Queer Edward II Documentary Premieres in Venice, Honoring Derek Jarman
Theo Rollason's documentary 'Queer Edward II' made its debut at the Venice Film Festival, showcased out of competition. This film pays tribute to Derek Jarman (1942-1994), a significant contributor to New Queer Cinema, who first emerged in 1976 with 'Sebastiane'. Following his HIV diagnosis in 1986, Jarman candidly spoke about his experiences with the illness. His last work, 'Blue' (1993), contemplates his deteriorating health. Jarman's 1991 version of Marlowe's 'Edward II' depicted the king's bond with Piers Gaveston, ending on a hopeful note as a stand against homophobia. The documentary includes unreleased footage of Jarman and archival material from a 1994 parliamentary session, culminating with Annie Lennox's performance of 'Every Time We Say Goodbye'.
Key facts
- The documentary 'Queer Edward II' by Theo Rollason premiered at the Venice Film Festival out of competition.
- Derek Jarman (1942-1994) was a key figure of New Queer Cinema, originally trained as a painter.
- Jarman's directorial debut was 'Sebastiane' (1976), which depicted the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian with homoerotic imagery.
- After his HIV diagnosis in 1986, Jarman became one of the first public figures in the UK to speak openly about living with the disease.
- His final film 'Blue' (1993) features an unchanging blue screen and a layered soundtrack.
- Jarman's 1991 adaptation of 'Edward II' was produced by the BBC and explicitly portrayed the homosexual relationship between the king and Piers Gaveston.
- The documentary uses previously unreleased behind-the-scenes footage shot by cinematographer Seamus McGarvey.
- Tilda Swinton played Queen Isabella in Jarman's 'Edward II'.
- The film includes archival footage of a February 1994 British parliamentary session rejecting an amendment to lower the age of consent for homosexual acts from 21 to 16.
- OutRage! activists, who appeared as extras in Jarman's film, stormed a studio where Cliff Richard was rehearsing to demand he come out.
- Annie Lennox sings Cole Porter's 'Every Time We Say Goodbye' at the end of the documentary.
Entities
Artists
- Derek Jarman
- Theo Rollason
- Seamus McGarvey
- Tilda Swinton
- Cliff Richard
- Annie Lennox
- Christopher Marlowe
- Cole Porter
Institutions
- Venice Film Festival
- BBC
- OutRage!
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- London
- United Kingdom