Performance: A Biography of a 60s Masterpiece

by Paul Buck

A thorough analysis of the making of the film featuring original interviews with those involved.How Performance came about and the involvement of key players such as James Fox who journeyed into the criminal underworld and how real gangsters were involved in the research for the film.Reveals how Marlon Brando was originally considered for the role of Chas.The various conflicts and intrigues that arose during filming, how the film was edited, the censorship pressures, the unseen footage and how it eventually made its way to the big screen.Critical reaction to the film and how it turned into a cult classic.An overview of the careers to date of directors Donald Cammell and Nicolas Roeg.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction, Biography

352 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2012

Reviews

[Tim Dry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been obsessed by 'Performance' since I first saw it back in the '70s.The film has an erotic, subversive and perverse spell in every frame and the milieu of London's underworld in a full on collision with jaded rock'n'roll hedonism is a treat of Borgesian dimensions. Paul Buck has obviously done a vast amount of research on his chosen subject, rather than resorting to the usual cut and paste technique so sadly overused by lazy writers.For anyone who has ever been entranced by this magical piece of film making I would strongly and whole-heartedly suggest that they read this excellently put together book.

[David Corvine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Performance wasn't about the counter-culture it was part of it. If you're interested in this film or just interested in film and the process of film making then this will be of great interest to you. Performance is a prime example of intertextuality and Mr Buck pays this aspect the attention it merits. I thought that perhaps that The Talented Mr. Ripley might feature as an influence but apparently no.

[Tosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my review here: https://open.substack.com/pub/tosh/p/...

[Robert Halbert- Pereno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripped from the off. It is a 'can't put down book' if you love the film. For the fair weather supporter it may be a touch much.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

So interesting in terms of the social history at the time of the film, and the explanations of the plot.