In a striking departure from his iconic James Bond persona, Daniel Craig stunned audiences at the Venice Film Festival with his portrayal of a drug-addicted gay American in Luca Guadagnino's latest movie, "Queer." The film, set in 1950s Mexico, explores the complex love story between Craig's character, William Lee, and a younger man, played by Drew Starkey, challenging traditional Hollywood narratives.

Gone are the suave womanizer characteristics associated with Bond, as Craig fully immerses himself in the role of a disheveled and often drunk Lee. The movie features intimate and explicit love scenes between the two men, marking a bold departure for the renowned actor. When asked about the potential controversy surrounding these scenes, Craig seemed unfazed, stating, "I don't think about it... I can't control it."

Luca Guadagnino, known for his acclaimed film "Call Me by Your Name," expressed hope that audiences would look beyond the explicit content and focus on the emotional depth of Craig's performance. He praised the British actor's willingness to expose his soul on-screen and predicted that viewers would connect with the vulnerable and raw portrayal.

Prior to taking on this role, Craig had an illustrious career as James Bond, starring in five films, with his final installment, "No Time To Die," set to release in 2021. However, the actor had long desired to collaborate with Guadagnino, choosing to embrace a small-scale indie project instead of a big-budget blockbuster. The film was shot entirely in a Rome studio, providing a unique and intimate setting for Craig's transformative performance.

Accompanied by his wife, Rachel Weisz, who is also a renowned British actor, Craig arrived in Venice for the world premiere of "Queer." Weisz is expected to grace the red carpet later, adding to the excitement surrounding the film's debut.

The story of "Queer" is based on an incomplete novel by American author William S. Burroughs. Guadagnino and screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes gave the narrative a conclusion, leading the characters on a journey into the jungle in search of a hallucinogenic drug. The film, which has been a longtime aspiration for Guadagnino since his youth, was brought to life within a remarkably short timeframe of just six months.

"Queer" is one of the 21 competing films vying for the prestigious Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival. The winner will be announced on Saturday, promising to further solidify the film's impact and recognition within the industry.

Daniel Craig's portrayal in "Queer" is a powerful testament to his versatility as an actor, challenging societal norms and delivering a performance that will undoubtedly spark conversations and critical acclaim.