Blue, 1993, Derek Jarman

Blue (Live-Performance)

Derek Jarman, GB 1993; Screenplay: Derek Jarman; Music: Simon Fisher Turner; Colorist: Tom Russell. DCP, color, 79 min. English 
 
Jarman's magical meditation on mortality is also his most formally radical achievement: a feature‑length "movie" entirely without movement. Instead, the screen is filled with an unchanging color: International Klein Blue. Jarman's first glimpse of "IKB" took place at London's Tate Gallery in 1974; nearly two decades later, he was afflicted by temporary blindness resulting from an AIDS‑related illness, CMV (cytomegalovirus), in which he could only see Klein‑like blue. All‑azure visuals are counterpointed by an eclectic audio track combining music, sounds, and voices – including Jarman and longtime collaborator Tilda Swinton [for the live performance, the soundtrack will be interpreted in a different arrangement]. The result, broadcast simultaneously on British TV and radio in September 1993 (five months before Jarman's death), is a complex philosophical/political testament which stands – by its very existence – as an inspiring landmark of defiant, unquenchable artistic spirit. (N.Y.)
 
Live performance by Simon Fisher Turner (piano, laptop) and Neil Young (interpretation)

Free choice of seating

Free admission for members
 
On April 30, 2026, the 35mm cinema version will be screened.

Screening dates: