Derek Jarman directed this witty, stylish biography of the life of the eccentric 20th-century philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein (Karl Johnson). Wittgenstein is shown as a boy living a repressive youth, demonstrated by his family appearing in Roman togas. When Wittgenstein leaves to study under Bertrand Russell at Cambridge, he begins to investigate language and apply the strictures and constructs of language to philosophical study. The subject of Wittgenstein's homosexuality is depicted when, after World War I, he falls in love with a poor philosophy student, Johnny (Kevin Collins). Also portrayed is Wittgenstein's death at an early age from prostate cancer.
SPECIAL FEATURES - Interviews with Tilda Swinton, Karl Johnson, and producer Tariq Ali
- Behind-the-scenes footage showing Derek Jarman at work on set
- Filmed introduction by film historian Ian Christie
- The Clearing (Alexis Bistikas, 1994, 7 mins), a short film featuring Derek Jarman
- Fully illustrated booklet including introductory essay by Colin MacCabe and interview with award-winning costume designer Sandy Powell.
ITEM SPECIFICS
Region: | 2 - Europe (PAL), Japan (NTSC), South Africa, Middle East | Rating: | 12 | Year: | 1993 | Duration: | 69 minutes | Label: | BFI | Ratio: | Widescreen | Cast: | Tilda Swinton, Michael Gough, Karl Johnson, Clancy Chassay, Jill Balcon, Sally Dexter, Gina Marsh, Vanya Del Borgo
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Language: | English | Subtitles: | English |
| - English for the hearing impaired
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