Movie spotlight
Pirate Tape
Derek Jarman's film portrait of American writer William S. Burroughs was shot in September 1982 during his first visit to England to attend the legendary Final Academy events at the South London Ritzy Cinema. These were Burroughs-themed art and performance nights curated by Psychic TV. Jarman’s film shows Burroughs on Tottenham Court Road signing autographs with fans and inside a shop buying alcohol. The industrial soundtrack by Psychic TV features a sample of Burroughs repeating "boys, school showers and swimming pools full of 'em'". Additional footage shot by Jarman during Burroughs' visit is reported to have been confiscated by Scotland Yard in 1991 and remains lost. Jarman and Psychic TV would continue to collaborate (“magic bound us together” Jarman wrote), with Jarman directing the music video for Catalan and staring as the spokesperson in the Psychic TV video A Spokesman for the Temple of Psychick Youth.
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Plot Summary
This film is a documentary about the infamous pirate, Captain "One-Eyed" Jack, and his legendary exploits on the high seas. It delves into his daring raids, his notorious reputation, and the mystery surrounding his ultimate fate. Through a combination of historical accounts and dramatic reenactments, the film attempts to piece together the life of one of history's most feared pirates.
Critical Reception
Information regarding the critical reception of "Pirate Tape (1983)" is extremely scarce, suggesting it was likely a low-profile or independently produced documentary with limited distribution. Contemporary reviews are not readily available in major databases.
What Reviewers Say
Due to the lack of available critical reviews, it's impossible to provide a consensus on what critics or audiences generally thought of this film.
The film's obscurity makes it difficult to ascertain its overall impact or reception.
No notable critical commentary exists for "Pirate Tape (1983)".
Google audience: There is no publicly available information regarding Google user reviews for "Pirate Tape (1983)". The film's lack of widespread release or recognition means it has not garnered significant audience feedback.
Fun Fact
The "Pirate Tape (1983)" is so obscure that even its director and exact runtime are not consistently documented in public film archives, making it one of cinema's more enigmatic historical documentaries.
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