Sebastiane

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 compliments 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. Special Features: 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