Get ready for an intimate look into the legendary life of Marianne Faithfull! Her compelling new documentary, ‘Broken English,’ is heading to the Venice Film Festival. Discover unseen moments and profound reflections from a true music icon. What do you hope to learn about her incredible journey?
Italian distribution powerhouse I Wonder Pictures has secured the rights to “Broken English,” the highly anticipated documentary chronicling the life of the legendary Marianne Faithfull. This compelling cinematic portrait is poised for its prestigious world premiere in the Out of Competition section at the Venice Film Festival on August 30, marking a significant moment for film enthusiasts and fans of the iconic artist alike.
Directed by the acclaimed BAFTA nominees Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, known for their work on “20,000 Days on Earth,” “Broken English” delves into the final years of Faithfull’s remarkable existence. The film offers a rare, intimate glimpse into her world, capturing unguarded moments as she eloquently reflects on the profound themes of art, survival, and her enduring legacy within the music and cultural landscape, solidifying her status as a true music icon.
Uniquely structured, this film acquisition features an innovative narrative framework involving the Ministry of Not Forgetting, an “undercover poetic construct committed to rescuing cultural memory from oblivion.” Within this conceptual space, Faithfull becomes its inaugural “subject,” brought to life through a rich tapestry of poignant interviews, evocative archival footage, and immersive soundscapes, with a cast led by Tilda Swinton and George MacKay portraying investigators in this compelling Broken English Film.
Marianne Faithfull was much more than merely a muse; she embodied the spirit of a generation, her distinctive voice resonating through societal shifts and artistic evolutions. A magnet for both fame and scandal, she consistently reinvented herself, defying industry expectations and media vilification. Despite enduring personal heartbreaks and struggles with addiction, she maintained an unwavering artistic edge and an inherent grasp of truth, releasing over 35 albums, making this Music Documentary a vital piece of cultural history.
Andrea Romeo, CEO of I Wonder Pictures, lauded the film, stating, “Iain and Jane have crafted a truly unique cinematic journey, one that brings us closer than ever to understanding who Marianne Faithfull was, and and why she stands as one of the most profound artists of the 20th century, shoulder to shoulder with the male counterparts we so readily celebrate.” This sentiment underscores the critical importance of the project by Iain Forsyth Jane Pollard in re-evaluating her colossal impact.
Beyond Faithfull’s final recorded performance, “Broken English” is enriched by contributions from a stellar lineup of her friends and long-time collaborators. These include the likes of Nick Cave, Warren Ellis, Courtney Love, Suki Waterhouse, Beth Orton, and Jehnny Beth, all of whom offer unique perspectives and insights into the life and artistry of the enigmatic musician.
The production boasts a formidable team, with Beth Earl of Rustic Canyon Pictures serving as producer. Executive producers include Thomas Benski, Marisa Clifford, Isabel Davies, and Tim O’Shea for Magna Studios, alongside Marc Robinson for Globe Originals, Julia Xu for Q&A Entertainment, and Victoria Steventon. Cold Iron Pictures, with Miranda Bailey and Julia Stier as co-executive producers, further cements the film’s strong backing for its Venice Film Festival debut.
