Derek reviews
Review by on 26 Sep 2008
Based around an obituary-type conversation with filmmaker Derek Jarman while he knew he was dying, combined with narration from friend and collaborator Tilda Swinton (special guest at the festival), this documentary encompasses Jarman’s life, work and the forces that drove him as a human and an artist.
Growing up in post-war Britain, and coming into his own as a young gay artist in the 1960s, Jarman began making films more as an extension of his painting than being an ambitious filmmaker. Indeed, his life was truly dedicated to art in every sense, fuelled by his sexuality and the time period, then eventually his acknowledgement of contracting HIV. The interview with him feels candid and honest (he is even eating a sandwich at one point), as he dissects his works and discusses his own realisations about moments in his life, portraying an unashamed bravery of spirit.
Swinton’s contribution is moving and heartfelt, grounding the film in an emotional, poetic base which only compliments the presentation of the piece in an artistic, somewhat abstract way.
An excellent use of footage gives the film a complete feel, without any ‘talking heads’ nor title cards, and includes brief and well selected fragments of Jarman’s work. Perhaps the only noticeable omission is the lack of seeing many of Jarman’s paintings which was, as evidenced by the film, the art form that he continually returned to throughout his life.
Certainly a must for Jarman enthusiasts, but the film also acts as an excellent introduction for anyone else.
Mike Boyd, Festival Daily
Based around an obituary-type conversation with filmmaker Derek Jarman while he knew he was dying, combined with narration from friend and collaborator Tilda Swinton (special guest at the festival), this documentary encompasses Jarman’s life, work and the forces that drove him as a human and an artist.Growing up in post-war Britain, and coming into his own as a young gay artist in the 1960s, Jarman began making films more as an extension of his painting than being an ambitious filmmaker. Indeed, his life was truly dedicated to art in every sense, fuelled by his sexuality and the time period, then eventually his acknowledgement of contracting HIV. The interview with him feels candid and honest (he is even eating a sandwich at one point), as he dissects his works and discusses his own realisations about moments in his life, portraying an unashamed bravery of spirit.
Swinton’s contribution is moving and heartfelt, grounding the film in an emotional, poetic base which only compliments the presentation of the piece in an artistic, somewhat abstract way.
An excellent use of footage gives the film a complete feel, without any ‘talking heads’ nor title cards, and includes brief and well selected fragments of Jarman’s work. Perhaps the only noticeable omission is the lack of seeing many of Jarman’s paintings which was, as evidenced by the film, the art form that he continually returned to throughout his life.
Certainly a must for Jarman enthusiasts, but the film also acts as an excellent introduction for anyone else.
Mike Boyd, Festival Daily
Film details
Derek
DEREK JARMAN: REMEMBERED
Director: Isaac Julien
Actor: Tilda Swinton
Actor: Tilda Swinton
UK, 2008.
74 mins. English.
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