CARAVAGGIO/Austin Film Society

We're back to Essential Cinemas and tonight's film written and directed by Derek Jarman (1986) was visually beautiful (like many beautiful paintings), unique, and so well acted by Tilda Swinton, Nigel Terry and Sean Bean.  I knew so little of this Italian artist and even less of his incredibly tumultuous life.  Chale's notes share a history of an artist pushing life to the edges sexually, behaviorally, socially and psychologically.  I am always attracted to figures who express their art radically and live their lives unusually.  I imagine it feeds a yearning to be closer to the wild side of life.  That's what I love about films.  They allow you to safely learn more of the human condition and experience lives of people you would never ever meet.