Guadagnino is a director who evolves from film to film, creating something different and unique every time, without repeating himself. The fact that he is a great director has been evident for some time, but I believe this is his most successful work. I regret that the film was cut from its original three and a quarter hours, because for once I found the length absolutely not excessive. Visually and stylistically bold, crazy and outrageous, the movie reproduces at Cinecittà entire Mexico City neighbourhoods in the 1950s. It’s an imaginary and softened reconstruction not a faithful depiction of the ugliness and misery of areas characterized by extreme poverty. Daniel Craig, in the role of William Burroughs, offers the audience what can be described as the performance of a lifetime. His interpretation is truly extraordinary, very courageous in some very explicit sex sequences, excellent in fully trusting Guadagnino’s vision. Craig’s performance reaffirms his status as one of the best actors at present.
Fleeing a drug raid in New Orleans, Lee finds refuge in a decaying 1940s Mexico City. In what is known as the “crime capital of the world,” Lee navigates increasingly sordid locales populated by society’s outcasts. Enveloped by the coils of addiction, he becomes infatuat...
