Written and directed by Ira Sachs, based on the book by Linda Rosenkranz, a recently discovered conversation between photographer Peter Hujar and his friend Linda Rosenkrantz in 1974 reveals a glimpse into New York City’s downtown art scene and the personal struggles and epiphanies that define an artist’s life. Starring: Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall.
It takes a strong filmmaker to be able to take a simple concept, one that revolves entirely around an intimate conversation and turn it into a compelling, captivating, entertaining film, and Ira Sachs is one of those filmmakers. There’s something almost entrancing about Peter Hujar’s Day, it flows so smoothly that it creates a certain immersive nature to the experience. It allows you to feel less observer, more like you’re sat with Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall, as Whishaw’s Peter recalls his adventures.
Granted, it’s always going to be fascinating to listen to any person recount tales of queer, creative, artistic communities in 1970s New York City, it’s an absolute given. Yet, what makes it even more engaging, is the performance from Whishaw. It’s so casual yet has touches of manipulation and flair, he captures Peter Hujar as having such a constantly influx memory, he’s not just recalling, he’s storytelling. It’s really interesting to watch him think about the details, correct and adjust as if writing a novel, all while feeling entirely organic.
He’s paired so well with Hall, she adds a guiding hand and a compassionate touch. She adds to the conversation, while letting it be entirely led by Whishaw’s Peter. Watching the two of them together is so effortless but part of that is the foundation of the visual. The aesthetic created by Ira Sachs and cinematographer Alex Ashe (who was also DP for the stunning The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire) is gorgeous. It’s so perfectly fitting for the era, it creates a warmth and depth, it’s inviting and enveloping. Added to the fantastic set decoration and costume work.
Peter Hujar’s Day is composed yet chaotic, it’s unexpectedly enrapturing to watch Ben Whishaw as Peter Hujar recount a very long, hectic day filled with plenty of name dropping. It’s nicely constructed to recreate the real conversation in the most organic way possible, everything about it feels natural and believable. It’s shot so well and it’s unbelievably easy to simply sit back and listen to these two chat, especially for a film that comes in at under eighty-minutes, it makes you wish their conversation had lasted longer.
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