From its grunge rock and ‘80s pop soundtrack to the intentionally artificial backdrops inspired by old Hollywood studio films, “Challengers” director Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer” is a trippy tribute to the life and work of Beat writer William S. Burroughs. Largely based on Burroughs’ unfinished novel of the same name, the film stars Daniel Craig as the writer’s alter ego — a loquacious, heroin-addicted expat living in 1950s Mexico City — and Drew Starkey as the younger man who becomes his obsession. “That’s the tragedy of the film: There’s a moment where you think, ‘This could be,’” he said. Awakened from years of drug-fueled apathy, the older expat forms a slavish attachment to the younger man whose reticence only fuels his yearning. Director Luca Guadagnino, center, with actors Drew Starkey, left, and Daniel Craig at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on Sept. 3.

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Persons: Luca Guadagnino’s, William S, Burroughs, Daniel Craig, Drew Starkey, ”, “ Luca, it’s, ” Craig, “, ’ ”, Yannis Drakoulidis, Kurt Cobain’s, William Tell, Craig’s, William Lee, Eugene Allerton, Starkey, Luca Guadagnino, Andreas Rentz, Lee entreats Allerton, Justin Kuritzkes, riffing, ’, Allerton, Lee Organizations: Hollywood, —, NBC, Cinecittà Studios, 81st Venice, “ Locations: Mexico, Rome, Mexico City