In the Shadow of the Sun

1981 54m ★6.4

Fantasy Music

In the Shadow of the Sun

'The Shadow of the Sun' draws upon Derek Jarman’s interest with alchemical processes as a metaphor for reprocessing Super-8 film. Jarman once described film’s union of light and matter as “an alchemical conjunction” and experimented throughout his career with creating dream symbolism through the superimposition of image and action. Originally called English Apocalypse, the film’s final title is derived from a 17th Century alchemical text that used the phrase as a synonym for the philosopher’s stone – the highly sought substance that turns base metals into gold and silver. The film was intended as a step toward the idea of an ambient video, that like its musical counterpart, was designed to enhance an environment.

Release Date February 1, 1981

Runtime 54m

Country United Kingdom, Germany

Language English

Director Derek Jarman

Category Fantasy, Music

Rating 6.4 / 10 (TMDb)

Year 1981