Derek Jarman

WHY SHOULD WE CARE?
Jarman was a radical; an authentic dissenting voice; and his films offer a genuine alternative to the mainstream. Love him or loathe him, the man was a visionary.

WHAT SORT OF FILMS IS HE FAMOUS FOR?
An opulent, sensual stylist whose stock in trade is the abandon with which he paints his visuals, Jarman's homosexuality was central to his films. They are also often characterised by unconventional narrative, Catholic iconography and an interest in violence. Can also be read as a commentary on the English people: their quirks, their history.

WHO DID HE WORK WITH?
Ken Russell as set designer. Directed videos for The Smiths (Panic, There Is Never A Light That Goes Out) and The Pet Shop Boys (It's A Sin). His actors include Robbie Coltrane (Scipione Borghese in Caravaggio), Theresa Russell (King Zog in Aria), Toyah Wilcox (Miranda in The Tempest), Dexter Fletcher (the young Caravaggio), Adam Ant (The Kid in Jubilee), Sean Bean (Ranuccio in Caravaggio), Laurence Olivier (the old soldier in War Requiem) and Christopher Biggins (Stephano in The Tempest). Film-maker John Maybury Love Is The Devil was one of his assistants.

WHO DID HE SLEEP WITH?
Biographer Tony Peake said that Jarman had a 'compulsion to be promiscuous'. So the majority of his lovers will probably remain a mystery. Jarman met his last partner, Kevin Collins, in 1987 when the latter was 21. Jarman pursued him by letter and Collins eventually moved in with the director, nursing him through his final illness.

WHAT DO THEY TELL YOU AT FILM SCHOOL?
That, in contrast to the predominantly dialogue-led tradition of British cinema, Derek Jarman's films were prominently visual. That his sexuality and his nationality infused all his work.