Rebecca Umland

Provocative biography of the genius behind the cult classic British film Performance, starring Mick Jagger!

When Donald Cammell, the Scottish painter, filmmaker and novelist, committed suicide in 1996, he left behind a handful of unusual, innovative, frequently disturbing films. One of them - Mick Jagger's acting debut Performance - is now an acknowledged masterpiece of world cinema.

Donald Cammell was a wicked guy. I loved Donald, but he was wicked. I know so many people who will want to read this book.
- Roman Polanski

Donald Cammell's extraordinary life was shrouded in both mystery and legend. In this provocative and comprehensive biography, Sam and Rebecca Umland explore Cammell's remarkable life and times, from his father's friendship with the notorious Aleister Crowley, to Donald's early career as a society portrait painter in Chelsea and the beginning of his film career in Paris during the 'Swinging Sixties', via numerous doomed collaborations with Marlon Brando, to his final years of frustration and ultimate tragedy in Hollywood. In an effort to account for his wasted genius, the authors scrutinize revealing patterns in Cammell's life that help to unlock the enigma of his death.

Donald was a fascinating guy. He was interested in the mysteries of life, hinging on the spiritual.
- Mick Jagger

As well as comprehensive chapters dealing with each of Cammell's films, the book includes a complete, authoritative filmography of the work of Donald Cammell, including full credits for each of his films (with a detailed discussion of the cuts made to Performance prior to its release) the unfinished films, and films in which he appeared, including rare footage.

Donald was in love with death. That's why I cast him in Lucifer Rising as Osiris, Lord of Death.
- Kenneth Anger

Illustrated with many examples of Cammell's work as an artist, plus rare and previously unpublished photographs, and 32 stunning pages of full colour poster reproductions and film stills, this book sheds startling new light on one of Great Britain's most fascinating filmmakers.

How many geniuses do you get to work with in one life?
- Frank Mazzola, editor of Donald Cammell's Wild Side… (altro)