b_velkova

I hadn't read the book, so I expected the first part, with its aimless partying, to be the whole movie and was just watching it casually. But then Allerton started playing his games, and I began to pay attention.

The second part was surprisingly good-romantic and sensual, but also thrilling-though unfortunately, it didn't sustain that energy until the end. Burroughs' symbolism is deeply personal; unless you're familiar with his life, much of it remains indiscernible. For it to truly work, we either need to see how the symbols are constructed or they must be archetypal.

As in All of Us Strangers, the main theme is human existential loneliness, making the queerness of the characters feel redundant in both cases. Although I'm a fan, I find that Edward Hopper's aesthetic looks unpleasantly artificial when in motion.

All in all, much better than expected, but not particularly memorable.