Anita Pallenberg’s life was forever changed when she crossed paths with the Rolling Stones in 1965. While she could have been remembered as a talented actress and model, her ties to the “greatest rock n’ roll band in the world” defined her legacy. But in the new documentary, Anita, which premiered at Cannes, Pallenberg finally gets the recognition she deserves as a creative force in her own right. The film showcases her beauty, intelligence, dysfunction, addiction, and her important role in the Stones’ heyday.
Directed by Alexis Bloom and Svetlana Zill, the documentary opens with stunning archive footage of Pallenberg in a park, draped in orange and smoking a cigarette. In a voiceover, she declares, “I’ve been called a witch, a slut, and a murderer. I’ve been hounded by the police and slandered by the press.” Talk about an introduction! Scarlett Johansson narrates the film, reading from Pallenberg’s unpublished memoir, which recounts her rebellious youth in Rome and education in Germany.
At 19, Pallenberg moved to New York, where she quickly found herself hanging out with the Factory crowd and washing Jasper Johns’ paint brushes. Her Scandinavian looks and curvaceous figure made her a sought-after model, but she hated the work. It wasn’t until she attended a raucous Rolling Stones concert in Munich that she met founding member Brian Jones and began a tumultuous relationship. Eventually, she moved on to Keith Richards, with whom she had three children.
The documentary delves into Pallenberg’s troubled relationship with Richards, which lasted from 1967 to 1980. Their children, Marlon and Angela, describe a chaotic childhood, with their mother battling addiction and their father constantly touring. Despite the neglect, Marlon and Angela are forgiving and matter-of-fact about their upbringing.
Anita benefits from a wealth of archive footage, showcasing Pallenberg’s life in rural Switzerland and upstate New York while Richards was on tour. Johansson’s narration is a standout, drawing us into Pallenberg’s world during heady and tumultuous times. The film also features excerpts from Pallenberg’s well-written autobiography, which reveals her strength and spirit.
While Pallenberg’s legacy will always be tied to the Stones, Anita allows her to shine in her own right. As Richards notes, “She was a unique piece of work.” Pallenberg herself wrote in her memoirs, “Writing this has helped me emerge in my own eyes.” Thanks to this documentary, she can emerge in our eyes as well.
