performance Photo

Performance

Starring: James Fox, Mick Jagger, Anita Pallenberg, Michele Breton, Ann Sidney

Directed by: Donald Cammell, Nicolas Roeg

RS: 3.5of 4 Stars

Unlike anything before or since, Performance is the first true ‘sex, drugs and rock & roll’ movie. The narrative concerning a vicious London gangster hiding out at a reclusive rock-star’s mansion is secondary to delicious imagery and vivid depravity; a one-of-a-kind, all-in-one complete sensual mindfuck. Or as Mick Jagger’s Turner puts it “The only performance that makes it, that really makes it, that makes it all the way, is the one that achieves madness. Right?”

In 1970 Rolling Stone reviewed the film, noting, “ One of the attributes of evil is in its ugliness, and on one level Performance is a very ugly film.” Perhaps that’s how it appeared in dark cinemas at the time but the sparkling new DVD transfer gives it a depth of beauty and clarity that make repeat viewings enlightening and intoxicating. Guys, good luck watching this film and not falling for Anita Pallenberg.

As a document, Performance went beyond crystallizing the 60’s. It’s darkness placed it alongside Charles Manson and Altamont, clearly marking the end of the decade’s pessimism. And yet watching it today viewers can’t help but be overwhelmed by it’s timelessness. Apocalypse then, now, and forever.

Extras: Influence and Controversy is a ‘Behind the Music’-esque tale of the film’s rocky 2-year road from inception to the screen. Modern interviews with the cast and crew reveal the gangster role was written for Marlon Brando and originally there was a drug bust plotline that practically mirrored Jagger’s real life troubles with the law. Pallenberg also reminisces about her first day on the set making love to Jagger and how boyfriend Keith Richards offered to pay her to not make the movie. Another welcome bonus is a vintage featurette highlighting Jagger and erroneously crediting the film’s score to him instead of Jack Nitzsche. The hilariously kitschy narration over behind-the-scenes footage makes it evident how Hollywood had positively no clue how to deal with the film.