Thats one of the very first lessons youll learn in any creative writing class.

What Is Peter Hujars Day About?

But, for the most part, itsone long monologuewithout any real action.

Peter (Ben Whishaw) lying on a couch smoking a cigarette in Peter Hujar’s Day

Image via Sundance Institute

In this way, aspects will be somewhat inaccessible for the typical audience member.

The documentary centers around a group of teens finding themselves through survival skills and dogsledding.

And boy, does he give a wonderful one.

The Egyptian marquee lit up at Sundance Film Festival

Image by Jovelle Tamayo via Sundance Institute

He completely captures Hujar’s specific speech patterns and inflections.

Whishaw honors Hujars voice and brings it to life in a way that feels effortless and consistently engaging.

Hes engaging even when talking about something as prosaic as making a sandwich.

Folktales

When he does talk about his process, theres a disarming relatability and self-awareness to it.

That sounds corny, he notes.

Her chemistry with Whishaw is obvious, a warm intimacy and familiarity radiating off the screen.

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Peter Hujar’s Day