Edward II (film)

Edward II
Theatrical release poster
Directed byDerek Jarman
Screenplay byKen Butler
Derek Jarman
Stephen McBride
Based onEdward II
by Christopher Marlowe
Produced bySteve Clark-Hall
Antony Root
Starring
CinematographyIan Wilson
Edited byGeorge Akers
Music bySimon Fisher Turner
Production
companies
Distributed byPalace Pictures[1]
Release date
  • 18 October 1991 (1991-10-18)
Running time
90 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Budget£750,000
Box office$694,438[2]

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.

  1. ^ "Edward II (2001)". BBFC. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  2. ^ Edward II at Box Office Mojo