Edward II
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Movie Reviews of Edward II
Movie Review: Classical Fans Delight
Summary: 4 Stars
It's rough, but in a kind of gritty, dark way.
If you are the type of person who doesn't do well watching movies with classical text, stay away (although if you're thinking of purchasing this then I doubt you are the average moviegoer looking for an interesting jaunt through 17th century text).
Some good acting and use of language by the cast. Understandable and a good, for myself, academic film experience. I must admit though I bought this to watch Tilda Swinton who does not disappoint in her performance.
I am not sure when I will be in the mood (if ever to watch it again).
I might rent it before buying it though...
Movie Review: Good...if your prepared
Summary: 4 Stars
My British drama teacher let us watch this movie during class after we read Marlowe's work. If you enjoyed the play and rather unusual movies you will not find this movie very hard to enjoy. However if you are looking for a time period play, or anything remotely normal you will not. If you're into the whole avant-garde thing you will enjoy yourself. I did.Movie Review: Art movie about power and revenge
Summary: 3 Stars
I wanted to see this movie because it stars Tilda Swinton, art movie goddess of great talent and beauty. Film is about King Edward II who upon his father's death and inheritance to power invites from exile his lover, Galveston. Court is appalled that Galvaston is all that Edward II can think about and that Edward does not care that his lover is cruel, uncaring and greedy and steals money from the treasury. Edward's wife and Queen is rejected upon Galveston's arrival and finds herself on the sideline of power. Born of noble blood, she is deeply hurt by her treatment by the King and decides to plot a revenge and take over the power herself.
Fantastic costumes and jewelry. Queen's makeup is amazing, she is hypnotizing to all but Edward. This performance feels more like theatre on DVD. Annie Lennox's musical performance is beautiful and quite unexpected.
Film will get everyone thinking about lure of power and wealth, desire to hang onto it no matter what the consequences. It also tackles the notion of double standards. While homosexuality is frawned upon, the murder, orgy, adultery and betrayal seem to be almost expected and accepted by the great majority or realm's subjects. This film is not for everyone. It is definitely for mature audiences with sophisticated tastes. Short dancing scene between two male dancers is the best part of the film - treat for ballet lovers.
Movie Review: Edward II: "Come Gaveston, and share the kingdom with thy dearest friend",
Summary: 3 Stars
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
"Edward II" (1991) directed by Derek Jarman is a variation on Christopher Marlowe's 16th-century play "The Troublesome Reign of Edward II" which tells the story of England openly gay King Edward, and his relationship with Piers Gaveston that bitterly angers his queen, Isabella of France, "The French She-Wolf", and eventually leads to his fall - he will lose his Kingdom and his life. If I had not known that Jarman was a painter and a Caravaggio admirer, I would've guessed immediately after first 5 minutes or so. His usage of light and shadows was amazing. His lack of historical settings and staging the film among the bare walls as well as including many anachronisms, such as modern clothes and cigarette smoking gave the old story timeless feel. Tilda Swinton as a woman scorned never looked so ethereal and breathtakingly beautiful. For her acting, she won the best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival in 1991. "Edward II" is a gripping film that is in the same league as Julie Taymor's stunning adaptation of Shakespeare's "Titus" but it is certainly not for everyone.
3.5/5 or 7/10
Movie Review: It has a few redeeming qualities
Summary: 2 Stars
I liked the peformance by the actress playing Isabella. Loved her clothes and makeup. The use of modern clothes and spartan sets in a production that has an painfully low budget doesn't present a problem.
Beyond that, well, I know the director is trying to make a point about the brutal suppression of gays and possibly the government policies under Mrs. Thatcher. It's unfortunate that the sexual scenes and extremely graphic violence are purely gratuitous.
The actors playing Edward II and Gaveston are too pretty and resemble one another to a weird degree (intentional?)