
Edward II
Opens Friday, May 4
In this new digital restoration of the iconic New Queer Cinema classic, Derek Jarman offers a postmodern take on Christopher Marlowe’s Elizabethan drama. Pleasure-seeking King Edward II sets the stage for a palace revolt by taking as a lover the ambitious Piers Gaveston – who uses his favor in bed to wield political influence – sending the pair from the throne to a terminal torture dungeon. This landmark of gay cinema features an incredible performance from Jarman muse and Oscar-winner Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton) as Edward’s spurned Queen Isabella and a rare film appearance by singer Annie Lennox.
Official Selection: Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival
Winner: Volpi Cup, Best Actress – Venice Film Festival; Golden Hitchcock – Dinard British Film Festival; Teddy, Best Feature Film – Berlinale; FIPRESCI Prize – Berlinale
- Country UK
- Year 1991
- Running Time 87 minutes
- Director Derek Jarman
- Writer Derek Jarman, Christopher Marlowe (play), Stephen McBride, Ken Butler
- Editor George Akers
- Cinematographer Ian Wilson
- Cast Tilda Swinton, Steven Waddington, Andrew Tiernan, Nigel Terry, Annie Lennox