In continuing my study of Surealist film I watched Naked Lunch by Cronenberg. It is based on, but not a literal interpretation of William S. Burroughs novel of the same name. It loosely follows similar themese and locations, but isn't an adaptation of the book. Both are very explicit about homosexuality and drug addiction. From what I know, the book is even more frank than the film.
The film is interesting. Some scenes, like in so many Cronenberg films; the Fly, Existenz, and so on, there are several "gross-out" scenes. In Naked Lunch the typewriters morph into creatures that are sticky and look like oversized vaginas or mouths or something I can't describe. These parts are the most surreal aspects of the film from a visual stand point.
Thematically, the film develops from an exterminator's job to his pursuing a writing career while in Tangiers. The writer, and this did happen in real life to Burroughs, kills his wife accidentally, then flees. The writer, William Lee, is heavily involved with drugs and homosexuality. He becomes addicted to bug powder, then ends up with an "interzone" boy. The climax is when the character of the lesbian housekeeper is revealed to be the doctor who gave the writer a cure for bug powder addiction.
In the end the film seems more like an autobiography of Burroughs then a narrative film with substance. I enjoyed very much the intertwining of Burroughs life with narrative elements written in by the writers. Burroughs led an interesting life and I've had an interest in the Beat Generation since I was in High School, so I'm a little biased towards anything about them. The "gross out" scenes were done in way to present the withdrawal induced halucinations of the writer. They were well done, offering a glimpse into Burroughs creative process. I enjoyed watching the film, especially the scenes in Tangiers.
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