New Documentary Reframes Marianne Faithfull’s Iconic Legacy

A new documentary titled “Broken English” shines a fresh light on the remarkable life of British singer-songwriter Marianne Faithfull, who passed away in January 2023 at the age of 78. This film, an out-of-competition entry at the Venice Film Festival, is directed by British duo Jane Pollard and Iain Forsyth, and presents Faithfull’s legacy in a compelling new context.

Faithfull rose to fame in 1964 with the hit single “As Tears Go By,” co-written by her then-boyfriend Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. The documentary interweaves archival footage and intimate conversations with Faithfull, showcasing her struggles and triumphs. Notably, the film’s innovative format blends fiction with multiple genres, featuring a fictional Ministry of Not Forgetting, portrayed by Tilda Swinton, that aims to preserve Faithfull’s historical memory.

The documentary explores how Faithfull’s outspoken nature and tumultuous lifestyle led to significant backlash from the British media. Her relationship with Jagger often overshadowed her artistic achievements, while sudden fame brought challenges, including drug addiction and homelessness. However, her 1979 album “Broken English” revitalized her career, leading to collaborations with numerous younger artists eager to work with her.

In “Broken English,” Faithfull is presented with various materials by a fictional archivist, played by George MacKay. As contemporary musicians reflect on her influence, the narrative aims to recapture her story in a way that honors her contributions. Forsyth considers the film a portrait of the artist rather than a traditional documentary, stating, “If you think of all of the great portraits throughout history… they all do it in some sort of way collaborating with their subject.”

Pollard acknowledged that Faithfull was initially “rightfully wary” about the fictional approach to her past. Yet, during the filming process, she recognized the freedom it allowed for introspection and exploration of her legacy. Pollard emphasized the need for an “urgent recalibration” of how brilliant artists’ legacies are perceived, as many risk being forgotten or misrepresented.

Faithfull, who released over 20 albums throughout her career, faced significant health challenges in recent years, including breast cancer and a severe bout of Covid-19. The film poignantly depicts her in a wheelchair, wearing a nasal cannula for oxygen, underscoring the physical toll of her battles.

The documentary is one of several noteworthy films featured at the Venice festival, which runs until September 6, 2023. Other entries include “Sotto le Nuvole,” directed by Gianfranco Rosi, which offers a black-and-white exploration of Naples and its surrounding volcanoes, and “Ghost Elephants,” by Werner Herzog, which follows the search for a possibly non-existent species of elephant in Angola’s high-altitude forests.

As the festival showcases diverse documentaries, “Broken English” stands out for its unique approach to storytelling and its commitment to honoring the complex legacy of Marianne Faithfull.