Film Review – Peter Hujar’s Day (2025)

      Peter Hujar’s Day, 2025.

      Written and Directed by Ira Sachs.

      Starring Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A recently uncovered dialogue between photographer Peter Hujar and his friend Linda Rosenkrantz from 1974 provides a glimpse into New York City’s downtown art scene, along with the personal challenges and revelations that shape an artist’s journey.

      In 1974, journalist Linda Rosenkrantz interviewed various artists throughout New York City to gain insight into their daily lives, with plans to compile these discussions into a meaningful book. While that book was never completed, some recorded conversations still exist. One such recording features Linda (portrayed by Rebecca Hall) and photographer Peter Hujar (played by Ben Whishaw) in a lengthy dialogue, carefully edited by Affonso Gonçalves in Ira Sachs’ film, Peter Hujar’s Day.

      The film aims to achieve what the proposed book intended, but with a focused exploration of Peter Hujar and his informal observations, penchant for white lies, and his vulnerability regarding his identity as an artist. As he recalls each moment from the previous day, it’s natural that he veers off on tangents that enhance these themes.

      However, there is a significant drawback; as Peter mentions several people in his circle, it becomes challenging for those unfamiliar with the 1970s art scene to connect with or care about these individuals. They are referenced rather than developed as characters, limiting the viewer's engagement with his stories, which mostly serve to reveal his personality and state of mind.

      Regardless of how well Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall embody their roles (with Whishaw particularly effective in conveying Peter's uncertainty about his daily life and its artistic satisfaction), the film feels more like an extended talk show interview than a cinematic experience. Its inherently staged nature isn't the issue; rather, from a narrative perspective, it lacks direction, resulting in an hour-long monologue about a rather uneventful yet psychologically revealing day.

      Consequently, there's little to say about Peter Hujar’s Day, which runs just under 70 minutes before credits, attempting to shift the characters around the apartment and onto the balcony while jumping through time to keep the visuals engaging. Even then, it often seems that listening to the film would yield the same experience as watching it. To emphasize, there isn’t much to begin with. Peter Hujar appears to be an intriguing individual, but this film appears less invested in him and more intrigued by a concept that nearly overshadows the limited insights it provides. In some ways, this bold approach is more commendable than a straightforward biopic, yet it may not resonate with those not already deeply engaged in this scene.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★

      Robert Kojder