As a graduate of film school who studied British Independent film-makers I know that the legendary Derek Jarman is king of his craft. I became interested in this director / gay rights activist after learning that he directed some of the Pet Shop Boys videos. As well as being drawn to the music of the Pet Shop Boys I was also loving the kitsch visuals in videos such as Its a Sin and Rent. After studying Derek Jarman's films I was saddened to hear of his death in 1994 aged 52 years. This director was a master of his craft and in my opinion this country lost one of its greatest film-makers ever.
After studying Jarman and watching his many films I became interested in why he moved to the wilderness on the Kent coast - Dungeness.
Last Saturday I visited Dungeness and was captivated by the place. I couldn't decide whether it was beautiful or ugly. The area is covered in shale, has two lighthouses and a pub 'The Britannia' (as featured in an episode of Eastenders). Their are a lot of huts scattered about the landscape and occasionally the upturned distressed rowing boat. There is a mini steam train railway line which travels down the coast to Hythe and a few quaint cottages. All this is dominated by the monstrous grey power station which really does scar the landscape.
Ignoring the power station (and facing the other way) I took a short walk down to Jarmen' s 'Prospect Cottage'. His famous garden (consisting of plants, flowers, sticks and sculptures) is still kept in perfect condition as a shrine to the director. I sat on the rocks looking out to sea and for the first time could see what the director could see. The place is flat and desolate yet it is very peaceful, has few distractions or clutter and allows you to focus your mind. This was the perfect place for peace and tranquility and that's what makes Dungeness beautiful.