Sebastiane (1976)
Rome, AD 303. Emperor Diocletian demotes his favourite, Sebastian, from captain of the palace guard to the rank of common soldier and banishes him to a remote coastal outpost where his fellow soldiers, weakened by their desires, turn to homosexual activities to satisfy their needs. Sebastian becomes the target of lust for the officer Severus, but repeatedly rejects the man's advances. Castigated for his Christian faith, he is tortured, humiliated and ultimately killed.
- Derek Jarman
- Paul Humfress
- Guy Ford
- Paul Humfress
- Derek Jarman
- James Whaley
Rating: 6.8/10 by 73 users
Alternative Title:
Sebastián - ES
Szent Sebestyén - HU
Sebastian - PL
Sebastijan - RS
Себастьян - SU
세바스찬 - KR
세바스티안 - KR
Country:
Italy
United Kingdom
Language:
Latin
Runtime: 01 hour 26 minutes
Budget: $45,000
Revenue: $0
Plot Keyword: fight, exile, ancient rome, torture, execution, slow motion, pacifist, pagan, homoeroticism, hunt, sword duel, religious prejudice, erotic movie, military unit, military outpost, living in exile, situational sexuality, 4th century, gay theme
There is something quite sensuous about this rather vulgar, raucous and unsubtle take on the martyrdom of St Sebastian. When there is any dialogue, it is in Latin which somehow adds to the mystery of the story. It's not anywhere near as graphic as you might expect, nor the sado-masechism as prevalent. It does border, frequently, on the comedic, though - perhaps not an effect Derek Jarman was seeking. Who plays whom in the film is academic, it is all about imagery and just about works at that.
