A distinctly bold and sensual reclaiming of gay history, Derek Jarman’s landmark directorial debut tells the sexually intense story of a 4th-century martyr
Derek Jarman’s first feature, directed with Paul Humfress, presents the controversial, sensual and sexualised story of the 4th century Praetorian Guard whose human goodness leads to humiliation and martyrdom.
The heat of the Sardinian desert is powerfully captured on film – both cast and crew go through their paces, sweating it out Herzog-style - while Brian Eno’s distinctly moving score beautifully complements the superb framing and stunning slow-motion photography.
Sebastiane is a glorious hymn to the very real, living, breathing, male body and is presented here in a new digital version remastered from the original camera negative by the BFI National Archive.
Available as a standalone Blu-ray for first time in the UK.
Extras
• Jazz Calendar (1968, 36 mins): footage of the Royal Ballet in rehearsal with scenery and costumes by Derek Jarman • Sebastiane: A Work in Progress (c1976, 62 mins): an incomplete, black and white and un-subtitled work-in-progress cut featuring alternative music • The Making of Sebastiane (1975, 25 mins): Super 8 making-of document shot by the film’s sound assistant Hugh Smith and Jarman himself • John Scarlett-Davis Remembers Sebastiane (2018, 7 mins): artist filmmaker John Scarlett-Davis talks about his experiences on the set of Sebastiane • Fully illustrated booklet with writing by William Fowler and full film credits
