Watch Blue

Blue is a unique and experimental film released in 1993, directed and written by Derek Jarman, and features Tilda Swinton and John Quentin in lead roles. It is a deeply personal and introspective work that explores the themes of illness, death, and loss through an innovative use of sound and visuals. The film opens with a blinding blue screen, indicating that the audience is about to embark on a purely sensory experience. The sound then takes over, a melodic and haunting score by Simon Fisher-Turner that beautifully complements the visuals to come. There are no physical actors in the film, only the voices of Jarman, Swinton, and Quentin.

Throughout the film, we hear the voices of people close to Jarman who have died of AIDS, including his own. This creates an immersive experience for the audience, taking us into the mind and emotions of a person living with a life-threatening illness. Jarman himself was diagnosed with HIV in 1986, and he died in 1994, a year after Blue was released.

As the film progresses, the blue screen shows an ever-shifting range of shades and hues, symbolizing the fluidity and unpredictability of life. The soundscapes also change, from the soft and soulful sounds of Fisher-Turner's music to harsher, more jarring sounds that lie beneath the surface.

The acting in the film is limited to the spoken word, with the three actors taking on a variety of roles. Their voices range from playful and humorous to dark and emotional, giving the audience a range of emotional experiences in a film that relies solely on audio and visual cues.

The film's use of blue is symbolic of both life and death, with the color representing the sea and the sky, both of which can be seen as metaphors for the passage of time. The sea has always represented the cyclical nature of life, with its tides ebbing and flowing, while the sky is seen as a symbol of eternity and the afterlife.

Blue is a film that invites introspection and contemplation, giving the audience space to reflect on their own lives and experiences. It is a truly unique work, daring and experimental in its approach, and one that leaves a lasting impression on all who see it.

Overall, Blue is a heartfelt and deeply personal film that speaks to the fleeting nature of life and the struggles of coping with illness and loss, featuring a talented cast, stunning visual effects, and an unforgettable soundtrack. It is a must-see for fans of experimental cinema and a powerful work that will resonate with audiences long after the credits have rolled.

Blue is a 1993 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.