a film by Derek Jarman
1991 | 86 mins | UK
Steven Waddington .... Edward II
Andrew Tiernan .... Piers de Gaveston
Tilda Swinton .... Isabella
Nigel Terry .... Mortimer
Kevin Collins .... Lightborn, the Jailor
Dudley Sutton .... Bishop of Winchester
John Lynch .... Spencer
Jerome Flynn .... Kent
Jody Graber .... Prince Edward
The Chorus of Nobility
Jill Balcon
David Glover
Andrea Miller
Brian Mitchell
Barbara Newy
and John Quentin
Special Guest Appearance
by Annie Lennox
Edward II
a radical rendering of the life and
death of the homosexual English king
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Based on the noted play by Christopher Marlowe, but reworked with Jarman's highly political and
homoerotic pen, this classic of the New Queer Cinema movement depicts a radical rendering of
the life and death of Edward II. Namely the homosexual English king, whose lack of
responsibility to the throne, coupled with his overt affection for his
male lovers, sealed his fate.
Yet by interpreting historical fact as part fiction, Jarman has turned this chapter of English
history on its head and in the process delivered a work that depicts Edward II and his
homosexual army of supporters, versus the ingrained homophobia of the state. Such is apt, given
this feature is but a cinematic testament to a king who in the face of severe opposition from
the Lords Ordainer, simply wished to share his life and thereby his kingdom with the men he
loved, chiefly Piers de Gaveston and later Huge le Despenser.
Given such a backdrop, this work is, as you would expect, laced with scenes of homosexual love.
From the opening sequence of Gaveston and Spencer in conversation whilst two men make love
behind them, to the closing footage showcasing gay men and women united in OUTRAGE against
prejudice and inparticular Clause 28 of the day, this work in mixing politics
with history, shouts from the pulpit that homosexuality is not a crime
and certainly not one punishable by death.
Back in 1327 however and for a king - it was. Yet the scenes of brutality depicted here,
including the notorious murder of Edward II by way of a red-hot poker inserted into 'those parts
in which he had taken his pleasure,' contrast with scenes of tenderness. Notably this
includes a special guest appearance by Annie Lennox singing the Cole Porter
classic EVERY TIME WE SAY GOODBYE as the two lovers part.
True to form, Tilda Swinton and Nigel Terry are excellent as Queen Isabella of France and her
scheming lover Lord Roger Mortimer, whilst Andrew Tiernan excels in his portrayal of Gaveston,
a man in love with the body, soul and power of the king, as aptly played by Steven Waddington.
Highly innovative, overtly homoerotic, politically to the gay core, this is undoubtedly
one of Derek Jarman's finest cinematic works and a perfect example of contemporary
filmmaking. Need more be said?
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