6. Derek Jarman
Derek Jarman was a British film director, stage designer, diarist, gardener and author - a true Polymath. He was also an open homosexual who fought for gay rights and tragically died of AIDs related complications at the young age of 1952. He did, however, leave a considerable art house film legacy to British cinema. My favourite Jarman film, and the one he is most famous for, is Jubilee - a drama about a future dystopian anarchist Britain in which punks and degenerates do whatever the heck they want without censure. The film is strong in its subject matter and makes for uncompromising viewing but it is fascinating and quirky. Jarman also directed Sebastiane which was filmed entirely in Latin and focused on the martyrdom of St Sebastiane. It was controversial for its frank portrayal of gay sexuality. His biopic of the titular Caravaggio was similarly upfront in its portrayal of gay sex and besides Jubilee, it is likely to be his best known film. By 1993 and the time Blue was filmed, Jarman had lost his sight and his health was rapidly deteriorating. The film just consists of a blue screen over which Jarman discusses his life work and his creative vision. Blue features music from Coil and Simon Fisher Turner. In an unprecedented manoeuvre Blue was simultaneously broadcasted on Radio 3 and Channel 4. Jarman died shortly after but he will be remembered for his left field films which were among the first in the world of cinema to portray homosexuality in a realistic and non sensational way. He will also be remembered for his gay rights campaigning.