Staged Reading of "Queer" -- A Highlight of the Sarasota Film Festival

On a beautiful Sarasota evening, after walking the half-block from my office to the intimate setting of the Florida Studio Gompertz Theater, sitting only feet away from five brilliant actors reading Oren Moverman’s screenplay Queer, I couldn’t help but think, “I must be in heaven.” Directed and produced by Steve Buscemi who read the lead role, Buscemi was joined by Ben Foster, Lisa Joyce, John Ventimiglia and narrator Stanley Tucci. Foster and Joyce both starred in the opening night film of last year’s Sarasota Film Festival, The Messenger, another Moverman film. Ventimiglia (who is much sexier in person) is probably best known for his role as Artie Bucco in The Sopranos. And everyone knows longtime festival supporters, Stanley Tucci and Steve Buscemi.

Queer is adapted from the novel by William S. Burroughs. Burroughs referred to Queer as his most painful book, not surprisingly since the book comes from the material of Burrough’s own life in which he accidentally killed the wife who so obligingly tolerated his homosexual activities. Legendary rocker, author of her memoir Just Kids, and close friend of Burroughs, Patti Smith read the introduction to the screenplay and acknowledged having a huge crush on Burroughs.

The fascinating script kept me engaged throughout the reading, and I look forward to the film itself. Just as fascinating was the opportunity to see real live bloopers and join the cast in laughing at their own blunders. At one point, Tucci accidentally read Buscemi’s line, quickly pointed out his mistake and quipped, “I can’t stop myself.”

During a glorious week of films, interviews and parties, the reading of Queer was the delicious icing on the cake. A great addition to the Sarasota Film Festival, opportunities like these are not to be missed. Hopefully, the future will hold more.

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