There is something quite sensuous about this rather vulgar, raucous and unsubtle take on the martyrdom of St Sebastian. When there is any dialogue, it is in Latin which somehow adds to the mystery of the story. It's not anywhere near as graphic as you might expect, nor the sado-masechism as prevalent. It does border, frequently, on the comedic, though - perhaps not an effect Derek Jarman was seeking. Who plays whom in the film is academic, it is all about imagery and just about works at that.
Rome, AD 303. Emperor Diocletian demotes his favourite, Sebastian, from captain of the palace guard to the rank of common soldier and banishes him to a remote coastal outpost where his fellow soldiers, weakened by their desires, turn to homosexual activities to satisfy their needs. Sebastian becomes the target of lust for the officer Severus, but repeatedly rejects the man's advances. Castigated for his Christian faith, he is tortured, humiliated and ultimately killed.
Quick Stats
6.5
TMDB Rating
87
Votes
1h 26m
Runtime
$45K
Budget
—
Box Office
—
Return
Key Crew
DirectorDerek Jarman
WriterPaul Humfress
CinematographyPeter Middleton
ComposerJohn Hayes
EditorPaul Humfress
Production DesignDerek Jarman
Produced by
MegalovisionCinegateDisctac
Where to Watch
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Critics & Reviews
1 featuredCast
Leonardo Treviglio
Sebastian
B
Barney James
Severus
N
Neil Kennedy
Max
Richard Warwick
Justin
D
Donald Dunham
Claudius
K
Ken Hicks
Adrian
J
Janusz Romanov
Anthony
S
Steffano Massari
Marius
D
Daevid Finbar
Julian
G
Gerald Incandela
Leopard Boy
R
Robert Medley
Diocletian
Lindsay Kemp
Dancer
Pamela Rooke
Madame Morgana, Emperor's Guest
Nell Campbell
Emperor's Guest
Patricia Quinn
Emperor's Guest
