Broken English

In this original hybrid documentary, Marianne Faithfull is the subject of an investigation by ‘The Ministry of Not Forgetting’, a fictional government institution. The chair of the institution - played by Tilda Swinton - leads the investigation and meticulously reconstructs the life story of the iconic artist using unique historical footage. Marianne Faithfull sang in this film for the very last time, together with artists like Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. She unfortunately passed away in 2025, even before the film was finished. Commentaar Broken English, named after Marianne Faithfulls's most famous hit, creates a fictional framework – the so-called “ministry” and its chair, Tilda Swinton – in which the true story is told. An original, bold approach that turns out very well: the film is an intimate, honest portrait of a life that was shaped by fame and tragedy. Faithfull does not mince words and makes it clear immediately that the image that was sometimes painted of her as “the girlfriend of Mick Jagger” is completely unjustified. The makers of the film are no strangers: Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard made, among others, 20.000 Days on Earth, which was awarded at Sundance and won a BAFTA. Ook Broken English got off to a good start, with a world premiere at the Filmfestival van Veneti. Press ''A bold and brilliant film that pushes the limits and conventions of documentary filmmaking.'' - Loud and Clear Reviews