Luca Guadagnino’s second film this year follows an American living in 1950’s Mexico City as he becomes infatuated with a younger man.
The film itself is okay, but there are three great things about it. The first is Daniel Craig’s performance. It’s so far removed from his James Bond days that it is refreshing to see him do something like this. The character is flawed, often unlikable and socially awkward as he stumbles around either drunk or high on opiates. Or both, which is the case most of the time. Craig carries it off so brilliantly that you forget he once played James Bond through five films.
The second thing I found so interesting about this film is the filmmaking itself. Guadagnino employed a lot of practical effects to create a look for the film that is both 1950’s and not at the same time which makes it feel out of place and time altogether at times. During the second act, the characters go to South America and miniatures were used for many of the wide landscape shots making the film feel like it was made in another era, but it’s intentionally noticeable. In the third act, they end up in the jungle which was obviously filmed on a studio lot – or at least lit to look like it. Given all the drug and alcohol use in this film, I like to believe these techniques were meant to mimic the reality of characters who are rarely sober. It’s never quite right, but right enough to be real if you’ve had enough heroin.
Craig’s character spends most of the movie wondering if his companion is actually queer or just experimenting and then the last few scenes grieving the relationship. In a blatant show of visual metaphor, Craig literally falls back down to earth when he goes back to Mexico City without his friend. Like I said, the visuals are meant to be noticeable, and it’s a big part of what makes this film interesting even if the characters aren’t that likable. Which brings me to my last point.
My absolute favorite scenes in this film star Lesley Manville who is unrecognizable as a jungle scientist who always seems to have a gun in her hand. She’s so out of place in a film dominated by men that her presence is welcome and often a hilarious thing to behold. So much talent in one woman.
Three out of five stars for a film that’s not great but has some good things going for it.
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Becky Tyler Art and Photography 
Luca Guadagnino’s second film this year follows an American living in 1950’s Mexico City as he becomes infatuated with a younger man.
The film itself is okay, but there are three great things about it. The first is Daniel Craig’s performance. It’s so far removed from his James Bond days that it is refreshing to see him do something like this. The character is flawed, often unlikable and socially awkward as he stumbles around either drunk or high on opiates. Or both, which is the case most of the time. Craig carries it off so brilliantly that you forget he once played James Bond through five films.
The second thing I found so interesting about this film is the filmmaking itself. Guadagnino employed a lot of practical effects to create a look for the film that is both 1950’s and not at the same time which makes it feel out of place and time altogether at times. During the second act, the characters go to South America and miniatures were used for many of the wide landscape shots making the film feel like it was made in another era, but it’s intentionally noticeable. In the third act, they end up in the jungle which was obviously filmed on a studio lot – or at least lit to look like it. Given all the drug and alcohol use in this film, I like to believe these techniques were meant to mimic the reality of characters who are rarely sober. It’s never quite right, but right enough to be real if you’ve had enough heroin.
Craig’s character spends most of the movie wondering if his companion is actually queer or just experimenting and then the last few scenes grieving the relationship. In a blatant show of visual metaphor, Craig literally falls back down to earth when he goes back to Mexico City without his friend. Like I said, the visuals are meant to be noticeable, and it’s a big part of what makes this film interesting even if the characters aren’t that likable. Which brings me to my last point.
My absolute favorite scenes in this film star Lesley Manville who is unrecognizable as a jungle scientist who always seems to have a gun in her hand. She’s so out of place in a film dominated by men that her presence is welcome and often a hilarious thing to behold. So much talent in one woman.
Three out of five stars for a film that’s not great but has some good things going for it.
Discover more from Becky Tyler Art and Photography
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
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