Angelic Conversation, directed by Derek Jarman, was filmed over the summer of 1984 with two Nizo S8mm cameras and, with the exception of a “crowd scene” or two, with two actors, Phil Williamson and Paul Reynolds.
Finished to 35mm and with a soundtrack composed for the film by Coil, the film explores a group of Shakespeare’s sonnets read, in the film, by Judie Dench.
The film marks the transition from the studio audience of the earlier S8mm films to a cinema audience. James Mackay, producer, will lead a discussion following the film.
In the 70s and early 80s James Mackay was cinema programmer for the London Film-maker's Coop as well as selecting and presenting New British Avant Garde Film at the 1978 Edinburgh International Film Festival and an expanded series for the Forum of the Berlinale. In the early 80’s he curated the film and video program at the B2 Gallery.
Between 1980 and 1993 Mackay produced a number of film projects with Derek Jarman including Imagining October; Angelic Conversation; The Last of England; The Garden and Blue.