Edward II (1991)

Directed by

Derek Jarman

Genre

drama film, LGBTQ-related film

Country

United Kingdom

Runtime

1h 30m

Rated

R

Rating

6.3 of 10 from 65 voters

Elsewhere

IMDb

How it feels

King Edward II falls deeply in love with Piers Gaveston, sparking conflict with his nobles and his queen. Their relationship leads to political turmoil and personal ruin. The film uses anachronistic modern elements to tell this historical story.

bleakdefiantslow-burnvisually lushintimateallegoricaltragicangry

What happens

Edward II is a 1991 British romantic historical drama film directed by Derek Jarman and starring Steven Waddington, Tilda Swinton and Andrew Tiernan. It is based on the play of the same name by Christopher Marlowe. The plot revolves around Edward II of England's infatuation with Piers Gaveston, which proves to be the downfall of both of them, thanks to the machinations of Roger Mortimer. The film is staged in a postmodern style, using a mixture of contemporary and medieval props, sets and clothing. (The date "1991" appears on a royal proclamation at one point.) The gay content of the play is also brought to the fore by Jarman, notably by adding a homosexual sex scene and by depicting Edward's army as gay rights protesters. (from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)

Trailer

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