Anita Pallenberg - The Story of Anita Pallenberg

by Nick Dent-Robinson

published: 29 / 10 / 2024

Anita Pallenberg - The Story of Anita Pallenberg

Sympathy for the Pallenberg? Nick Dent-Robinson gives his verdict on the new documentary.

Article

This film, which is showing in selected cinemas, proves to be a fascinating celebration of a sixties style-icon who is still best known for sleeping with three of The Rolling Stones during that incredible era. Interestingly, though, the German-Italian actress who died in June, 2017 at the age of 75, points out that “I never really fancied Mick”. The film is based on Pallenberg's unpublished memoir (beautifully narrated by Scarlett Johansson) with additional footage from private archive films, as well as exclusive interviews with her incredibly tolerant children. There are also some celebrity interviews (including one with Kate Moss) - and this mix does achieve a fascinating insight into Pallenberg who was clearly a powerful individual and far more than just a muse for top musicians. Pallenberg's motto was always “forward, forward, forward” - though much of the film dwells on her life during the Stones era; rather than what came later. Marianne Faithfull (that other well-known former Rolling Stones WAG), has long admired Pallenberg and reflected: “Anita had her own power, always”. Keith Richards, in typically modest mode, reflects admiringly: “I never really worked out what Anita saw in me - but she made a man out of me!”.