Queer (2024) Cinematography: Opening Credits
A first-time viewer might not realise it, but by the end of the opening credits, you've basically already been shown almost the whole story of Queer.
Starting with the symbol of the movie's theme of repression, the centipede, the opening sequence is mostly comprised of still shots subtly showcasing the bond between Lee and Eugene.
In the intimate setting of all the different beds they share thoughout the movie (from Lee's bed to hotel beds as they travel across South America), we see all the various everyday items that they share or have in common: books, cigarettes, glasses, wallets. Insignificant items by themselves, but together they gain meaning from the memories they are attached to. Lee's glasses are not just Lee's glasses, they are the glasses that Eugene gently took from him and carefully set on the nightstand during their first night together.
All of these items, however, are at a distance. They share the same small space and are close to each other, but they're never touching. Always a small distance between them. Always close to connecting, but never truly doing so. Just like Lee and Eugene for most of the movie.
Of course, since Lee is the protagonist, we also get a few shots indicating his own personal life independent of Eugene: his guns and drug addiction.
And near the end, as William Burroughs himself is finally credited, we are given a first taste of the movie's meta nature towards Burroughs's real life: his actual notes, actual manuscript for Queer, and actual poem he wrote to Lewis Marker. This isn't just going to be about the fictional William Lee. It's also going to be about the real William Burroughs.
