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Purple Rain (15)

Noah Davis Film Programme

,Cinema 1
Purple Rain close-up

Prince’s 1984 cultural touchstone blending music, drama, and bold visual storytelling.

This screening of Prince’s Purple Rain (1984) pays tribute to Noah Davis’s deep love for the film, which he famously showcased at his visionary Underground Museum.

Purple Rain follows the journey of 'The Kid', a talented but troubled musician finding his voice amid personal and creative struggles. Davis often drew inspiration from Purple Rain, not only for its electrifying performances and vibrant aesthetic but also for its celebration of individuality and artistic ambition.

Presented in sync with our Noah Davis exhibition, this screening highlights the profound influence of Purple Rain on Davis’s work, particularly his creation of The Purple Garden, an homage to Prince’s legacy and the transformative power of art.

Tagged with: Cinema Spring 2025 Noah Davis: Talks and events

This screening is one of three films that feature as part of the Noah Davis public programme. These films were chosen as they reflect on themes found in the Noah Davis exhibition. Prince’s Purple Rain was a film deeply loved by Davis and one that had a profound impact on his life and art. Douglas Sirk's melodrama Imitation of Life deals with identity, aspiration and representation, recurring motifs in Davis' paintings. Lastly, a mixed programme of films screening as an audio-visual response to the artist's work.

1984 US dir Albert Magnoli 101min

Films can contain elements which some may find upsetting; from references to self-harm or suicide, to sexual violence or domestic abuse. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) provides guidance to audiences, to help them choose what’s right for them and avoid what’s not. For guidance, please click here and type the film title into the search bar.

Cinema 1

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.