Released in 1969, Tony Richardson's Hamlet received mixed critical reviews, but the pivotal role of Ophelia, played by our lovely songbird and legendary hedonist Marianne Faithfull, was lauded as a more or less stellar performance. Marianne played a very "close" Ophelia, in that, she emerged herself so deeply in the character that she began to fantasize and daydream about drowning herself like Ophelia in the Thames river and all of that melancholy madness. I still haven't seen this performance, but I'm planning on ordering a copy of on my next big splurge at Amazon.com. I wish I could find more photos of her in this role, but I reckon I'll have to resort to screen caps (two above photos are caps from Dreaming My Dreams, where they show a tiny clip of the movie). Still, there couldn't possibly have been a more beautiful Ophelia, could there? And it seems so poignant that she starred in this film when her life was entering such a depressed phase (Brian's death, Mick's affairs, heroin, her suicide attempt in Australia, etc). And heaven's, those boobies!
(my stills from Dreaming My Dreams, Yahoo, vintagestills, childofthemoon)
isn't it incredible that, by her own account, she was shooting up heroin before going on stage to perform? I don't know how that's possible... but it's in her book. She looks amazing in these photos-- not strung out at all. I believe she also had a sexual affair with the bearded actor who is playing hamlet? Please tell me i'm wrong...!!
ReplyDeletei've seen some of those pictures, but not all of them. incredible! i know that marianne is so drugged up (the infamous backstage shots of smack before ophelia's mad scenes are true!), but i think she looks so beautiful at this time. she still has that delicate look of the sixties, but she doesn't have bangs covering her face. its a lovely change to see.
ReplyDeletethe film was playing on TCM a few months ago and i recorded it. its a bit of an odd film (though hamlet is an odd story itself) but Marianne's performance was incredible. Really the highlight of the film - and i'm not just saying that because i worship miss faithfull, but i'm saying it objectively. The thing about her having an affair with the guy playing Hamlet (his name is Nicol williamson) is true. I remember reading it in her autobio. I think it was encouraged by the director or something - method acting, I suppose... you sleep with someone your character is sleeping with, or something.
The one thing i don't understand is how in 1969 marianne could have such long hair after cutting it off so short in 1968. even at the court dates, etc. in '69, her hair was only shoulder-length. do you think she wore a wig for this? Anyways, whhoo long comment -- awesome pics love your blog
Pretty effective info, thanks so much for this article.
ReplyDeleteThis topic was really educational and nicely written.
ReplyDelete