The Last of England
Derek Jarman / GB, DE, 1988 / 92 min.
Derek Jarman’s angriest film is a dizzying, nightmarish vision of the country Thatcher’s 1980s regime turned into a homophobic, repressive state. Featuring Tilda Swinton who revolts ecstatically against injustice.
A future England; an apocalyptic journey through a darkened landscape dominated by totalitarianism and despair. Derek Jarman was deeply shocked by Thatcher’s divisive, homophobic policies and the rise of laissez-faire capitalism. He turned his anger into a cinematic diary that reflects his country’s malaise in the grim landscapes of the abandoned docks in east London.
Pre-film
Prior to The Last of England, you will see a 16mm print of Free Radicals (1979, 4’) by experimental filmmaker Len Lye. Tilda Swinton hand-picked a short film, either from her rich oeuvre or from Eye’s collection, to precede all feature films.
This is part of
Special screenings
Details
Director
Derek Jarman
Production year
1988
Country
GB, DE
Original title
The Last of England
Length
92 min.
Language
English
Subtitles
NONE
Part of
Tilda Swinton
This autumn, Eye presents Tilda Swinton – Ongoing, an exclusive exhibition dedicated to the celebrated Scottish performer, artist, and fashion icon. This unique and personal exhibition centres on Swinton’s creative collaborations.
Why in Eye
Possibly my favourite of Derek’s films. His first Super 8-generated feature. The home movie of the life we were living. 1989. Derek recently diagnosed HIV positive. His working title: Borrowed Time.
Tilda Swinton
Actor and Performer
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Share your love for film and become a member of the Eye Society.
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