Wittgenstein: [UK Import]

WITTGENSTEIN
A film by Derek Jarman
Philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein once stated that philosophy ought to be written as if it were poetry, and a poetic intensity typified his life and his work. No wonder, then, that a creative talent such as Derek Jarman should respond with such characteristic energy to a commission from Channel 4 for a film about the philosopher, written by radical literary theorist Terry Eagleton.
Wittgenstein is a bold offbeat biography, personalised in Jarman's unique style to address the politics and sexuality of the great but troubled man. The result is no dry treatise, but a treat for eyes and mind alike.
Exceeding the limitations of its miniscule budget, Wittgenstein is full of arresting visuals and bold performances from Tilda Swinton, Michael Gough, and Karl Johnson, who brilliantly captures Wittgenstein in all his torment and drama. It was to be Jarman's penultimate film, and is infused with the sense of artistic adventure, intelligence and playfulness that characterised his life and work.
DVD extras

• Specially commissioned interviews with Tilda Swinton, Karl Johnson, and producer Tariq Ali
• Extensive behind-the-scenes footage showing Derek Jarman at work on set
• Filmed introduction by film historian Ian Christie
• The Clearing (Alexis Bistikas, 1994, 7 mins): a short film featuring Derek Jarman
• Fully illustrated booklet including introductory essay by Colin MacCabe and interview with award-winning costume designer Sandy Powell

UK | 1993 | colour | Optional hard-of-hearing subtitles | 69 minutes | Ratio 1.66:1 (16x9 anamorphic widescreen pillarboxed) | Region 2 DVD | Region 2 DVD