Performance (1970)

Performance: Directed by Donald Cammell, Nicolas Roeg. With James Fox, Mick Jagger, Anita Pallenberg, Michèle Breton. A violent gangster seeks refuge from the mob in the Bohemian home of a former rock star.

“I missed this film when it came out over thirty years ago, and have looked out for it ever since. At last, after a rare showing on BBCu0026#39;s arts channel, it has proved to be well worth the long wait. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIt is a complex film, starting and finishing as a gripping and violent gangster movie, with the more philosophical and erotic section with Jagger and Pallenberg slotted between the gangster elements. James Fox as gangster on the run is a revelation. Why didnu0026#39;t he get parts like this again? He is far more convincing than his contemporary Michael Caine in this kind of role, with a scary viciousness combined with his u0026#39;Jack the Ladu0026#39; charm.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003enAlthough Mick Jagger and Anita Pallenberg donu0026#39;t seem to be playing anything more than themselves, they are perfect foils for Fox. As they embroil Fox in their weird games, the writers/directors Nicholas Roeg and Donald Cammell create brilliantly the mushroom-based trip that they take him on and through. The film also evokes a fascinating and nostalgic picture of late u0026#39;60s London and is a reminder that the u0026quot;swinging sixtiesu0026quot; had their grimy and violent side. Overall, a great film that deserves far wider recognition.”