Okay, Ben Whishaw isn’t exactly the king of wild party stories, but his day before filming Peter Hujar’s Day sounds like something we’d all do after a long shoot: “I finished some leftover chicken, had a glass of wine, and fell asleep at half past nine.” Like, can we get this man a cozy blanket and a cup of tea? It’s chill, it’s real, and it’s totally setting the vibe for what’s about to go down in this film.
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In Peter Hujar’s Day, Whishaw plays the late photographer Peter Hujar—New York’s elusive, queer bohemian who captured the city’s most intimate (and sometimes raunchy) moments. If you’re into raw, no-frills portrayals of queer life, this is your moment. Forget the usual glitzy drama—we’re talking about a 70-minute film that’s basically a cozy conversation between Hujar and his friend Linda Rosenkrantz, where every little detail about their mundane day becomes fascinating. And yes, we’re all living for that kind of intimacy.
A Sexy, Quiet Love Story You Didn’t Know You Needed
The film is a portrait of a deep friendship, almost a love story (and let’s be real, we’re here for that energy). Whishaw nails it—his Hujar is all about those quiet, unspoken moments that leave you feeling like you’ve shared something really special. You know, the kind of connection where a look says more than a thousand words? That’s what we’re getting here. Some critics are calling it a masterpiece, while others might need a few rewinds (it’s artsy, but in a good way).
Whishaw’s New York Lust: It’s All About the Libido
Now, let’s talk about Whishaw’s take on New York. When asked about the city’s energy, he gets totally lost in the vibes. “There’s an energy that feels sexual,” he says. Uh, yes, Ben. The city practically pulses with libido. Whishaw’s been known to hang out at Julius, NYC’s iconic gay bar, and let’s be honest—if this place existed in London, it would be so packed you wouldn’t be able to get a seat. But, in New York, you get a chair, and maybe a drink, and just let the city’s sensuality wash over you. We’re taking notes.
A Tribute to Queer Legends (And a Bit of a Selfie Moment)
Whishaw’s portrayal of Hujar also gives us a glimpse into queer New York before AIDS hit hard. It’s all about those snapshots of a time and place that’s slowly slipping through our fingers. For Whishaw, this film isn’t just about playing Hujar—it’s about honoring the legacy of a community that created something incredibly unique. Peter Hujar’s Day is a love letter to that long-lost queer New York, and it shows just how much we need to remember and protect our stories.
Ben Gets It: Why Queer Representation Matters
Now, we all know Hollywood isn’t exactly throwing a parade for queer actors, and Whishaw knows it too. “There aren’t that many out gay actors… especially ones at my level,” he says. He gets that the industry still prefers actors who fit into a neat heterosexual box—because let’s face it, being “sexy in a straight way” is still the golden rule. But when Whishaw works with gay directors like Ira Sachs, it’s a breath of fresh air. It feels different. And it’s so necessary.
Whishaw’s thoughts on the absence of queer elders also hit deep. He talks about how we’ve lost so many brilliant men to AIDS, a generation that could’ve taught us so much. It’s heartbreaking, but it makes films like this one feel even more important—because they remind us of the lives we lost and the art that never got made.
Ready for a Deep, Sexy Dive into Queer History?
If you’re ready for a film that feels more like a cozy chat with a friend than a blockbuster experience, Peter Hujar’s Day is your jam. It’s all about intimacy, quiet moments, and the power of queer history—without all the noise. Ben Whishaw is serving subtle, sexy, and deeply personal vibes, and it’s exactly what we need right now.
Your Thoughts, Darling?
So, after soaking in all that intimacy and queer history, what are you thinking? Do you feel like there’s more to be said about the elders we lost? Or is it the little things—the quiet moments—that really get to you? Drop your thoughts below, darling. We’re all ears.
Source: The Guardian