Broken English
A lightning rod for fame, scandal, and reinvention, Marianne Faithfull was more than just a muse. She was the face of a generation, and the voice that cut through it. Vilified by the press, underestimated by the industry, she endured heartbreak and addiction, yet never lost her edge, or her truth, releasing over 35 albums while constantly reinventing herself.
Made with her full involvement, Broken English is an intimate and unflinching exploration of a fractured yet unbreakable life shaped by fame, creative genius, and relentless public scrutiny. This genre-defying portrait weaves archival footage, personal reflections, and innovative storytelling to recalibrate her legacy beyond tabloid myths, highlighting her trailblazing artistry from Swinging Sixties icon to enduring rock provocateur.
Directed by Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard—known for their inventive Nick Cave portrait—it features Tilda Swinton and George MacKay in a conceptual "Ministry of Not Forgetting" framework, alongside peers like Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. A survivor, provocateur, and true original, Faithfull delivers a final fearless declaration, her defiant swan song blending raw candor with musical triumphs that affirm her unyielding spirit amid life's chaos.
Key Information
Year
2025
Duration
98 min
Genre
Documentary
Country
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Cast & Crew
Directors
Iain Forsyth & Jane Pollard
Writers
Iain Forsyth, Ian Martin, Jane Pollard
Producers
Beth Earl
Production Companies
Rustic Canyon Pictures, Magna Studios
Cast
Tilda Swinton (The Room Next Door, Memoria) George MacKay (1917, Femme)
Supporting Cast
Marianne Faithfull, Nick Cave, Warren Ellis, Courtney Love, Suki Waterhouse
Stills
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