Broken English

Rock icon Marianne Faithfull's six-decade journey through music, fame and reinvention unfolds in an intimate documentary. Broken English is a genre-defying act of resilience and rebellion – Marianne Faithfull’s final fearless declaration, her defiant swan song.

A lightning rod for fame, scandal and reinvention, Marianne Faithfull was the face of a generation, and the voice that cut through it. Vilified by the press and underestimated by the industry, she endured heartbreak and addiction. This survivor, provocateur and true creative original spent more than six decades defying expectations – releasing over 35 albums while constantly reinventing herself and being an influential force on multiple other artists.

Made with her full involvement, Broken English is an intimate and unflinching exploration of a fractured yet unbreakable life shaped by fame, creativity and relentless public scrutiny. As much a wondrous ode to Marianne’s life as it is a reminder of the vital importance of creative culture, our collective heritage and the equal importance not forgetting it. 

The layered structure on which Broken English rests is the fictional Ministry of Not Forgetting (led by Tilda Swinton and her trusty interviewer George MacKay), who take Marianne on a journey into a rich and event-filled past. Images, clips and interviews are interspersed with musical responses by Beth Orton, Courtney Love and Nick Cave. Triumphantly defying categorisation, filmmakers Jane Pollard and Iain Forsyth expertly rewire the documentary genre with their most ambitious film to date.

Festivals

Venice Film Festival 2025 | Official Selection
Perth International Film Festival 2025 | Official Selection
Sundance Film Festival 2026 | Official Selection

Screening at Luna Leederville and Luna on SX from September 3.