On December 19, 1974, writer Linda Rosenkrantz visited her friend, photographer Peter Hujar, in New York. She was curious about his day before. He shared stories about taking a portrait of Allen Ginsberg, indulging in Chinese food, and chatting with a friend. It was a simple day, filled with everyday moments.
In a recent film, Peter Hujar’s Day, actor Ben Whishaw plays Hujar. When asked about his own day, he chuckled and said it was quite mundane. After filming, he finished some leftover chicken and fell asleep early. “Maybe there’s no such thing as boring,” he said.
The film centers around the real-life conversations between Hujar and Rosenkrantz, captured in a script based on a manuscript rediscovered in 2019. It’s a unique take on their friendship, filled with light banter and reflections in Hujar’s cozy apartment.
Critics are calling the film a masterpiece. Whishaw describes it as an intimate “portrait of a friendship, almost a love story.” He believes it allows viewers to drift in and out, almost like visiting an art exhibit. This style might seem slow, but it emphasizes the beauty of small moments.
Whishaw enjoyed having to memorize lengthy dialogues, which deeply connect with everyday life. He admires writers like Helen Garner, whose observations capture the richness of ordinary experiences. Such details can change how we perceive life amidst chaos.
Hujar, who often flew under the radar during his life, had a keen eye for detail. Whishaw recalls first discovering Hujar’s work on an album cover and later recognizing the depth of his photography during an exhibition. His ability to capture New York’s vibrant yet fleeting bohemia resonates strongly today, especially in the context of the AIDS crisis that erased much of that culture.
Recent statistics from the CDC show that nearly 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, a reminder of the lasting impact of this epidemic. As Whishaw mentioned, this history feels like a gap that many in the LGBTQ+ community still feel.
He reflects on the generational losses due to AIDS and the absence of mentors in the queer community. “I feel the lack of elders,” he says. Hujar, upon learning he had AIDS, stopped taking photographs entirely. The thought of what remained in his darkroom is chilling.
Whishaw also engages with the challenges queer actors face today. He notes that while there are wonderfully talented gay directors out there, opportunities remain scarce. The pressure to fit within certain audience expectations complicates the path for openly gay actors.
In Peter Hujar’s Day, viewers get a glimpse into the deep, intricate moments of Hujar’s life, portraying not just his art but the heartfelt connections he had. It’s a touching tribute that reminds us of both the beauty and the tragedy of that era.
With films like this, there’s a chance to honor the past while bringing attention to ongoing struggles in the LGBTQ+ community. It’s crucial to keep these stories alive—not just for remembrance, but for the hope they might inspire today.
You can find more about Hujar’s impact on the art world in articles from The Guardian. What remains clear is that through art and storytelling, we can bridge the gaps of history, helping generations remember and learn from those who came before.
