“Jubilee 1978” is a punk rock masterpiece, a frenetic exploration of an apocalyptic London in which the Queen Elizabeth I is transported to the future. The film is a wild ride of violence, sex, and nihilism with stunning performances by punk legends like Adam Ant and Siouxsie Sioux. It’s an explosive collage of music, fashion, and rebellion that captures the spirit of an era.
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Review
Hey there, folks! Are you ready to dive into the world of punk rock, anarchy, and glitter? Well, you better strap yourselves in because we’re about to take a journey through Derek Jarman’s 1978 cult classic “Jubilee.” This film has been described as a “time capsule” of London’s underground scene, and it definitely lives up to that reputation.
First things first, let’s talk about the storyline. “Jubilee” is set in a dystopian version of Queen Elizabeth I’s England where the world is falling apart. This is a place where punk rock rules supreme, and violence and chaos reign supreme. However, amidst all the madness, there are still pockets of beauty to be found.
The plot follows Queen Elizabeth I (played by Jenny Runacre) as she travels through time to present-day London with her court alchemist John Dee (Richard O’Brien). There they meet up with a group of punks led by Amyl Nitrate (Jordan), who takes them on a tour of London’s seedy underbelly. Along the way, we meet a variety of characters including Mad (Toyah Willcox), an angry young woman who spews venom at everyone she meets; Borgia Ginz (Barry Humphries), a punk music producer; and Angel (Ian Charleson), a beautiful young man who becomes Queen Elizabeth I’s muse.
The acting in this film is simply phenomenal. Everyone brings their A-game to the table and delivers some truly memorable performances. Jordan steals every scene he’s in as Amyl Nitrate, delivering lines like “I’m not selling out; I’m buying in!” with gusto. Toyah Willcox also shines as Mad with her fiery energy and powerful voice.
One thing that sets “Jubilee” apart from other films is its use of music. The soundtrack features songs from some of punk rock’s biggest names including Siouxsie and the Banshees, Adam and the Ants, and The Slits. The music helps to create a sense of rebellion and gives the film an infectious energy that’s hard to resist.
Another standout aspect of “Jubilee” is its cinematography. The film is shot in a gritty, grainy style that perfectly captures the anarchic spirit of punk rock. This visually stunning film will have you hooked from start to finish.
Despite its cult status, “Jubilee” wasn’t initially well-received by critics upon its release. However, it has since become a beloved classic that continues to inspire new generations of punks and rebels. It’s a film that captures a moment in time and serves as an important reminder of the power of rebellion.
In conclusion, “Jubilee” is a must-see film for anyone who loves punk rock or rebellion in general. Its unforgettable characters, stunning cinematography, and infectious energy make it one of the most iconic films in British cinema history. So grab some popcorn, turn up the volume, and prepare to be transported back to London’s underground scene with “Jubilee.” As Jordan says in the film, “Life isn’t short enough.” So let’s make every moment count!
Technical Data
- Runtime : 106
- Release : 1978-02-01
- Genre : Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Music
- Cast : Jenny Runacre as Queen Elizabeth I / Bod, Nell Campbell as Crabs (as Little Nell), Toyah Willcox as Mad, Pamela Rooke as Amyl Nitrite, Ian Charleson as Angel
- Crew : Martin Gutteridge as Special Effects, Brian Eno as Music, Derek Jarman as Director, Derek Jarman as Writer, Christopher Hobbs as Costume Design
- Popularity 6.26
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Megalovision, Whaley-Malin Productions
- Summary : Queen Elizabeth I visits late 1970s England to find a depressing landscape where life has changed since her time.
- Tagline : Sex, drugs and punk rock. Add violence and time travel and you have Jubilee.
