Such Stuff as Soothing Shadows

Shakespeare's The Tempest becomes a luxurious daydream of ruin in Derek Jarman's 1979 film adaptation. The dark halls of an 18th century manor strewn with roses serve as the setting for characters lost in contemplative ennui in this captivating if somewhat sleepy take on the tale.

Heathcote Williams as Prospero looks slightly like the Fourth Doctor as he seems to embody the famous final soliloquy throughout the film, bemusedly regarding events as a dream state. Toyah Willcox is a daffy, mischievous Miranda while David Meyer is a guileless Ferdinand who falls under her spell. This is a reversal on the traditional interpretation of the two characters that fits the dialogue surprisingly well.



Karl Johnson plays a strangely sadistic Ariel while Jack Birkett is a refreshingly pervy and predatory Caliban. He and Miranda become sparring partners in carnal humour when he intrudes on her bath. She covers her breasts but can't hold back a wicked laugh when she shoves him out of the room.



I wouldn't call this the definitive Miranda but it's an interesting spin. Being trapped on the island would seem as likely to foster perversity as innocence, or an innocent perversity, if you like.

Derek Jarman's The Tempest is available on The Criterion Channel as part of a Derek Jarman collection this month.