Edward II Derek Jarman (1991)

Derek Jarman modern version of Christopher Marlowe's Elisabethan drama, king Edward II hands the power-craving nobility the perfect excuse by taking as lover besides his diplomatic wife, the French princess Isabel, not an acceptable lady at court but the ambitious Piers Gaveston, who uses his favor in bed even to wield political influence - the stage is set for a palace revolt which sends the gay pair from the throne to a terminal torture dungeon.

Director: Derek Jarman




Writing credits:
Christopher Marlowe (based on the play by)
Derek Jarman (screenplay)
Stephen McBride (screenplay)
Ken Butler (screenplay)

• Category

  Film & Animation

[drnickyp]

In response to "total and utter pretention" - you have to see this film in the context of Jarman's immense anger at his diagnosis with A.I.D.S., which was at that time very much a death sentence, and Jarman knew he was dying - so forgive him any indulgent rage against the stigma, he was a truly visionary and iconoclastic film maker, and his cultural contribution is truly missed.

[vonspre]

Absolute Masterpiece

[teziba]

"find a dusty old play and violate it." -d. jarman

[diana horton]

took a good play and turned it in to filth

[WeAllLovePineapples]

that's not true either. They didn't like him because of his disproportionate influence on the major politics decisions. He took a very active role in decision making and completely shaped Edward II's decisions. It was for this reason he was killed and in fact it has not been proven (although it is very likely) that they were lovers and historians are fairly divided over this issue, what they're not divided over is that the reason they killed him was due to his influence and power.

[mugsnkisses]

just to clarify, they didnt mind him being gay (everyone had affires) they just didnt want him going out with a french man of lower birth.

[Nomsa Wonani]

total and utter pretension.

[rorogerio]

genial