Edward II | |
---|---|
Directed by | Derek Jarman |
Screenplay by | Ken Butler Derek Jarman Stephen McBride |
Based on | Edward II by Christopher Marlowe |
Produced by | Steve Clark-Hall Antony Root |
Starring | |
Cinematography | Ian Wilson |
Edited by | George Akers |
Music by | Simon Fisher Turner |
Production companies | |
Distributed by | Palace Pictures[1] |
Release date |
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Running time | 90 minutes |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
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.