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Pirate Tape

1983 · 17 min Documentary
6.9 / 10 · TMDB

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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📋 Film Details

Year 1983
Country United Kingdom
Genre Documentary
Director Derek Jarman
Runtime 17 min.
Rating TMDB: 6.9/10 (7 votes)

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🎬 MovieFinder's Take

Pirate Tape has mixed reviews with a rating of 6.9/10. Good for a relaxed evening without high expectations.

Not every film is made for everyone. Read the synopsis, watch the trailer — you'll know right away if it's for you.

A classic from 1983. They don't make them like this anymore — which is exactly why you should watch it. Best for: viewers looking to try something new without being too demanding.

— MovieFinder Editorial

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