Sebastiane

Sebastiane is a 1976 British historical drama film, written and directed by an experimental director duo, Derek Jarman and Paul Humfress. The film presents a passionate portrayal of the life of the early Christian saint, Saint Sebastian. This trailblazing film stands out for its utilization of Latin dialogues and its exploration of homoerotic themes, defying traditional cinematic norms of the time.

The movie's plot revolves around the titular character, Saint Sebastian, often known as Sebastiane, portrayed with remarkable intensity by Leonardo Treviglio. Set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire in 303 A.D., Jarman and Humfress paint a vivid picture of the times, laden with conflict, surrender, and the resonance of faith. Both the devotion and the suffering that the central character endures are profoundly woven into the narrative.

Treviglio portrays Sebastian as a dedicated Christian, a centurion in Emperor Diocletian's Praetorian Guard, who fervently refuses to renounce his faith despite commanding from his superiors. Following his refusal, the film sees the demise of his splendid career in the Praetorian Guard. He is exiled to a remote desert outpost, where he meets his ultimate fate.

The outpost is filled with men, who serve as potential antagonists, including the cruel Captain Severus, portrayed by Barney James, and the lustful Maximus played by Neil Kennedy. In this desolated outpost, the film embarks on an intriguing exploration of Sebastian's faith, his troubles and challenges, and the heat and isolation of the desert setting.

One of the unique aspects of Sebastiane is its dialogue, entirely in Latin. While this gives an air of authenticity and transports the viewer to the era, it also allows the story to focus on the visual narrative and the protagonist's psychological voyage. The language barrier promotes a sensory and emotional connection with the characters and their experiences rather than a cerebral one.

The visual nuance of the film is remarkable - a fundamental aspect of Jarman's work, who was known for his avant-garde and aesthetically evocative style. Despite operating on a low budget, the directors, through imaginative and efficient use of their resources, create scenes of captivating splendour and desolation simultaneously. Sweat, salt, sand, and sun become characters in themselves, contributing to the overall atmosphere and narrative.

Sebastiane is also noteworthy for its explicit treatment of homoeroticism, making it one of the early films to do so. The movie unabashedly traverses the landscape of homosexual desire and the tumultuous distinction between the sacred and the profane. It's a bold and daring endeavour that contributes uniquely to both LGBTQ cinema and art-house film.

The performances in Sebastiane are compelling and, at times, starkly raw. Treviglio portrays the central character with a lingering sense of quiet pathos and determination, often communicating through his expressive eyes. Barney James as Severus embodies a character whose authority is as much feared as loathed, while Neil Kennedy's Maximus provides a contrast to the malevolent Severus with a striking exploration of desire and sexuality.

Sebastiane is an exploratory saga of faith and desire. It offers a complex narrative above and beyond its biographical depiction, painting a vivid imagery of an epoch long past, filled with spiritual and sensual intensity. The film is infused with an evocative soundtrack enhancing its retro aesthetic and creating a haunting atmosphere that lasts long after the credits roll.

In closing, Sebastiane is a groundbreaking film that challenges the viewer both visually and thematically. Its portrayal of a historical period through a unique contemporary lens makes it a worthy watch. Its bold exploration of faith, desire, suffering, and bravery makes it more than just a historical drama. It's a mesmerizing tapestry of human emotion and belief that transcends the boundaries of time. It beckons to the audience to question, to engage and to remember. It's no wonder that the film continues to have a cult following, stirring discussion and admiration for its audacity and artistic vision.