Pop Culture Happy Hour: “Queer and What’s Making Us Happy” Summary

Released on December 13, 2024 | Hosted by NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour Team

Episode Overview

In the December 13, 2024 episode of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour titled “Queer and What’s Making Us Happy,” host Glenn Weldon engages in an in-depth conversation about the film Queer, directed by Luca Guadagnino. Joined by NPR film critic Bob Mondello, journalist and author Treyvell Anderson, and entertainment host Ryan Mitchell, the panel delves into their varied perspectives on the movie, exploring its themes, performances, and cultural significance. The episode also features the beloved “What’s Making Us Happy” segment, where each host shares personal sources of joy.

Discussion on Queer

[02:37] Introduction to Queer

Glenn Weldon opens the discussion by summarizing Queer, a film based on an unfinished short story by William S. Burroughs. The narrative centers on Daniel Craig’s character, Lee, a troubled expatriate in 1950s Mexico City, whose quest for a profound spiritual connection with another expatriate, Allerton (played by Drew Starkey), leads them into the jungle in search of a unifying drug.

[03:52] Bob Mondello’s Perspective

Bob Mondello expresses a nuanced appreciation for Queer, noting its intricate portrayal of self-loathing and discomfort within one's identity:

“It was really intriguing for me to see that period replayed in this way and the self loathing of the main character, which is prevalent.” ([03:52])

Mondello highlights Daniel Craig’s performance, appreciating the outdated yet authentic portrayal reminiscent of 1960s gay bar behaviors:

“I thought it was really interesting because Craig was doing a lot of, I guess today you'd almost call them swishy, but they were stereotyped movements and stereotyped ways of speaking...” ([04:57])

[04:58] Treyvell Anderson’s Viewpoint

Treyvell Anderson offers a critical take, feeling that the story of Queer lacks depth and fails to connect meaningfully with its 1950s Mexico City setting:

“I found the story quite light and thin and it didn't feel connected to the place and the space that we're said to be in in 1950s Mexico City.” ([04:58])

He echoes Mondello’s sentiments, expressing a desire for more substantial storytelling:

“I completely agree with you. And I think for those reasons, it's why I'm kind of ambivalent about the final product. Because so much of it feels like it should have already existed...” ([05:00])

[06:07] Ryan Mitchell’s Critique

Ryan Mitchell shares a contrasting opinion, openly critiquing Queer for its pacing and narrative direction:

“I absolutely wanted less of it... It honestly left me feeling like hungover with exhaustion because I did not know where he wanted me to go.” ([06:10])

Mitchell criticizes the film’s seeming lack of purpose and emotional resonance, questioning its impact compared to previous works by Guadagnino.

[07:04] Glenn Weldon’s Analysis

Glenn Weldon synthesizes the panel’s viewpoints, acknowledging the film’s self-indulgent qualities while defending its thematic intentions:

“This is a film about addiction. And to ding a film about addiction as being self indulgent isn't really fair...” ([07:05])

He praises Daniel Craig’s fearless performance, emphasizing the character’s deep longing and complex portrayal.

[08:57] Daniel Craig’s Performance

Mondello challenges the notion that Craig’s performance is inherently fearless, arguing that acting a same-sex relationship is not inherently groundbreaking:

“It's called acting. Right. It's not a complicated thing to pretend to be in love with someone you're not actually in love with.” ([10:02])

[10:02] Treyvell Anderson on Representation

Anderson delves deeper into the generational and cultural reception of Craig’s performance, critiquing the external validation it receives from non-queer critics:

“But if we were talking about two openly queer men, right, engaging in this role, I wonder if folks would also be saying... fearlessness...” ([12:17])

He emphasizes the importance of nuanced representation beyond performative acts.

[16:32] Glenn Weldon on Character Dynamics

Weldon explores the power dynamics between Lee (Craig) and Allerton (Starkey), highlighting how Allerton’s withholding nature shapes the relationship and affects the audience’s engagement.

[20:45] Final Thoughts and Historical Responsibility

Weldon confronts the film’s deviations from Burroughs’ original narrative, criticizing its romanticization of a character steeped in self-loathing:

“But turning Burroughs into a gay romance... that would just set this man's teeth on edge... But it doesn't need to be, damn it.” ([19:23])

Mondello reminds listeners that the characters are fictionalized, suggesting that Guadagnino’s artistic liberties, while noticeable, are part of the storytelling process.

[23:42] Concluding the Queer Discussion

As the discussion wraps up, Weldon underscores the personal connections each panelist feels with the film, acknowledging that while Queer may resonate deeply for some, it presents challenges in broad audience reception.

What’s Making Us Happy This Week

Following the film discussion, the hosts transition to their favorite segment, “What’s Making Us Happy,” where each shares personal delights:

• Bob Mondello ([26:01]): Finds joy in making bourbon balls, reminiscing about childhood memories with his mother and the amusing aftermath of tasting them as a child.

  “Bourbon balls are just amazing. They're just little delicious brownie-like things...” ([26:01])

• Ryan Mitchell ([27:05]): Expresses obsession with HBO’s Somebody Somewhere, praising its portrayal of outsiders in a small rural town and its comforting narrative.

  “It's this exploration of being an outsider in a small rural town... it really hits in all the best ways.” ([27:05])

• Treyvell Anderson ([27:49]): Recommends rewatching The Amazing Race, appreciating its depiction of everyday people overcoming fears and embracing adventure.

  “It is so beautiful just to see regular people traversing the world and many of their fears.” ([27:58])

• Glenn Weldon ([28:05]): Shares his happiness in engaging with Tim Curry’s rendition of A Christmas Carol on Audible, appreciating its humorous and authentic take on the classic tale.

  “Tim Curry in the mix, he cuts through the treacle... What’s making me happy this week is... A Christmas Carol.” ([28:22])

Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks to the guests and producers, reiterating the show's commitment to exploring diverse perspectives in pop culture. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the hosts on social media and subscribe for more insightful discussions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Glenn Weldon: “...Daniel Craig, this is a fearless performance, whatever you think of it.” ([07:46])

• Bob Mondello: “It was really intriguing for me to see that period replayed in this way and the self loathing of the main character...” ([03:52])

• Treyvell Anderson: “I found the story quite light and thin and it didn't feel connected to the place and the space...” ([04:58])

• Ryan Mitchell: “I absolutely wanted less of it... It honestly left me feeling like hungover with exhaustion...” ([06:10])

Note: This summary excludes advertisement segments and focuses solely on the substantive discussions and personal anecdotes shared by the hosts and guests.