Pirate Tape
Synopsis
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.
Top Cast
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Derek Jarman
- Original Score
- Genesis P-Orridge
- Original Title
- Pirate Tape
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 17m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Derek Jarman
Genesis P-Orridge
Department Leadership Roster
Derek Jarman
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Pirate Tape.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pirate Tape
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Pirate Tape about?
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.
Who directed Pirate Tape?
Pirate Tape was directed by Derek Jarman.
Who stars in Pirate Tape?
The principal cast of Pirate Tape includes William S. Burroughs, Peter Christopherson, FM Einheit.
When was Pirate Tape released and how long is it?
Pirate Tape was released in 1983 with a total runtime of 17m.
Who composed the musical score for Pirate Tape?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Pirate Tape was composed by Genesis P-Orridge.