Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

Discuss releases by the BFI and the films on them

Moderator: MichaelB

Message
Author
User avatar
swo17
Bloodthirsty Butcher
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:25 am
Location: SLC, UT

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#126 Post by swo17 » Fri Mar 29, 2019 7:41 pm

gap wrote:
Fri Mar 29, 2019 7:35 pm
^ Thanks. I do love a good Shakespeare adaptation so I might start with that.
Depending on how you define "good Shakespeare adaptation" you may very well hate it!

User avatar
Cronenfly
Joined: Thu Jul 19, 2007 12:04 pm

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#127 Post by Cronenfly » Thu Apr 11, 2019 2:56 pm

Is Volume 2 limited to 2000 copies like Volume 1 (at least that’s the number I seem to remember)?

The price did eventually drop for Volume 1 on Base.com (to about 33 pounds, if I remember correctly), and the first set did take about a year to sell out, so it seems worth waiting, but I don’t want to miss it either.

EDIT-Then again, assuming set two goes that low as well (from its present 46 pounds) that’s only a savings of about twenty bucks weighed against its potentially going OOP...

User avatar
AidanKing
Joined: Sat Mar 17, 2012 12:22 pm
Location: Cornwall, U.K.

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#128 Post by AidanKing » Fri Apr 12, 2019 5:21 am

Is the Jim Ellis book 'Derek Jarman's Angelic Conversations'? If so, does anyone know how good it is?

With regard to Volume 2, I would highly recommend getting it rather than risking it going out of print. It's an excellent set.

User avatar
AidanKing
Joined: Sat Mar 17, 2012 12:22 pm
Location: Cornwall, U.K.

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#129 Post by AidanKing » Mon Apr 22, 2019 8:49 am

The Jim Ellis book is 'Derek Jarman's Angelic Conversations' and, from an initial browse through, it seems like a pretty good analysis of the films, largely from the point of view of their relationship to relevant political movements and ideas, such as Situationism with respect to 'Jubilee' and anti-Thatcherism with regard to 'The Last of England'. The section on 'Imagining October' does include a detailed description of the film. I think the book would work very well read alongside something like Tony Peake's excellent biography of Jarman.

With regard to the unavailability of the majority of the Super 8 films, Thames and Hudson published a book by James McKay, 'Derek Jarman Super 8', in 2014. It appears to consist largely of frames taken from the films so might give some indication of their form and content, albeit without motion.

User avatar
MichaelB
Joined: Fri Aug 11, 2006 6:20 pm
Location: Worthing
Contact:

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#130 Post by MichaelB » Fri May 10, 2019 8:03 am

From the latest BFI press release:
15 July: stand-alone Blu-ray editions of Derek Jarman’s later classics Blue (1993) and The Garden (1990). These titles follow the Blu-ray box set Jarman Volume Two released earlier this year and the screenings of The Garden taking place in selected cinemas from 21 June.

User avatar
therewillbeblus
Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2015 3:40 pm

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#131 Post by therewillbeblus » Tue Dec 31, 2019 9:51 pm

I've been making my way through Vol. 2, and while I still have yet to see Blue and Glitterbug, this set of films is just terrific, surpassing all expectations I had, knowing Jarman only from his earlier films. I wasn't able to grab Vol. 1 before it went OOP, but having seen most of those films I may be blasphemous in saying I prefer this second half of his career. Edward II is by far my least favorite film in the set as I tend to feel less enthusiastic about Jarman's 'straighter' period films (Caravaggio, The Tempest) even if I see what he's doing with them.

The Last of England is one of the more emotionally moving cinematic experiences I've had recently, and the next two films in the set give it a run for its money. But it's with Wittgenstein that Jarman elevates his skills to a territory I wasn't aware he had ever ventured. By taking a mostly organically humorless script and filming it with invention as farce to the greatest hits of philosophers and philosophy itself as a practice (and, even more whittled down, just the absurdity of human behavior in general as it relates to attempts at definition via intelligentsia) without being pejorative or condescending, he demonstrates an audacity and creativity around conceptual flexibility that is unparalleled. Frankly it's one of the most original and exciting artistic projects I've seen in a long time.

User avatar
therewillbeblus
Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2015 3:40 pm

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#132 Post by therewillbeblus » Wed Jan 01, 2020 2:33 pm

Finished vol. 2 off this morning. Blue is a strange beast, a cocktail of seemingly opposing poles between the density of deep isolative tragedy in mortality and a whimsical refresher to life by engaging in flowing playful fantasy interchangeably. The lack of moving visuals gives this a sensory deprivation feel where the viewer is constantly adjusting to what Jarman is throwing at us, and the piece quickly develops its own internal logic that drowns any notice to the inconsistency of emotions as they blend into their own unique portrait. I was emotionally moved but oddly moreso by the playful moments because it was incredibly optimistic to see (hear*) Jarman’s personality as a creative and spirited artist remain uncompromised even as he approached death. Witnessing the soul of his identity win out against the disintegration of the corporeal is a spiritual experience.

Glitterbug is a bittersweet cap to it all, with a calm Eno score over a mix of home movies and what appears to be deleted scenes of other films. I’m sure this will make some eyes roll and probably validate some members’ decisions not to get the set, but the footage of Tilda Swinton playfully running around the labyrinths outside, laughing and dancing with the camera, is about as sublime as documentary gets for this viewer. If I could make it into a screen saver and watch it forever, I would.

User avatar
swo17
Bloodthirsty Butcher
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:25 am
Location: SLC, UT

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#133 Post by swo17 » Wed Jan 01, 2020 2:41 pm

therewillbeblus wrote:
Tue Dec 31, 2019 9:51 pm
I wasn't able to grab Vol. 1 before it went OOP, but having seen most of those films I may be blasphemous in saying I prefer this second half of his career.
Have you at least seen In the Shadow of the Sun? It was the first thing I thought of during the final section of La flor. Worth paying OOP prices for IMHO

User avatar
therewillbeblus
Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2015 3:40 pm

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#134 Post by therewillbeblus » Wed Jan 01, 2020 3:02 pm

swo17 wrote:
Wed Jan 01, 2020 2:41 pm
Have you at least seen In the Shadow of the Sun? It was the first thing I thought of during the final section of La flor. Worth paying OOP prices for IMHO
I haven’t but now I have to. Can’t seem to find vol. 1 many places online beyond a used copy on amazon.uk but I’ll keep my eyes peeled.

User avatar
swo17
Bloodthirsty Butcher
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:25 am
Location: SLC, UT

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#135 Post by swo17 » Wed Jan 01, 2020 3:06 pm

There's also this Italian DVD that includes it along with some nice shorts in the same vein. Not Blu-ray though, of course

User avatar
AidanKing
Joined: Sat Mar 17, 2012 12:22 pm
Location: Cornwall, U.K.

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#136 Post by AidanKing » Tue Jan 28, 2020 10:38 am

Hopefully, this isn't an inappropriate place to post this, but the Art Fund is asking for donations towards a campaign to preserve Prospect Cottage, Jarman's garden and his artworks sited there. More details here.

User avatar
AidanKing
Joined: Sat Mar 17, 2012 12:22 pm
Location: Cornwall, U.K.

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#137 Post by AidanKing » Fri Mar 27, 2020 5:56 am

As of today, the Art Fund campaign is at 92% of its target with five days left. More details here.

User avatar
AidanKing
Joined: Sat Mar 17, 2012 12:22 pm
Location: Cornwall, U.K.

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#138 Post by AidanKing » Tue Mar 31, 2020 1:02 pm

The Art Fund campaign to save Prospect Cottage has reached its target. The Art Fund will be able to purchase and conserve the cottage and garden and the artworks in the cottage will be transferred to Tate Britain.

User avatar
senseabove
Joined: Wed Dec 02, 2015 3:07 am

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#139 Post by senseabove » Mon Jun 01, 2020 11:53 am

base.com has Vol. 2 for £28 at the moment. No idea if they're shipping out of the UK at the moment, as I already paid a good bit more than that for it, but figured someone would want to know.

User avatar
swo17
Bloodthirsty Butcher
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:25 am
Location: SLC, UT

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#140 Post by swo17 » Mon Jun 01, 2020 11:55 am

base.com is shipping to the U.S.

User avatar
therewillbeblus
Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2015 3:40 pm

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#141 Post by therewillbeblus » Mon Jun 01, 2020 12:13 pm

senseabove wrote:
Mon Jun 01, 2020 11:53 am
base.com has Vol. 2 for £28 at the moment. No idea if they're shipping out of the UK at the moment, as I already paid a good bit more than that for it, but figured someone would want to know.
Same - What a steal! I strongly recommend jumping on this for those who are on the fence.

User avatar
dda1996a
Joined: Tue Oct 27, 2015 6:14 am

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#142 Post by dda1996a » Mon Jun 01, 2020 12:47 pm

Is it sold out already? I can't find it on their site...

User avatar
swo17
Bloodthirsty Butcher
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:25 am
Location: SLC, UT

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#143 Post by swo17 » Mon Jun 01, 2020 12:49 pm


User avatar
senseabove
Joined: Wed Dec 02, 2015 3:07 am

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#144 Post by senseabove » Mon Jun 01, 2020 12:54 pm

Sorry—I'm always the guy thinking "how hard could it to be to link the damn thing you're posting about" and here I am not linking to the damn thing. Thanks swo!

User avatar
dda1996a
Joined: Tue Oct 27, 2015 6:14 am

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#145 Post by dda1996a » Mon Jun 01, 2020 1:02 pm

It's weird, it doesn't show up through the search button but I did find it through Google. Sadly they don't ship to where I live...

User avatar
The Pachyderminator
Joined: Tue Oct 03, 2017 9:24 pm

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#146 Post by The Pachyderminator » Tue Sep 01, 2020 11:50 pm

Revisiting Wittgenstein is a reminder of how beautifully produced this set is as well as how wonderful Jarman is. The 40-minute "Face to Face" interview with Jarman on the Wittgenstein disc - which covers Jarman's sexuality, the course of his career, and his relationship with his father among other topics - is absolutely extraordinary. I don't know whether "charming" or "heartbreaking" is a more appropriate word.

Out of curiosity, can anyone provide a translation for the Russian dialogue from the Soviet administrator starting around the 51-minute mark in response to the question "Have you ever read Trotsky on art?"

User avatar
Franz Propp
Joined: Fri Nov 01, 2019 9:51 pm

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#147 Post by Franz Propp » Wed Sep 09, 2020 9:40 am

The Pachyderminator wrote:
Tue Sep 01, 2020 11:50 pm
Out of curiosity, can anyone provide a translation for the Russian dialogue from the Soviet administrator starting around the 51-minute mark in response to the question "Have you ever read Trotsky on art?"
"No, Professor, I haven't read Trotsky. Trotsky is dangerous. Professor, I don't understand you. You come to Moscow, you want to work on a collective farm, you want me to read Trotsky. But Trotsky is dangerous. Trotsky means Siberia, do you understand? Trotsky means Siberia! Next!"

And the bit before that:
"- But, Professor, it's impossible. What are you talking about? Don't you see? What kind of a collective farmer do you think you'd make? It's absurd!
- What?"

User avatar
The Pachyderminator
Joined: Tue Oct 03, 2017 9:24 pm

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#148 Post by The Pachyderminator » Wed Sep 09, 2020 6:20 pm

Franz Propp wrote:
Wed Sep 09, 2020 9:40 am
The Pachyderminator wrote:
Tue Sep 01, 2020 11:50 pm
Out of curiosity, can anyone provide a translation for the Russian dialogue from the Soviet administrator starting around the 51-minute mark in response to the question "Have you ever read Trotsky on art?"
"No, Professor, I haven't read Trotsky. Trotsky is dangerous. Professor, I don't understand you. You come to Moscow, you want to work on a collective farm, you want me to read Trotsky. But Trotsky is dangerous. Trotsky means Siberia, do you understand? Trotsky means Siberia! Next!"

And the bit before that:
"- But, Professor, it's impossible. What are you talking about? Don't you see? What kind of a collective farmer do you think you'd make? It's absurd!
- What?"
Thank you! I laughed at "Trotsky means Siberia." Poor Ludwig!

User avatar
AidanKing
Joined: Sat Mar 17, 2012 12:22 pm
Location: Cornwall, U.K.

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#149 Post by AidanKing » Wed Feb 09, 2022 10:45 am

A couple of Jarman exhibitions taking place in the UK at present: Derek Jarman Protest! in Manchester and Derek Jarman's Modern Nature in Southampton. The catalogue for the Manchester exhibition, published by Thames and Hudson, is very good.

Orlac
Joined: Tue Apr 14, 2009 4:29 am

Re: Derek Jarman Volumes 1-2: 1976-1994

#150 Post by Orlac » Tue Sep 03, 2024 5:07 am

I remember this ad from when I watched the Derek Jarman version of The Tempest on Channel 4 in 1994 when I was 7! It was unbearably sexy back then! -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wO4oo5QwLSY

and given all the gratuitous male nudity in The Tempest, what a night!

Post Reply