“She is a happening all to herself.”

by Kimberly Lindbergs | May 15, 2009

Categories | Actors, British Cinema, Actresses, Alain Delon, 1968, Bikers, Marianne Faithfull, Girl On a Motorcycle, Jack Cardiff

The October 1968 issue of ABC Film Review features a great piece by Philip Bradford about the making of Jack Cardiff’s Girl On A Motorcycle. In the article the movie’s two stars (Marianne Faithfull and Alain Delon) briefly discuss what it was like to work with one another on the film. I thought it would be fun to share their quotes here along with some lovely still shots of them together on the set. I assume that most (if not all) of these photographs were taken by Jack Cardiff himself but if anyone knows otherwise, please feel free to let me know.

Alain Delon on Marianne Faithfull:
"She is a happening all to herself. She is the type of girl men fought dragons for in mythology, the type that duels have been fought over."

Marianne Faithfull on Alain Delon:
"We think alike in a lot of ways and he’s a totally dedicated actor. He helped me a lot through his ability to ignore outside things when he’s working. You have to keep cool when you’re filming. Shooting intimate love scences with swarms of technicians around you - for that you really need to learn to concentrate.  You have to shut off everyone else and make a world in which there are only two people."

It’s also worth noting that Marianne Faithfull isn’t afraid to call Alain Delon a "cunt" when the opportunity presents itself. For her 2002 album Kissin’ Time Faithfull recorded a beautiful song written with Dave Stewart called "Song For Nico" that is a tribute to the German songstress and one time member of The Velvet Underground. In the song Faithfull takes a well-deserved jab at Delon for the neglectful way he treated Nico and the child they had together in 1962. The curious can listen to the song on Youtube if you follow this link.

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Cinema Retro #14

by Kimberly Lindbergs | May 13, 2009

Categories | News, Cinema Retro, Alain Delon, Marianne Faithfull, Girl On a Motorcycle, Jack Cardiff

In a unexpected coincidence the newest issue of Cinema Retro has just been published and it features a terrific in-depth article on Jack Cardiff’s 1968 film Girl On a Motorcycle by Dean Brierly. It’s definitely one of the most detailed pieces about Cardiff’s film that I’ve come across and it contains many beautiful images from the movie as well. After Cardiff passed away recently I was surprised by the lack of attention given to the film’s he directed in the numerous obits I read so it’s great to see Girl On a Motorcycle getting some much deserved critical consideration and praise. If you’re a fan of the film or just interested in the movie and Cardifff’s directing efforts, the latest issue of Cinema Retro is well worth picking up!

The latest issue also features great interviews with the American actors James Caan, Ernest Borgnine and Harry Northup as well as actress Karen Black, articles on various Michael Winner films including the great Charles Bronson vehicle Chato’s Land (1972) and one of my favorite horror films from the ’70s, The Sentinel (1977). You’ll also find a brief piece about the early films made by Clint Eastwood (The Beguiled, Play Misty for Me and Breezy), which I enjoyed reading since his early horror films are often overlooked and I believe that The Beguiled and Play Misty for Me are two of Clint Eastwood’s best movies.

You’ll find a lot more worthwhile reading in the new issue of Cinema Retro so head on over to the Cinema Retro site where you can order yourself a copy of issue #14 online or subscribe to the magazine: Cinema Retro

All of my own posts related to The Girl On a Motorcycle can be accessed here and I’ll try and share a bit more about the film before it’s upcoming DVD re-release on May 19th.

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The Girl on a Motorcycle: Advertising

by Kimberly Lindbergs | April 23, 2009

Categories | British Cinema, Alain Delon, Bikers, Marianne Faithfull, Girl On a Motorcycle, Jack Cardiff

There were a lot of beautiful posters designed for Jack Cardiff’s film when it was originally released. Unfortunately I don’t know the names of all the artists who created these posters and ads for The Girl On a Motorcycle (1968), but I hope you enjoy this collection of images. I had to restore and touch-up many of the posters so its been somewhat of a labor of love for me to share these, but well worth the effort. Enjoy!

Poster art from the British release of the film.

Poster art from the French release of the film.