Ben Whishaw Captures Peter Hujar’s World in Reflective Drama

Spotting Ben Whishaw on a London street, you might first think of Paddington, but his career stretches far beyond that. From John Keats to Bond films, Whishaw’s range is impressive. In his latest role, he takes on the persona of Peter Hujar, the photographer whose most recognisable work graces the cover of ‘A Little Life’. Here, Whishaw delivers a performance that feels both effortless and deeply considered, as if he’s slipping into the skin of an old mate.

Portraying a real-life figure is never a walk in the park, but Whishaw manages to inhabit Hujar with a casual authenticity. The film unfolds almost entirely through a conversation between Hujar and his friend Linda Rosenkrantz, played by Rebecca Hall. The pair move between a balcony, a bed, and a sofa, but it’s their dialogue that keeps things ticking along. There’s not much in the way of action, but that’s hardly the point. The heart of the film lies in their exchange, which forms the backbone of the entire 76-minute runtime.

Unpacking the Artist’s Mind

Hujar’s work, though underappreciated during his lifetime, captured the spirit of New York’s creative scene in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Only in recent years has his photography started to get the recognition it deserves. Ira Sachs’ film offers a window into Hujar’s thoughts, letting us see what made him tick. The script is based on Rosenkrantz’s original project, a taped conversation from 1974 that she published decades later. Sachs transforms this chat into a film that flows with a gentle rhythm, occasionally breaking the fourth wall to draw the audience in.

It’s a bit like eavesdropping on a private moment. Rosenkrantz invites Hujar to recount his previous day, which includes run-ins with big names like Allen Ginsberg and Susan Sontag. Whishaw, cigarette in hand, describes his day with a laidback coolness, while Hall’s Rosenkrantz listens intently. She’s not quite a therapist, but she’s definitely interested in how Hujar sees the world and what he chooses to share.

A Niche for the Informed

This isn’t a film for everyone. If you’re not already familiar with Hujar or the world he moved in, you might find yourself a bit lost. The film raises a fair question: should you need to know the subject beforehand, or should the film fill in the gaps? ‘Peter Hujar’s Day’ leans towards the former, offering a slice of life that’s more rewarding for those already in the know.

At its core, the film is about memory and preservation. It reflects on a time that’s been mythologised but remains mysterious to most. By pulling back the curtain on these legendary figures, the film delivers an honest portrait, though it’s one that will likely resonate most with a select group of viewers.