Derek Jarman Special

To coincide with the Derek Jarman exhibition at the Serpentine, Roxy is screening two of Jarman's feature films, preceded by a documentary called Derek Jarman: Life as Art by Andy Kimpton-Nye.

5pm: Derek Jarman: Life as Art (dir Kimpton-Nye '04)

"Impressive new doc tracing Jarman's life and (film) work, as recounted by friends and family. Interviewees include his sister Gaye Temple, his biographer Tony Peake, Tilda Swinton, Ron Peck, Nigel Terry, Peter Tatchell and Simon Fisher Turner. Super 8 interludes convey some of the textures of the films and there are some lovely photo-montages from all periods of his life. It was news to me that he considered both David Bowie and Terry Thomas for the part of Ariel! It's thorough and engaging and makes an excellent introduction to Saint Derek's world"
Tom Charity - Time Out

6.15pm: Sebastiane (dir Jarman / Humfress '76)

Jarman's debut feature (co-directed with BBC director Paul Humfress) certainly caused a stir when it was first released, and still holds the rare honour of being the first and only film to be shot in subtitle Latin! But the real controversy was over its frank portrayal of homosexuality, violence, and the ultimate martyrdom of the Catholic saint Sebastiane in 303 A.D. Controversy aside, this is a landmark in the history of Gay Cinema, and marked Jarman out as one of Britain's most visionary filmmakers.
Also notable for the score from Brian Eno.

8pm: Caravaggio (dir Jarman '86)

Possibly Jarman's most accessible and what is seen by many as his masterpiece; the seven years it took to raise the money and complete the film were worth the wait.
Caravaggio is essentially a biopic of the painter, but in the avant-garde hands of Jarman, the film becomes a portrait of Caravaggio's works and life, and a meditation on sexuality, criminality and art. It is also notably for performances from Sean Bean and in her first role with Jarman, Tilday Swinton, who went on to become a long-term collaborator.
Beautifully shot and designed, this truly is a unique merging the worlds of art and cinema, and a great introduction to the work of one of Britain's most talented filmmakers.