LGBT: Edward II

(1991) dir Derek Jarman w/ Steven Waddington, Andrew Tiernan, Tilda Swinton [87 min; DCP]

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 as Edward's spurned Queen Isabella and a rare film appearance by singer Annie Lennox.