Edward II

1991, 87 minutes
UK

Director: Derek Jarman

Free films at the Parkway continue with a new restoration of Derek Jarmon’s iconic New Queer Cinema classic, featuring an incredible performance from Tilda Swinton and a rare film performance from Annie Lennox!

 

“In a strong cast, Tilda Swinton, who plays Edward’s Queen, Isabella, turns in the most memorable performance, that of a love-starved woman whose iceberg exterior conceals a consuming sexual hunger.”—Stephen Holden, The New York Times

 

ABOUT THE FILM:
(Rated R • 1991 • UK • English • 87 minutes • 1:66:1)
In this new restoration of the iconic New Queer Cinema classic, Derek Jarman offers a postmodern take on Christopher Marlowe’s Elizabethan drama. Pleasure-seeking King Edward II sets the stage for a palace revolt by taking as a lover the ambitious Piers Gaveston—who uses his favor in bed to wield political influence—sending the gay pair from the throne to a terminal torture dungeon. This landmark of gay cinema features an incredible performance from Jarman muse and Oscar-winner Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton) as Edward’s spurned Queen Isabella and a rare film appearance by singer Annie Lennox.

 

“Vivid and meaningful…”—Dave Kehr, The Chicago Tribune

 

“A mesmerizing film…”—Peter Travers, Rolling Stone