Watch Querelle

Querelle is a highly stylized, erotic drama film directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, which premiered in 1982. Starring Brad Davis as the lead character Querelle, the film is based on the novel Querelle de Brest by Jean Genet. The film features a strong ensemble cast, including Franco Nero as Mario, Jeanne Moreau as Madame Lysiane, Hanno Pöschl as Robert, and Gunther Kaufmann as Gil. Set in the 1940s in the port town of Brest, France, Querelle is a story about desire, sexuality, and the mysteries of the human soul. Querelle is a sailor and a drifter, wandering aimlessly through the port town, and searching for love and emotional connection. He is also deeply conflicted about his homosexuality, and his desires take him to the edges of the moral and social worlds of Brest. In the film, Querelle meets numerous characters, each of whom has their own stories of love and desire, including his brother Robert and his lover Gil. He also meets Mario, a wealthy and powerful figure in the port town, whom he falls in love with, and Madame Lysiane, a brothel owner who has a dark and mysterious past. As Querelle delves deeper into his desires and his relationships with these characters, he is forced to confront the challenging and complex nature of his own sexuality, and the questions it raises about his own identity and sense of self. The film is deeply rooted in French literary and philosophical traditions, and explores themes of existentialism, post-modernism, and the struggle for human connection and understanding in a world defined by social norms and moral standards. It is a highly sensual and visually stunning film, with stunning cinematography that captures the gritty, intense atmosphere of the port town and the complex emotional landscapes of its characters. Overall, Querelle is a provocative and powerful film that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling and offers a unique and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of human desire and sexuality. Its stunning visuals, strong performances, and deeply philosophical themes make it a must-see for fans of avant-garde cinema and literary classics.