Edward II (film)

Edward II
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Derek Jarman
Screenplay by	Ken Butler Derek Jarman Stephen McBride
Based on	Edward II by Christopher Marlowe
Produced by	Steve Clark-Hall Antony Root
Starring	Steven Waddington Andrew Tiernan Tilda Swinton Nigel Terry Kevin Collins Jerome Flynn John Lynch Dudley Sutton
Cinematography	Ian Wilson
Edited by	George Akers
Music by	Simon Fisher Turner
Production companies	BBC Films British Screen Working Title Films
Distributed by	Palace Pictures[1]
Release date	18 October 1991 (1991-10-18)
Running time	90 minutes
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English
Budget	£750,000
Box office	$694,438[2]

Edward II is a 1991 British romantic historical drama film directed by Derek Jarman and starring Steven Waddington, Tilda Swinton and Andrew Tiernan. It is based on the play of the same name by Christopher Marlowe. The plot revolves around Edward II of England's infatuation with Piers Gaveston, which proves to be the downfall of both of them, thanks to the machinations of Roger Mortimer.

The film is staged in a postmodern style, using a mixture of contemporary and medieval props, sets and clothing. (The date "1991" appears on a royal proclamation at one point.) The gay content of the play is also brought to the fore by Jarman, notably by adding a homosexual sex scene and by depicting Edward's army as gay rights protesters.