In the increasingly crowded field of documentaries about the late dean of British Queer Cinema (see review of Derek Jarman: Life as Art in VL-11/06), Isaac Julien's Derek is a respectable contribution. Julien draws on a wealth of home movies and extensive filmed interviews, clips from the director's films and music videos, and behind-the-scenes footage of Jarman working (and engaging in political protest), to paint an impressionistic portrait of the artist's life and career, from his troubled childhood up through his final days in 1994 when he died of AIDS. Interwoven throughout are excerpts from an extravagant (and rather pretentious) 2002 reminiscence titled “Letter to an Angel,” written and performed here by Oscar-winning actress and long-time Jarman collaborator Tilda Swinton, as she prowls locales connected with Jarman. Ultimately, Jarman comes across as a witty, engaging man, committed to pushing forward the frontiers of British cinema while making strong political statements through his art. Whether or not you care for Jarman's films—which are very much an acquired taste—this affectionate tribute captures his admirable motives and impressive drive. DVD extras include an introduction by producer Colin McCabe, and an extended version of a 1991 Jarman interview. Recommended. [Note: Jarman's 1989 film War Requiem is also newly available.] Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Derek
(2008) 76 min. DVD: $29.95. Kino International (avail. from most distributors). Volume 23, Issue 6
Derek
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