Guadagnino’s New Film ‘Queer’ Receives Standing Ovation at Venice Festival Premier

Acclaimed Italian director Luca Guadagnino earned an enthusiastic response for his latest film “Queer” at its world premiere at the prestigious Venice Film Festival. The audience gave the film a long standing ovation lasting 11 minutes and 44 seconds in the Salo Grande theater.

“Queer” tells the story of William Lee, an American man played by Daniel Craig, living in 1950s Mexico City. Lee seeks a meaningful relationship as he adjusts to his new home. He forms a connection with Eugene Allerton, a student portrayed by newcomer Drew Starkey.

After the ending credits rolled, festival attendees broke into applause and cheers for Guadagnino’s name. The director thanked the audience and presented his cast, including Craig and Starkey, to individual rounds of applause. Other members in the ensemble that received recognition were Jason Schwartzman, Andra Ursuta, Michael Borremans, and David Lowery.

Fellow director Pedro Almodóvar congratulated Guadagnino personally and embraced both him and Craig during the prolonged ovation. Earlier that day, Guadagnino had shared how William S. Burroughs’ novel on which the film is based deeply impacted him as a teenager. The story’s vivid imagination and profound connections “transformed me forever,” he said.

When asked about intimate scenes in the film, Craig stated he and Starkey “wanted to make it as touching, real and natural as possible.” Craig praised Starkey as a “wonderful, fantastic, beautiful actor to work with.”

“Queer” marks a return to the prestigious festival for Guadagnino, whose previous entries there include acclaimed works like “A Bigger Splash,” “Suspiria,” and “Bones and All.” The film was shot in Rome at the legendary Cinecittà studios.

Sources reveal that distribution company A24 has acquired the rights to distribute “Queer” in North America. It will debut at film festivals in Toronto and New York in the coming months, setting it up well for potential awards attention. With its director, star-studded cast and compelling source material, “Queer” seems poised to make an impact on this year’s film circuit.