Tuesday was a very strange day at the Venice Film Festival.
Daniel Craig was praised after Luca Guadagnino's erotic film “Queer” premiered at the festival, receiving a nine-minute standing ovation. The film also features “Outer Banks” star Drew Starkey, 30.
Craig's performance has already taken place Declared a “career best”, And it's clear the 56-year-old actor was feeling the love as the film's credits rolled at the theater on Tuesday night.
In a video posted on X, the actor, who played James Bond in five installments of the franchise, turned red and even got teary-eyed as the crowd cheered for him and the “queer” filmmakers. After hugging Guadagnino, he walked down the staircase aisle in the theater, gave a few small bows and thanked the audience while the audience continued their enthusiastic applause.
As the applause continued, the star was overwhelmed and didn't know what to do.
There was also a lot of praise for Guadagnino — the director is perhaps best known for his films “Call Me by Your Name” and “Challengers.” At one point, the crowd even chanted, “Luca! Luca! Luca!”
Based on William S. Burroughs’ 1985 novel of the same name, “Queer” is the story of gay American expatriate William Lee (Craig) living in 1950s Mexico City.
“In his early 50s, Lee spends his days almost entirely alone, except for a few contacts with other members of the small American community,” According to a summary Posted on the Venice Film Festival website.
“Her meeting with Eugene Allerton (Starkey), a young student new to town, shows her for the first time that it might ultimately be possible to establish an intimate relationship with someone.”
The film reportedly has some Very Sexually explicit scenes,
Craig, along with Guadagnino and Starkey, were present at a press conference held to promote the film earlier in the day. Given the film's sexual theme, it was not surprising that Craig was asked by a reporter if there could ever be a gay James Bond.
Craig, whose “Knives Out” character Benoit Blanc is gay, immediately rolled his eyes in irritation and sighed at the question. “I mean, please,” he said, laughing.
Guadagnino then intervened and attempted to change the topic of the conversation.
“Guys, let's be the adults in the room for a moment,” Guadagnino interjected, to which Craig responded, “Thank you.”
“The fact cannot be denied that no one will ever know James Bond's desires,” the “Suspiria” director said, drawing applause from the audience and his “queer” star.
“Now, the important thing is that he completes his mission properly,” Guadagnino said, prompting more laughter from Craig and throughout the room.
“Darling, I love you so much,” he said, patting the back of the former 007's head. Craig laughed and returned the affectionate gesture by placing his hand on the director's back.
However, this wasn't the first time Craig was asked about the possibility of a gay James Bond.
In 2008, the actor was asked if Bond Will never “have sexual intercourse with any man”.
“That's the question that keeps coming up,” the “Quantum of Solace” star said at the time.
“No,” he said. “Kill him and then seduce him,” he said, laughing.
“But don't seduce her. It's never been on the agenda and we've never discussed it. It's not something I want or need. No.”
However, a much-discussed scene in the 2012 Bond film “Skyfall” insinuated that Mr. Bond once had affairs with other men.
In the film, 007 finds himself tied to a chair and being interrogated by the film's villain, Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem).
Silva caresses James's chest and thigh, playing with his captive. “Now you're trying to remember your training,” he says menacingly. “What's the rule about covering this? Well, I guess there's a first time for everything.”
Bond nonchalantly replies, “What makes you think this is my first time?”
The studio behind the film reportedly wanted to cut the line, but producer Barbara Broccoli Emphasised that this should continue.