Iain Forsyth & Jane Pollard Discuss ‘Broken English’ and Marianne Faithfull
The making of Broken English with Marianne Faithfull unfolded as an unexpected and almost sacred coincidence. Filmmakers Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard called the experience “divinity” and described it as a fortunate accident. Filmogaz.com published the interview on 16 March 2026, with credits listing Filmogaz.com and deepskyobject.
Filmmakers and their musical world
Forsyth and Pollard work at the intersection of music and film. Their office reflects that passion with music books, punk memorabilia, and a portrait of Nick Cave.
The duo previously co-created 20,000 Days On Earth. That film established their interest in artist-focused cinematic portraits.
Concept and structure of the film
Broken English places Faithfull inside a fictional body called the Ministry of Not Forgetting. The ministry exists to archive feelings and moments rather than only facts.
Pollard said the baseline idea was simply to watch Marianne’s face. The film aims to document reflection, pride, and joy in her own responses.
Challenging a reductive narrative
The filmmakers set out to counter a mocking simplification of Faithfull’s life. They named the reductive view “the big lie.”
The film rejects portrayals that reduce Faithfull to a 1960s pop star or Mick Jagger’s former partner. Instead it highlights her artistic range and life beyond tabloid pain.
Casting and contributors
Actors George MacKay and Tilda Swinton play the ministry’s principal figures. Their performances anchor staged panels and roundtables in the film.
Journalists and musicians also appear in discussion segments. Nick Cave features in key moments, including a final onstage exchange with Faithfull.
Notable scenes
Faithfull reacts to unseen rehearsal footage from Seven Deadly Sins. She hides emotion with a joke, revealing vulnerability under humor.
At her last live performance, she exchanges a smile with Nick Cave. George MacKay briefly slips out of character, showing genuine human response on camera.
Approach to journalism and ethics
Forsyth and Pollard prefer empathetic engagement over combative interrogation. They argued that trust yields deeper access to an artist’s truth.
They also addressed the habit of seeking ugly or tired moments to “humanise” artists. The duo believes that exposing discomfort can instead dehumanise creative figures.
Influences and methods
The filmmakers cited Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape as an influence. They described moments of silent listening that reveal more than direct questions.
Pollard said she worked “on the edge of control,” reading Marianne’s face and following the mood in the room. That instinct shaped many unplanned, revealing moments.
Archiving, technology and legacy
Broken English raises questions about preserving artistic legacy amid AI and censorship concerns. The film prioritises emotional texture over chronological detail.
Forsyth and Pollard framed the project as an act of careful archiving. They want to secure fleeting flashes and personal recollections for future audiences.
The film brings together filmmakers, actors, and musicians to produce a layered portrait. Its approach aims to respect Marianne Faithfull as an artist and a person alike.
