Derek Jarman’s homoerotic reimagining of the life and death of Saint Sebastian draws parallels between the legend of the martyr and contemporary gay persecution.
In his first feature, Jarman started as he meant to go on, with an erotic take on the legend of martyred Saint Sebastian, exiled to a remote garrison where he becomes the object of lust to the menacing male guards. The tale is told in Latin with English subtitles, lingering on male bodies through an unapologetically gay gaze.
British cinema had never seen anything like it. It’s a real one-of-a-kind, a potent clash of beauty and vulgarity, with a glorious Brian Eno score and packed with male nudity. Jarman would go on to become one of Britain’s most exciting filmmakers, directing Jubilee (1978), Caravaggio (1986) and The Last of England (1987).
In Latin with English subtitles
Following the film, there will be a ScreenTalk about the film and Jarman’s legacy.
Release year: 1976
Country: UK
Director: Derek Jarman, Paul Humfress
Runtime: 1 hour 26 min
Ticket prices
Students £11
Unwaged £11
Over 60s £11
Under 18s £6
Wheelchair spaces, free companion seats may now be booked online.
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Queer 70s
Cinema 1
Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
Level access from the Pit floor foyer only to the two boxes (see Mobility below). All other seats lead off stepped aisles.
Mobility
Two boxes at the rear of the auditorium each have space for one wheelchair user and a companion. Please book early and ask for these seats.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the cinema – please tell us when booking, to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
There is an induction loop in the auditorium. You can use this by adjusting your hearing aid to the ‘T’ setting.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
