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Il Mare [35mm] + Introduction (15*)

Queer 60s

,Cinema 1
Two men together

Two men engage in a twisted, homoerotic relationship in Capri in Giuseppe Patroni Griffi’s study in desire and isolation.

An actor (Umberto Orsini) recovering from a break-up and a 19-year-old man (Dino Mele) with an unspoken trauma connect in off-season Capri, where the restaurants close early in the evening, the rain is a frequent visitor and the streets are practically deserted.

Homoerotic fireworks explode – but the arrival of a woman (Françoise Prévost) on the island threatens to change everything.

Griffi’s camera is in love with the beautiful Mele, who gives a great performance depicting the wild, untamed passion of youth. Il Mare received little attention upon its release, but its reception has grown over the decades, with director Derek Jarman even declaring it his favourite film.

Tagged with: Cinema Queer 60s

In Italian with English subtitles.

The screening on Thursday 18 June will be introduced by Lillian Crawford. The screening on Sunday 28 June will be introduced by curator Alex Davidson.

Film information
  • Release year   1962
  • Country of origin   Italy
  • Director   Giuseppe Patroni Griffi
  • Runtime   1hr 50mins

Lillian Crawford is a freelance writer and programmer. Her first book, The Mind of the Doctor: Across the Neurodiverse Universe of Doctor Who, is published in June 2026.

Queer 60s

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.