The film is a poetic, rather than realistic, depiction of what Derek Jarman felt was the loss of traditional English culture in the 1980s. It is named after a painting by the Pre-Raphaelite artist Ford Madox Brown. A dark meditation on London under Thatcher. 'The Last of England' is Jarman's most boldly experimental, important, and mesmerizing works.
In this fiery adaptation of the classic play, the new king of England, Edward II (The Last of the Mohicans' Steven Waddington), finds his throne in peril when he brings his lover, Gaveston (The Pianist's Andrew Tiernan). Enraged, the Queen (Academy Award winner Tilda Swinton, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Best Actress winner (2007) for Michael Clayton) embarks on a plot to take down the king at all costs. Featuring an unforgettable appearance by music legend Annie Lennox performing "Ev'rytime We Say Goodbye," this stylish, visually arresting twist on a classic story is one of the haunting and powerful gay-themed films ever made.
