Derek Jarman

John Mepham (Kingston University)
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Derek Jarman (1942-1994) had an extraordinarily wide ranging career, in many different fields. His films were awarded prizes at several international film festivals. By the time of his death he was, in Britain, a well-known public figure, uncompromising and combative in his struggle against media and political homophobia. His work had earned him world wide applause and respect. As a writer he had published not only his film scripts but also a series of formally innovative works of “autobiographical collage” and journals in which he reinvented himself and his life story over and over again.

Jarman's adored mother was born in India. She appears as a central figure in the personal mythology which Jarman elaborated in some of his films and writings. She protected him and his sister from

3706 words

Citation: Mepham, John. "Derek Jarman". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 21 March 2002 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=2347, accessed 25 November 2024.]

2347 Derek Jarman 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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