Fans of Jarman will recognise a few faces from his 'Jubilee' a few years before, in particular Toyah Willcox, who at the time was just starting out in the rock world, puts in an enviable performance as Prospero's daughter Miranda and this aside from her more recent theatre work is her best performance - notably winning her a best newcomer nomination at the time.

It was brave of Jarman to have seen a potential Miranda from the orange haired punk pyromaniac of Jubilee and thank goodness he did. Heathcote Williams is a convincing prospero holding order over his monstrous servant Caliban (Orlando) who fancies the island for himself, only to end up looking rather drunken and foolish with Christopher Biggins (well who wouldn't!).

If you are expecting a traditional Shakespearian luvvy type film you may be dissapointed. Jarmans's film really does capture the 'sounds and sweet airs' of the island, with the eeriness dramatically contrasted by some brilliant moments such as Elisabeth Welch's amazing finale of 'Stormy Weather' possibly the beautifully campest thing ever seen in Shakespeare.

Let's hope this sparks more of the very much missed Jarman on DVD, and also that it reminds people that Toyah is much more than just 'that woman who sang It's A Mystery'. A beautiful film.

Product Details/Specifications