Edward II (Special Edition)
In this fiery adaptation of the classic play from maverick director Derek Jarman, the new king of England, Edward II (The Last of the Mohicans' even Waddington), finds his throne in peril when he brings his lover, Gaveston (The Pianist's Andrew Tiernan). Enraged, the Queen (Tilda Swinton, star of the upcoming The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) embarks on a plot to take down the king at all costs. Featuring an unforgettable appearance by music legend Annie Lennox performing "Ev'rytime We Say Goodbye," this stylish, visually arresting twist on a classic story is one of the most haunting and powerful gay-themed films ever made.
Member Reviews
hard going - 2commit
While Jarman does find provocative ways to draw parallels to modern issues of sex and power, homophobia and gay activism, his frantic and anachronistic presentation was both confusing and alienating for me. Academics might find this film a goldmine of symbolism and metaphor, but for the average viewer, trying to decipher Jarman’s eccentric sensibilities is tough slogging. It’s a good film if you can maintain the focus to unravel his pretentions.Stylish - surfer
Here is a wretched story told in such a stylish way that it is a joy to watch. The dramatic effect of its sets, lighting, costumes, themes and performances is dazzling.
With great invention and style Derek Jarman dredges up a murky tale of medieval England and makes it fresh and alive. Full of anachronisms that help bring the piece forward in time, we are left to witness how little has changed from that time to ours... the brutality, the power grabbing, the human frailty (amongst heroes and villains alike).
Great ensemble cast headed by Tilda Swinton, Nigel Terry, Steven Waddington and Andrew Tiernan.
Kudos to costumes by Sandy Powell.Dissapointingly Obscure - anemone
I wa snot impressed.
I like Tilda Swinton, and rented it on that basis. I also like the story in other interpretations. So I was truly surprsied to not like it and further to have not much good to say about it.
But is was hard to watch to completion.
It is very serious, dark, tragic, and arty, but in a good way? I am not convinced... The homosexual issue is lost amid the rest of the mire and nothing came across clearly. I felt the director was trying to stir emotions, but about the only one I had was weak anger and annoyance at having to watch it through. ( I like to at least view a film to completion if possible if I am going to comment.)
II made an effort, but it did not make me want to watch or even wonder why it had been made. At the end, I simply turned it off and tried to forget about it.
Until I wrote this review for you, I had forgotten it - completely.
Member Reviews
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hard going - 2commit
While Jarman does find provocative ways to draw parallels to modern issues of sex and power, homophobia and gay activism, his frantic and anachronistic presentation was both confusing and alienating for me. Academics might find this film a goldmine of symbolism ...Stylish - surfer
Here is a wretched story told in such a stylish way that it is a joy to watch. The dramatic effect of its sets, lighting, costumes, themes and performances is dazzling.
With great invention and style Derek Jarman dredges up a murky tale of medieval ...Dissapointingly Obscure - anemone
I wa snot impressed.
I like Tilda Swinton, and rented it on that basis. I also like the story in other interpretations. So I was truly surprsied to not like it and further to have not much good to say about it.
But is was hard to watch to completion.
It ...