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Querelle: The Criterion Collection
[Blu-ray]
Blu-ray A - America - Criterion Collection Review written by and copyright: Noor Razzak (15th September 2024). |
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The Film
 "Querelle", directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, is an adaptation of Jean Genet's novel "Querelle de Brest". The film stands out as one of Fassbinder's most controversial and divisive works, often praised for its audacity and critiqued for its overt stylization and abstraction. It delves into themes of sexuality, betrayal, and the complexity of desire, set against a backdrop of a gritty, surreal port town. The film's narrative revolves around Querelle (Brad Davis), a sailor and drug smuggler, whose journey into the depths of his own sexuality and morality is marked by murder, betrayal, and lust. Fassbinder's approach to these themes is unflinchingly direct, presenting a world where traditional moralities are subverted and replaced by a complex interplay of power, control, and submission. One of the film's most striking elements is its visual style. Fassbinder uses highly stylized sets, bathed in lurid, artificial lighting that evokes a sense of theatricality and otherworldliness. This choice creates a dreamlike atmosphere, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, which is fitting given the film’s exploration of inner desires and the subconscious. The use of color, particularly the dominance of reds and oranges, contributes to the film's intense, almost suffocating eroticism. However, this visual stylization can be both a strength and a weakness. While it adds to the film's unique aesthetic and thematic resonance, it also creates a sense of detachment. The artificiality of the sets and the deliberate, almost stilted performances can make it challenging for the audience to fully engage with the characters on an emotional level. This detachment is perhaps intentional, mirroring the internal alienation experienced by Querelle himself, but it can also leave the viewer feeling disconnected from the narrative. The performances in Querelle are another point of contention. Brad Davis, in the title role, embodies the character's brooding, enigmatic presence, but the performance is often criticized for its lack of emotional depth. This, however, seems to align with Fassbinder's vision of Querelle as an almost mythic figure, a vessel for exploring the darker aspects of human nature rather than a fully fleshed-out character. The supporting cast, including Franco Nero and Jeanne Moreau, contribute to the film's surreal, almost dreamlike quality, delivering performances that are more symbolic than naturalistic. Fassbinder's approach to the film's homoerotic themes is unapologetically bold. In an era when mainstream cinema shied away from explicit depictions of same-sex desire, "Querelle" confronts it head-on, presenting a world where sexuality is fluid, and the boundaries between love and violence are often blurred. This unfiltered portrayal is both revolutionary and unsettling, forcing the audience to confront their own perceptions of morality and desire. Despite its controversial reception, "Querelle" is an important piece in Fassbinder's filmography and in the broader context of queer cinema. It challenges conventional storytelling and dares to present a narrative steeped in ambiguity and contradiction. While it may not be accessible or palatable to all viewers, its daring approach to themes of sexuality, power, and alienation ensures its place as a provocative and enduring work of art. In the end, "Querelle" is a film that exists on its own terms, demanding to be experienced rather than simply watched, leaving a lingering sense of unease and introspection.
Video
Presented in the film's original ratio of 2.25:1 widescreen and mastered in HD 1080p 24/fps using AVC MPEG-4 compression. Criterion has delivered a robust and beautiful transfer that shows off the filmmaker's intended look of the film. Grain is evident and looks good. The image is sharp and contrast looks great. Black levels are deep and bold. It's another winner from a label that's built a reputation of treating films with upmost respect.
Audio
A single English LPCM 1.0 Mono track is included and dialogue is clean and clear, the film's score is nicely balanced. There are no flaws that I could detect, no pops, hiss, or other audio damage. Otherwise it's a fine track. Optional subtitles are included in English for the hearing impaired.
Extras
The Criterion Collection has included some decent extras, it's lacking a commentary which would have been a great addition especially from film historians but in lieu of that we do get some fine supplements. First up is a new 2024 interview with critic Michael Koresky on director Rainer Werner Fassbinder's aesthetics and visual storytelling, entitled "Fassbinder in 5" (22:41), this is a video essay on the director's style across five of his most popular films. Nest is "Rainer Werner Fassbinder: Last Works" a 1982 documentary by Wolf Gremm (60:01), this is a great behind the scenes look at Fassbinder acting in "Kamikaze ’89" and on directing "Querelle", it provides a great look at the controversial filmmaker and features interviews with his collaborators. The film's original theatrical trailer (1:54) rounds out the video extras. The package includes a booklet with an essay by critic Nathan Lee.
Overall
Fassbinder's final film before his death is a controversial piece that challenges viewer's expectations, it features a beautiful aesthetic, great performances, but can leave some disconnected.
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