| | | A Classic Tale Of Sex, Revenge And Love.
Features: DVD, Special Edition, Dolby, Dolby Digital (5.1)
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' Steven 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 haunting and powerful gay-themed films ever made.
"Vivid and Meaningful..." Chicago Tribune
"Stylish And Unconventional..." Jamie Bernard, New York Post
"A Mesmerizing Film..." Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
Editor's Note
In EDWARD II, director Derek Jarman revisits Christopher Marlowe's play of bloodletting and royal intrigue, bringing the homosexual theme to the forefront. Steven Waddington stars as Prince Edward II, who upsets England's noblemen by sharing his throne with his commoner lover, Gaveston (Andrew Tiernan). Tilda Swinton costars as Edward's scorned wife, Queen Isabella, whose seething jealousy and hatred lead her into the arms of Mortimer (Nigel Terry), a power-hungry nobleman who seeks to topple Edward's reign. Jarman focuses on the passionate romance between Edward and Gaveston in this tragic tale of desire and persecution. Jarman's sparsely designed film combines period and modern costumes to evoke a timeless quality--Isabella is dressed like a 20th-century upper-crust socialite, while Edward and Gaveston wear simple period attire. A series of mazelike stone corridors and open rooms theatrically convey the castle where the royals fight for the throne. Jarman cuts between the Edwardian castle and more modern images of gay-rights marches, creating a subversive commentary on the ever-present struggle for acceptance and equality. The film also features vocalist Annie Lennox singing Cole Porter's "Every Time We Say Goodbye."
Plot Summary
Derek Jarman's reworking of the Christopher Marlowe play mixes 20th-century and period costumes and ideals, creating a darkly fascinating look at ambition, pleasure, and homophobia.
| Features | Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound | | Behind-the-Scenes Featurette | | Interactive Menus | | Scene Selection | | Theatrical Trailer |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Image |
| Release Date: 5/27/2008 |
| Running Time: 90 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1992 | | Catalog ID: ID1257LIDVD | | UPC: 00014381125726 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English | | Video: Color |
Aspect Ratio | | Widescreen 1.85:1 |
| Cast & Crew | Andrew Tiernan | | John Lynch | | Kevin Collins | | Steven Waddington | | Christopher Hobbs - Production Designer | | Christopher Marlowe - Based On Play By | | Derek Jarman - Director | | George Akers - Editor | | Ian Wilson - Cinematographer | | Ken Butler, et. al. - Writer | | Simon Curtis, et. al. - Executive Producer | | Simon Fisher-Turner - Original Music By | | Steve Clark Hall, et. al. - Producer |
| Awards |
Venice Film Festival (1991) |  | Tilda Swinton, Winner, Best Actress |
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| | Professional Reviews | Rolling Stone
"...A piercing cry from the heart....Swinton is a sexy, roaring wonder..." 04/02/1992 p.41-2New York Times
"...Invested with a powerful contemporary resonance....Handsomely designed..." 03/20/1992 p.C16 Film Comment
"...[Terry and Swinton] swish through the action chewing every precious syllable..." 11/01/1991 p.42-4 Washington Post 8 of 10
Jarman's political activism is at times shoved vividly into the foreground -- for example, when he h - Hal Hinson
Washington Post 8 of 10
It's a stylishly austere adaptation of Christopher Marlowe's rarely performed play about newly crown - Joe Brown
Austin Chronicle 8 of 10
To describe Edward II as "high concept" doesn't even begin to nail down its complexity. What - Marjorie Baumgarten
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