Based on Jean Genet’s novel Querelle de Brest, the movie starred Brad Davis as the eponymous, amoral character.

The French version of the movie poster (right) left no doubt as to one of the movie’s key themes. (US and UK posters simply had him leaning against a plain brick wall).

But it was sex that featured largely in the film. More to the point, it was fucking, since most of it was undertaken as an expression of power of some sort or another.

Querelle fucks women and Querelle fucks – and is fucked by – other men. And there’s usually some form of manipulation behind it.

Along the way there’s murder, double-dealing, betrayal – and even a hint of incest as Querelle falls for a construction worker who very closely resembles his brother (and, in the movie, is played by the same guy).

The passion and claustrophobia is underscored by the lighting set up; the entire storyline takes place against a relentless scorching sky. The obvious artificiality of the set simply adds to the sense of claustrophobia.

Sadly, lead actor Brad Davis had led a troubled life of his own. Allegedly sexually and physically abused by his parents he became an alcoholic and injecting drug user. It was the latter that led to him being diagnosed with HIV in 1985. In 1991, as his health continued to deteriorate and the pain increased, he committed assisted suicide in the presence of his wife and a family friend.

https://youtu.be/54bU7nWrmFY