First off, this is an art film…not a gay romance (although there is a love affair). It’s based on the novella of the same name by William S. Burroughs that starts in ’50s Mexico, where the writer (Daniel Craig) drinks, smokes and frequents gay bars. He becomes enamored by one young man (Drew Starkey), which begins his infatuation and a trip to South America. Craig gives a complex, multi-layered performance that’s a career high, while Starkey’s seductive simplicity is a star-making turn for him. Jason Schwartzman, who gained weight and grew a beard for the role, adds some humor in this minor yet impressive performance. The film is slightly surreal, sometime symbolic and ultimately psychedelic with a studied pace that allows director Luca Guadagnino to luxuriate in his vision. There are a few steamy erotic encounters and contemporary music sprinkled quietly throughout. Although the slow pace and trippy final chapter may be too tedious for some, this is Guadagnino’s meditation that’s enchanting and mesmerizing. 
(3.5 / 5)
