Marianne Faithfull's Final Thrilling Performance Captured in New Film
In early 2025, the world lost Marianne Faithfull at the age of 78, but not before she delivered one last, unforgettable musical performance. This poignant moment is the climax of the new docu-drama Broken English, a film that celebrates her remarkable six-decade career. The scene is described as deeply moving, almost certain to bring audiences to tears, regardless of their prior familiarity with Faithfull's work.
Overcoming Challenges to Correct the Record
Film-makers Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard faced the daunting task of portraying Faithfull without falling into the trap of 1960s rock clichés. They succeeded by creating a fictional setting called The Ministry of Not Forgetting, an analogue organisation dedicated to archiving Faithfull's vast output. Tilda Swinton stars as its leader, overseeing a team determined to document everything from her role as Ophelia in Hamlet to her teaching at the Jack Kerouac School.
Initially, the film-makers had only three days with Faithfull at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire. She was living in a care home and required intermittent oxygen, forcing them to work quickly. "She was so ill when we first met her," Pollard recalls, highlighting the urgency of their project to set the record straight on an often misunderstood artist.
Faithfull's Unvarnished Persona on Display
Throughout the film, Faithfull's raw and unfiltered personality shines. Pollard notes her ability to "cut the atmosphere in a room and reset everything," using humour or discomfort as a weapon. Early in the film, Faithfull uses strong language that silences the room, showcasing her fearless character.
In a series of tense conversations with researcher George MacKay, Faithfull reviews artefacts from her past, including an old interview where Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham questions her talent. Faithfull responds with defiance, stating, "Maybe it was good for me – because maybe I thought: 'I'll show you, you cunt.'" And show them she did, amassing over 30 albums, a Grammy nomination, and prestigious awards like the Commandeur Des Arts et des Lettres.
Emotional Reflections and Industry Insights
The film poignantly shows Faithfull watching her younger self in the 1967 documentary Dont Look Back, where Bob Dylan writes a poem about her. She reflects on this with a mix of nostalgia and wit, saying, "If I had a dollar for every cute man who told me, 'This song, this poem, is about you darling', I'd be rich."
Despite her struggles, Pollard was surprised by Faithfull's lack of jadedness towards the industry. However, Faithfull grows sombre when shown a clip of herself at 60, expressing love for that age, unaware of the health challenges to come, which she attributes to Covid-19.
Rules and Realities of Filming
Forsyth and Pollard set strict rules for the film: avoid discussing children and not highlight Faithfull's intimidating side, as male artists often get a pass for similar behaviour. They contrast how male artists' "bad behaviour" is romanticised, while women are unfairly labelled.
In Broken English, Faithfull is portrayed as professional, game, and accommodating, even apologising for needing oxygen. A touching moment occurs when she hears American poets Gregory Corso and Allen Ginsberg praise her good heart, leaving her visibly moved.
From Skepticism to Appreciation
The film-makers weren't lifelong fans initially, knowing only the infamous myths, like the false Mars bar story from the 1967 Redlands raid. Their appreciation grew as they discovered her collaborations with artists like PJ Harvey, Damon Albarn, and Nick Cave.
Inspired by Samuel Beckett's Krapp's Last Tape, they explored themes of ageing and memory. Faithfull's memory was affected by Covid-19, but watching her younger selves proved "incredibly fortifying," reinforcing her consistency of character.
The Climactic Performance
As filming progressed, Faithfull grew stronger, finding purpose in the project. Initially, her doctor advised against singing due to breathing issues, but a year later, she practiced with friend David Courts and performed with Nick Cave and Warren Ellis.
"It was such a special moment," Forsyth says, describing the emotional studio session. Pollard adds, "Her voice in the room is phenomenal. You can hear every fibre of her being." This final performance stands as a testament to Faithfull's enduring spirit and talent.
Broken English is set for release in UK cinemas from 20 March, with preview events including live music at the Barbican in London on 18 March.
