As a lifelong Rolling Stones fan and a connoisseur of timeless cinema, I can confidently say that Mick Jagger’s portrayal of Turner in “Performance” is an underrated gem in the annals of rock-infused films. Having grown up listening to their music, watching Jagger transition from the stage to the screen was a mesmerizing experience.
At the age of 81, Mick Jagger, the dynamic lead singer of the iconic British rock band The Rolling Stones, continues to exhibit a vigor that defies his years. His extensive discography has garnered him an enormous following with undying devotion from fans across the globe. However, like David Bowie and Kris Kristofferson in their time, music isn’t the only creative outlet Jagger has explored throughout his career.
In his debut film role, Jagger was perfectly suited for the enigmatic character of Turner in the mind-bending 1970 psychological thriller “Performance.” This movie, jointly directed by Donald Cammell and the esteemed Nicolas Roeg, is finally getting the release it has long deserved on February 25, 2025. The film will be available in 4K and Blu-ray formats, allowing viewers to form their own opinions about this thought-provoking and somewhat contentious production.
The Two Sides of ‘Performance’
The film “Performance” is divided into two distinct parts, showcasing various facets of masculinity that blend together. Set in the lively ’60s, the character Chas (played by James Fox), a tough East End enforcer recognized for his style and zeal in his profession, serves under the petty criminal Harry Flowers (Johnny Shannon). The situation escalates when Flowers desires to seize a betting shop belonging to Joey Maddocks (Anthony Valentine). Going against Flowers’ instructions, Chas takes Maddocks’ life. Now, Flowers seeks revenge and wants Chas eliminated.
In search of sanctuary from those pursuing him, Chas finds himself at the secluded home of the reclusive rock star, Mick Jagger (Turner). Here, he cohabits with Turner’s girlfriend, Pherber (Anita Pallenberg), and Lucy (Michèle Breton), living an extravagant life marked by drugs, sex, and psychedelic experiences. Feeling the need to blend in, Chas is advised to don a curly wig that gives off androgynous vibes. As his perception of reality becomes distorted, Chas starts seeing Turner transforming into his own likeness.
‘Performance’ Was Surrounded by Controversy
In 1970, I found myself embroiled in controversy when Performance was unveiled. Initially conceived as a gangster film, it was intended to echo the lighthearted, musical humor of The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night. However, amidst the spirit of experimentation and boundary-pushing during the 1960s, the drug-infused, sexually explicit direction Performance took left distributors Warner Bros. in a state of shock. Reports from GQ magazine even suggested that director Roeg was on edge, fearing that Warner Bros. might take legal action against him.
Back in the 1970s, some critics were quite harsh about this film. For instance, a review in The New York Times questioned if it was “The Most Hated Film Ever?” while a review in the Chicago Sun-Times simply called it “average at best.” However, opinions have shifted over time, and today, its artistic value and striking visuals are widely appreciated. Quentin Tarantino even labeled it as “one of the greatest rock movies ever made.” Despite being a term often used loosely, this film, titled Performance, truly embodies the characteristics of a cult classic.
‘Performance’ Marked the Start of Jagger’s Acting Career
Ignoring the background noise of the movie, Jagger’s performance as Turner garnered positive feedback. His genuine charisma, reminiscent of a real-life rock star, is amplified by intimate shots of his expressive face and captivating eyes. The soundtrack, featuring artists like The Last Poets and Randy Newman, includes “Memo from Turner,” a song co-written by Jagger and Keith Richards, with Jagger providing the vocals in the movie’s scene where he mouths along to them.
Jagger began his film acting career with a performance, and in that same year, he took on the leading role as the notorious 19th-century Australian outlaw, Ned Kelly. Over the years, Jagger has appeared in ten movies. Yet, his repertoire isn’t limited to fictional roles; in 2001, he offered a glimpse into his personal life through the documentary Being Mick, and his collaboration with Martin Scorsese for the intimate concert documentary Shine A Light further expanded his creative portfolio.
Enthusiasts expanding their libraries with 4K and Blu-ray versions of “Performance” come springtime is truly fitting for such a remarkable movie. Given Mick Jagger’s unique talent for crossing musical genres, his work carries significant cultural importance. The reissued version of “Performance” provides an opportunity to appreciate not just the film itself, but also Jagger’s pioneering impact as an artist – a chance to honor both the masterpiece and its creator.
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2024-12-05 06:32