Why this homoerotic classic about sweaty sailors is stirring up controversy 40 years later
thirsty as we have to the announcement that 1982 French-German classic Querelle would be joining Criterion’s ranks this June.Directed by influential, queer West German filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder and adapted from Jean Genet’s controversial 1947 novel, Querelle is the story of the eponymous sailor (bisexual actor Brad Davis, who had been in the Oscar-winning Chariots Of Fire the year prior), a man so devastatingly sexy that, when he arrives in the French seaport known as Brest, the entire town descends into a swirl of lust and jealousy.Subscribe to our newsletter for your front-row seat to all things entertainment with a sprinkle of everything else queer.Impressionistic and deeply erotic (there’s a reason why so much of the architecture in Brest looks incredibly phallic!), Querelle wasn’t entirely understood at the time of its release.
Not to mention, its overt embrace of queerness—often entangled with crime and violence—made it quite controversial in the ’80s.But, four decades since its release, Querelle has become a cult favorite, regarded for its artful and uncompromising approach to queerness and gay male sensuality, in particular.
Plus, the fact that Fassbinder died of an overdose at 37 prior to the film’s release only makes it more impactful, as the final feature from one of the most important names in global cinematic history.Nearly 50 years old, the cruel, gay social circle of ‘Fox And His Friends’ still feels painfully relevant.All of that is to say, no one would claim that Querelle doesn’t deserve a spot among The Criterion Collection.
However, what proved to be so controversial about the announcement was the fact that it came complete with striking new cover art that has raised more than a few eyebrows.Here, have a look for yourself—take it all in:Well, it’s not exactly subtle (not that we’re complaining!)The Criterion cover art for the film puts Brad Davis’ strapping body front and center, his white tank top barely containing his fuzzy pectorals.
