New Documentary Revives Legacy of Marianne Faithfull at Venice

A new documentary titled “Broken English” shines a spotlight on the remarkable life of British singer-songwriter Marianne Faithfull, who passed away in January 2023 at the age of 78. Directed by the British duo Jane Pollard and Iain Forsyth, the film is an out-of-competition entry at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, which runs until September 6. It re-evaluates Faithfull’s legacy, presenting her not just as a “Swinging 60s” icon but as a complex individual navigating fame, addiction, and resilience.

Faithfull first gained recognition in 1964 with her hit song “As Tears Go By”, co-written by her then-boyfriend Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. Over the years, her life was marked by dramatic highs and lows, including a tumultuous relationship with Jagger that often overshadowed her own musical achievements. The documentary uses a blend of archival footage and fictional elements to explore her multifaceted career and the challenges she faced.

Reimagining an Icon

The innovative format of “Broken English” fuses fiction with documentary elements, featuring a fictional Ministry of Not Forgetting, portrayed by Tilda Swinton, which aims to correct the historical narrative surrounding Faithfull. This creative approach allows for a deeper exploration of her life, as contemporary musicians reflect on her influence while engaging with her story through various mediums.

Filmmaker Forsyth described the project as a “portrait of the artist” rather than a straightforward documentary. He explained, “If you think of all of the great portraits throughout history, the paintings, the photography, that has captured the essence of someone, they all do it in some sort of way collaborating with their subject.” Pollard added that traditional documentary formats often carry a “journalistic kind of baggage” that did not suit their vision.

Faithfull initially approached the documentary with caution, aware of its potential to delve into her past. Pollard noted, “She was rightfully wary” of the fictional institution’s examination of her history. However, as filming progressed, Faithfull began to appreciate the freedom it provided for reflection and exploration. Pollard emphasized the need for “urgent recalibration of some brilliant artists’ legacies” to prevent them from being forgotten or misrepresented.

A Life of Challenges and Triumphs

Throughout her extensive career, Faithfull released over 20 albums, with her 1979 work “Broken English” marking a significant comeback. The film captures her struggles with addiction, which led to periods of homelessness, as well as her resilience in overcoming these obstacles. In the documentary, Faithfull is depicted in her later years, often seen in a wheelchair and receiving oxygen support, yet still embodying the spirit that defined her artistry.

The documentary is part of a larger collection of films being showcased at the Venice Film Festival, where directors like Gianfranco Rosi and Werner Herzog present their own unique narratives. Rosi’s “Sotto le Nuvole” offers a black-and-white exploration of Naples and its volcanic landscape, while Herzog’s “Ghost Elephants” investigates the quest for a possibly mythical species of elephant in Angola. Each of these films contributes to a rich tapestry of storytelling that reflects on history, memory, and the human experience.

As audiences engage with “Broken English,” they are invited to reconsider the life and legacy of Marianne Faithfull, a figure whose impact on music and culture continues to resonate. The documentary not only commemorates her contributions but also prompts a dialogue about how society remembers and honors its artists.