The Garden

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isla s This is a very arty film with a sense of symbolism and a strong sense of detachment and isolation. Its almost completely dialogue free, with the sometimes present music/score in the background somewhat of a mechanical strain type noise, initially. Also, later on, violins and piano feature, which I felt accentuated the sense of despair. It features bright, vivid colours - most notably a fiery yellow alongside orange, green and red. Religious symbolism is also present - I wondered if its meant to make the viewer question salvation. Its eery and somehow sinister in tone and also somewhat poignant. Its, while bizarre and somewhat uncomfortable to watch in parts, a thoughtful piece of work, though cryptic, not entirely accessible and not especially appealing to all, I imagine. Thematically, it covers humiliation, acceptance and societal and cultural judgement. I should note that there's some bloody violence depicted, in a torture setting, which could be very upsetting for some, hence its not for the especially squeamish. Otherwise, I'd recommend it as a surreal, arty watch, yes. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Superb, especially Johnny Mills, he is gorgeous . Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member The Garden was originally released in 1990 and was widely reviewed in newspapers including THE NEW YORK TIMES. There are certainly more than two reviews out there. Also: PG-13? Don't think so. I'm quite sure its unrated and would be an R for nudity and language. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review Audience Member The Garden is a shockingly mixed bag from Derek Jarman that contains incredible highs and baffling lows, competently repositioning gay existence within a biblical story and offering up powerful criticisms in regards to spirituality and the discrimination that gay people face while simultaneously laying out ridiculously campy satirical segments who's relation to the rest of the proceedings is tangental at best. While these are few and far between, Jarman mostly insistent on operating within a dreamscape that offers up much more compelling material for analysis, they severely damage the film's overall impact, a strangely underdeveloped commercial parody finding itself within an affecting nod to the AIDS epidemic to no great avail. These moments drastically alter the mood of the piece, the swerving from campy humor to reverent drama feeling unnatural and undercooked in a way that Jarman's films rarely do. While the work as a whole is still absolutely a bold experiment with a lot to say, it's not always a successful at communicating its message in a way that feels tonally consistent, a disappointment given the fact that Jarman is usually so excellent in that respect. Perceived faults aside (I have to watch this again at some point), it's stunning to look at and the gay couple's trajectory is devastating, making it a worthwhile experience as a whole. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Audience Member Increible y alucinógeno testamento.... Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/04/23 Full Review Audience Member I am not sure whether I liked it or not. It is a portrait of very personal and intimate thoughts, mixed with clearly recognisable worldwide gay experiences. It is so beautiful that I almost fell asleep. One thing for sure is guaranteed: originality and sincerity. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Garden

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