Marianne Faithfull portrait unfolds in latest documentary

In the heart of the Venice Film Festival, a collection of unique and thought-provoking documentaries have taken centre stage. Among them, two stand out for their innovative blend of fact and fiction, and their exploration of diverse subjects.

Firstly, "Broken English," an out-of-competition entry, directed by Jane Pollard and Iain Forsyth. This film, starring the singer-songwriter Marianne Faithfull, delves into her life and struggles, blending documentary format with fictional elements and multiple genres. The film includes archival footage and conversations with Faithfull, who is depicted in a wheelchair and wearing a nasal cannula for oxygen, reflecting her battles with illness, including breast cancer and a severe bout of Covid.

Marianne Faithfull, known for her outspokenness and no-holds-barred lifestyle, faced a backlash from the British press in the past. However, her career was revitalized with the release of her 1979 album "Broken English." Tragically, Faithfull passed away during the production of the film at the age of 78.

Another intriguing documentary is "Sotto le Nuvole" by Gianfranco Rosi. This black-and-white film explores Naples and the volcanoes around it, delving into the city's underground world through the lens of tomb raiders' tunnels. The film also includes footage from under the yet-unexcavated depths of Herculaneum and the bowels of Naples' archaeology museum.

"Sotto le Nuvole" is the only documentary in the main competition of the Venice festival. It also features a fictional Ministry of Not Forgetting, with Tilda Swinton playing the director. Iain Forsyth, one of the film's directors, views the film as a portrait of the artist, rather than a traditional documentary.

In a separate venture, "Agnus Dei," a documentary by Massimiliano Camaiti, was filmed inside a Rome cloister where each spring the nuns raise lambs for the pope's vestment. The film was shot during the hospitalization and death of Pope Francis and the election of new Pope Leo, providing a unique insight into the Vatican during a time of transition.

Each of these documentaries offers a fresh perspective on their respective subjects, pushing the boundaries of traditional documentary filmmaking and providing a captivating viewing experience for festival-goers.