Watch The Angelic Conversation

The Angelic Conversation is a 1985 British film directed by Derek Jarman, starring Paul Reynolds and Phillip Williamson. It is a unique and ethereal film that tells the story of two men who are in love through a series of striking imagery and poetic voice-overs. The film is a visual and aural experience in which Jarman combines scenes of nature, portraits of the two lovers, and mystical images that evoke a dreamlike state. The film is not a typical narrative but rather a lyrical meditation on love, desire, and beauty. It is divided into 14 sections, each of which is accompanied by a sonnet by William Shakespeare.

One of the most notable aspects of the film is the soundtrack, which features a series of poems read by Judi Dench, with music by Coil. The combination of the evocative visuals, the poetic language, and the haunting music creates a feeling of otherworldliness that draws the viewer in.

The two main actors, Paul Reynolds and Phillip Williamson, deliver beautiful and understated performances. They appear on screen together, often in close-ups, as though they are in a state of transcendental union. Their dialogue is brief and sparse, but it is delivered with meaning and care.

The Angelic Conversation is a profoundly personal film for Jarman, who at the time was living with HIV. The film can be seen as a meditation on love and death, as well as a reflection on the fragility of life. The sonnets that accompany the film deal with themes of love, mortality, and spirituality. The imagery is ethereal, abstract, and beautiful, but it is tinged with a sense of sadness and loss.

Despite its unconventional structure and its surrealist imagery, The Angelic Conversation is an accessible and compelling film. Its form and content are interwoven in a way that creates a powerful emotional impact. The film is an artistic tour de force, a masterpiece of visual and aural poetry. It invites the viewer to enter into a dreamlike state and to reflect on the mysteries of love and existence.

In conclusion, The Angelic Conversation is a mesmerizing and emotionally resonant film that defies easy categorization. It is a work of art that is both beautiful and haunting, a meditation on love and mortality that is as poetic as it is profound. Jarman's vision, coupled with the exquisite performances by Reynolds and Williamson, make this film a remarkable achievement that deserves to be rediscovered by a new generation of viewers.

The Angelic Conversation is a 1985 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.