. Remember, though, this was the era of McCarthyism, and his homosexuality also may have gotten him imprisoned--as a "communist"). So, he lives in Mexico and is seeking a meaningful gay relationship. Unfortunately, all he finds is superficial hook-ups. He sees and becomes infatuated with Eugene, a younger man who is struggling with his queer identity and is unable to accept it. Yet, he is drawn to Lee, the older man. This sets the stage for what is to occur. The part that I think really confuses people and is off-putting for them is Chapter 3 with the telepathy augmenting drug in South America. This is the metaphor for the struggle that Eugene is going through, knowing that he is attracted to men, specifically Lee, and denying his own homosexuality. Lee "hears" the thoughts of Eugene during their drug intoxication, "I AM NOT QUEER!" Ultimately, Eugene runs away in an effort to escape his sexuality and love for Lee. And Lee lives on alone, lonely, and grieving over the loss of Eugene, and dies a miserable death. Whie the movie has a bit of romance; it really is a tragedy of two gay men who are at very different stages of their lives and unable to connect in the early '50s. That is my assessment of the movie.
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Exquisitely worded and explored.
I'd admit honestly that going in more or less blind after having only watched the trailer and a few tidbits here and there about the movie, and no context of the book, was left bit flummoxed with the symbolism. Thank heavens for your informative dissection.
Intriguing piece of cinema for sure,,,
Excellent review and straight to the point,thank you so much. I just came from the cinema,thinking that this movie lacks something in the plot that makes me feel empty somehow. There are good moments like the sex scenes and the dreams, but as the film moves on is like the plot weakens heavily to strike a chord with me in the whole, but your review makes sense and the killing of Burroughs wife is vital to understand that. Guadagnino is a good director, but i think in the hands of Del Toro or Cronenberg could have been maybe a more challenging film. My gratitude to you to make me understand this movie.😊
Another awesome analysis Lucas. I love this movie and saw it twice in the theaters. I’m reading the novela now too. What an interesting man Burroughs was!
Omg what a life Burroughs lived, I couldn’t believe so many of the things I was reading when doing my research, I’m sure the novella is excellent with so many new ideas, enjoy!!
The snake eating its tail at the end was crying. I still don't understand what happened to Allerton when they were in South America. Most confusing movie I've ever seen in my entire life.
I watched the movie last week and was supper confused. This video helped a lot but what helped me the most was reading the book and really diving into the authors historical context and general life. I think what Lucas (the director) did was outstanding! Combining a fictional story with the authors actual life. If you take just a few hours to read the book and research a little bit a out the author I promise you will understand way better and its actually quite beauriful what they did
I saw a perfect example of anxious+avoidant types in love. Super didactic. Thank you, Lucas, for filling in the details of the book author's personal life. It was very elucidative. What did you get from the floating sheet of paper between Lee and Eugene?
I haven't read the book and didn't knew much about Burroughs so this explainer is so perfect. Thanks man!
Beautifully explained, thank you
So thrilled you enjoyed! Thank you!!
I saw this film yesterday. Your excellant insight and previous knowledge of William Burroughs' history explained all of my questions regarding the symbolism. Now, I fully get it! Thanks!
The second time I saw it, I told my friend that you could change the title from Queer to Addiction and it would be a totally different movie without changing a thing. Suddenly you have a movie about a man wrestling with his addictions, a younger man who realizes that and keeps his distance, then tries to finally connect with him via the trip only to have the addiction get in the way. You have two movies depending on which angle you view it from. It's this weird kaleidoscopic thing. It's sort of brilliant.
loved this thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙏🏾. i thought it was visually stunning when watching but felt i was missing a lot, still enjoyed the storytelling but we as an audience could’ve benefitted from a bit more context that was given in the book.
What an excellent breakdown 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Vi esta película hace poco y fue tan emocional, lloré no solo por la belleza de la cinematografía y esa elegancia europea, me sentí indudablemente representado, la
Soledad, el
Muerdo, la vergüenza, todo un viaje para lograr el amor propio. Buen análisis. 😊
I think your interpretation is excellent but I also want to say that I think this is a movie that could be discussed for very long time which I think makes it such a special film I couldn't help but think through the film though in some of the scenes that William Lee was also grieving not only for the situation with his wife but also I believe for is lost youth which may or may not have tied in with his desire for Allerton. Definitely a film that encourages to be discussed and analyzed.
Strongly agree with every word! I’m already noticing as time passes, this comment section becoming richer and richer with ideas beyond this video, it’s beautiful to see
@lucasblue20 one other thing I'd like to add is I felt as though Allerton was not on the same intellectual level that William Lee was on I noticed the second time in conversations especially in the first part after they first meet that they weren't really matched intellectually the scene where William Lee is talking about that he's a homosexual and that his family has always been cursed with being one while Allerton is just eating though Allerton was listening I felt that moment of confession from William Lee needed more attention from Allerton
Thank you very much for the video! I guess some things got clearer to me.
I started watching the movie because it was Luke’s one and I love CMBYK, and because it was Daniel Craig and it was interesting.
I didn’t like it for the first time, got really confused with the second part of it. Watched it again the next day and fell in love with it. Still not feeling good about the ending.
Will watch it again after this analysis though.
For me this is another big thing about love that Luca has created. And Daniel did a fantastic piece of work! Fantastic! Love him there! And thank Luca for being so god damn talented. ❤
Thank you for your intelligent and clear analysis ≈ even into the depths of conveying the Transcendence found in QUEER, both the Film & William S Burroughs's novella !!
I love your breakdown and I LOVED this film and can't wait to see it a third time while It's still in the theaters. Thank you!
Yeah this is surely one where every next viewing offers something new, so glad you enjoyed the video, and have fun at the next screening!
Incredible explanation! Definitely made me appreciate the film more :)
Your're amazing. I'm going to see it soon. So many others have told me not to go because it's so sad or suggestive of internalized and external homophobia. I can handle that. I would like to walk along with this couple in this film...who despite all are moving forward with courage for the sake of love. IMO, their relationship however conflicted/painful is a self-confident assertion of their lives and of their love. Whether that love ends at some point, does not negate it. (just some thoughts) Whoever said that love is not without pain.
Great video. That's exactly what I saw. True connection with Ayahuasca. Fear after that. I think the ceremony is the heart of the film. I loved it. By the way, I' ve seen it twice already. Thank You
queer is definitely my favorite movie release this year!! your analysis is amazing. keep up the good work 🫶
8:21 Lee does not say that, Gene does. It's the realisation he comes to that makes him then disappear after. Not sure why he would think Lee would have said that. Overall I liked his interpretations but I am always a little irritated by people who state their interpretations as facts, which he seems to do all the time. There is a difference between 'This part means...' and 'I interpreted this part as being...'.
They both say it. Lee says it when he encounters the floating woman and Gene says it during their ayahuasca trip.
Haven’t seen this yet so will be back when I do! I just wanted to wish you a very 🎁🎄🧑🎄MERRY CHRISTMAS Lucas🎅🎄🎁 and continuing success in 2025! It’s been such a pleasure to follow your insightful videos and many thanks for your continued feedback also in the comments … it’s an added attention that really makes such a difference!! 🙏🏻🙋🏻♀️🙏🏻
Merry Christmas!! It means the world to me that you’ve enjoyed all the content and have always shared such great ideas! I do it for people like you!!
It was a movie about loneliness and fear of rejection imo. Allerton did not love Lee. I read the book. An insufferable book that was beautifully made into a movie. Well done is an understatement.
Allerton definitely loved Lee. Eugene literally cried after pushing Lee away?
@zoenorlin6591 Do you mean after the Aya night before leaving the jungle? Or when else did he cry?
This is still happening today. Not just in the 1950's
Great analysis, thank you.
My pleasure, thank you!!
Amazing video! Thank you 🙌🏼🙌🏼
Apparently everybody managed to get to see this except me
only thing i’m missing is the presence of judaism… Allerton wears a star of david necklace but it’s not really seen much after the one shot
Well, when Lee sees the Star of David, Allerton draws his shirt closed, so the Jewishness is hidden in the relationship ...forever
Amazing content! Thank you for this
that was BRILLIANT
One of the best movies that I have seen by far. Blew my fucking mind
This is an excellent break down.
I have a cool interpretation of one scene!
During the yagé scene, when Lee and Eugene were sitting across from each other by the campfire. Lee was covering himself, looking ashamed, while Eugene was staring directly at Lee with a mask of terror and what looks to be disdain. I think this is a visual representation of their own internal struggles.
Lee is out of the closet, freely living as a queer, and hating himself IMMENSELY for it. Meanwhile Eugene is not out of the closet, he's been denying that queer part of himself with all he has, and to him, Lee is a representation of 'queerness' since he's out and about, and because Eugene hates the idea of being queer, he has a strong disdain for Lee.
Then, maybe the part of them looking like THAT while fading into nothingness is supposed to represent how these twisted, miserable versions of themselves were slowly dissipating, leaving only love and understanding, hence why in the next scene, they were more in sync.
(Idk, maybe I'm wrong, but I just thought about this a few minutes ago and I wanted to share.)
curious of your thoughts on the glass hovering above allerton when he is laying in the bed close to the end
@andieshults4083 oh yeahhh, thanks for bringing this up, I think the glass indicates the barrier of separation Lee always felt when with Allerton. He could be right next to him, but there was always something preventing a pure form contact and connection. That’s my interpretation but it would be interesting to see if anyone else adds to this thread
Love it, thank you so much! Greetings from germany :)
The paper passing between them is blank. I think it represents more what neither were able to complete, only symbolized from Burrough's POV of the unwritten novella on which this is based. That is Luca doing his thing.
Rushed here just as i finished the movie, i simply couldn't mentally digest what just happened
I think that I enjoyed this more than the movie I just watched.
Woow thank you so much ❤
Wow! Thanks so much!
amazing thx
This movie reminded me of Little Ashes
this is perfect Thank you
excellet!!!! thanks.
Pls do the brutalist next
@@ellalep are you from the states? If so, is it available down there?
@@lucasblue20I’m from UK, but went to the premiere of it last year. I would love to hear your thoughts on the film as I find your analysis videos brilliant. I fw them a lot they are the perfect amount of personal opinion, analysis, insight and commentary rather than just summing up the plot of the movie. I’ve written a long ass review about the brutalist because it infuriated me so much. I wanted to love it so bad. Love your channel man
@@ellalep omg sooo kind of you to say, you don’t know how much it warms my heart to hear, thank you 🙏🏾 and wow lucky you but also it’s unfortunate I guess cuz u watched a movie you didn’t enjoy for 3 and a half hours haha it’s all good though, glad you could express yourself with a review, that’s really important. I think it releases wide in both our countries on the same day, the 24th, but I do have tickets to see a special screening tmrw so I’ll work on a video next week and upload likely the week of the 27th if not the 24th. Cannot wait! Feel free to link me your review too
I thought the film represented the most accurate depiction of when a gay man falls in love with a straight guy.
❤wow this 🎉
…..man he offed his wife I don't believe that story
fr 😭
Yearly, @ this time, when film prizes are being passed around and nominations too--- there is a film I feel I should see, but there's little enthusiasm. [MARRIAGE STORY & 1917, come to mine, neither which I particularly enjoyed.] This year it is QUEER. Even listening to a cogent commentary like this one, my interest level remains low. I think I will just listen my inner voice. A twist appears to be that Burroughs accidentally killed his wife. It's what Norman Mailer said too. And the historic "sexuality issues" just seem like yesterday's bacon.
Terrible movie.
Εnough with this woke trash
Your screen name is...perfect...perfectly hateful
Another MAGA caveman