Watch Performance

The film Performance is a British drama from 1970 directed by Nicolas Roeg that is most noteworthy as the film acting debut of The Rolling Stones' lead singer Mick Jagger. The plot revolves around the character Chas, played by James Fox, a London gangster whose crimes have escalated to the point where, in order to avoid being brought to justice, he adopts a new identity and hides out in the home of a somewhat eccentric friend and former rock star named Turner, the character portrayed by real life rock star Jagger. The situation with Chas (or Johnny Dean, as he now calls himself) in hiding at Turner's includes a swinging ménage à trois between Turner and his two young women housemates portrayed by Anita Pallenberg and Michele Breton. Dean also becomes involved with Pallenberg's character. Turner and one of the girls introduce Dean to new drug experiences that seem to be transforming and are significant in bringing about what might be an end to his former criminal tendencies. The film was made in 1968 but not released until 1970. It encapsulates many aspects of youth culture in that colorful, transitional time period.