Derek Jarman (1942–1994)

Recorded the audio to listen to while streaming in on Criterion Channel.

Some amazing moments in this extended, impressionistic piece. It's beautiful but maybe a little self-indulgent with its aesthetic lingering (like the rest of Jarman's movies, a bit). I'm left with the amazement that he could put it together without being able to see.

paperback

First publication of the only known prose fiction story written by Jarman. It put me in mind of some of Oscar Wildes short stories in tone. The journey of a blind mythic King with his valet. Surreal and quirky.

Some of his original notebook is reproduced, along with a personal memoir written by a friend is included in this short volume.

A long time fan of Jarman's wide and various work, so a treat to add this to the collection

Bizarre story of the Austrian philosopher and (mostly) his time in Cambridge is too strange to impart much about Wittgenstein's philosophy unless (perhaps) you already know it. The older and younger Wittgensteins are the most interesting characters. Everyone else comes across as more than a bit unreal, including Bertrand Russell and John Maynard Keynes. Only 73 minutes, however, so I was able to get through it! (Nothing here about Wittgenstein's love for detective novels. What a shame.)