The Films of Derek Jarman
Caravaggio
 |
1986 — 90 minutes, color, aspect ratio 16:9 — Experimental Drama
Essential Jarman. Visually and dramatically intense reimagning of the life of the great sixteenth century artist. |
Review – coming June 24
Brief introduction...
Jarman spent seven years bringing Caravaggio, his most ambitious and popular film, to the screen. He reimagines the volatile life of the sixteenth-century painter, whose sublime art both draws on and transcends the seamy underworld of his time. In more ways than one, Jarman focuses on The Passion of Caravaggio.
The main plot has Caravaggio (Nigel Terry, Excalibur) smack in the middle of a love triangle, after he falls hard for the beautiful bad boy Ranuccio (Sean Bean, GoldenEye), who in turn can't get enough of Lena (Tilda Swinton, Orlando). Other well-known cast members include Robbie Coltrane (the Harry Potter series), Michael Gough (Batman), and composer Simon Fisher Turner playing Fra Fillipo. The film also brings together many other of Jarman's frequent collaborators, both in front of and behind the camera.
Part of Jarman's strategy in the film is to counterpoint some of the painter's best-known works, as brought to life through exceptional performances and exquisite cinematography, with jarring anachronisms, like typewriters or cars. That may sound silly, but as is often the case with Jarman, the effect on screen is surprisingly, even shockingly, effective.
Jarman — an important painter as well as filmmaker — can see something of himself in his subject, just as he sees aspects of modern times in the violent slums of the Renaissance. Like Caravaggio, he reveals the world's treachery but, unexpectedly, its beauty too.
All of Jarman's films are worth seeing, and reseeing, but if you are new to his work, you might want to begin with either Caravaggio or Edward II.
PLEASE NOTE that Caravaggio is available both as a separate DVD and as part of the four-disc set, Glitterbox: Derek Jarman x 4.
Full review coming for the DVD's release date of June 24, 2008.
DVD
Zeitgeist Films' DVD will be reviewed for its image and sound quality. Following is a list of special features for this release.
DVD Details
- Restored anamorphic transfer, created from Hi-Def elements
- Video interviews with actress Tilda Swinton, actor Nigel Terry and production designer Christopher Hobbs
- Audio commentary by cinematographer Gabriel Beristain
- Rare audio and video interviews with Derek Jarman
- Storyboard, notebook, production photo and sketch galleries
- Original theatrical trailer
- English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired
- $29.99 suggested retail
In Region 1, this film is available both as a separate DVD and as part of Zeitgeist Films' box set, Glitterbox: Derek Jarman x 4 (The Angelic Conversation, Caravaggio, Wittgenstein, and Blue).
Reviewed June 24, 2008 (forthcoming)
Site search
This search engine covers the entire website (GLBT literature, film, and all other pages) — results will open in a new window. You can also use the site map.