Experimental Movie That Blew Christopher Nolan’s Mind: “Extraordinary” and “Shocking”

Christopher Nolan once spoke about the 1970 British film Performance, calling it “extraordinary” and praising its unique style.

Nolan said, “I thought it was really extraordinary. Performance was just so shocking and fascinating. It had such an edgy structure and rhythm. I saw it as a kid at school and we were all massively energized by the beginning, with the gangster.”

“I feel that I stand on the shoulders of those experimental filmmakers because they bring new things into the language—they show you the possibilities.”

Performance, directed by Donald Cammell and Nicolas Roeg, stars James Fox as a violent London gangster who hides out with a reclusive rock star, played by Mick Jagger, after committing murder.

The film was produced in 1968 but delayed for release until 1970 due to concerns from Warner Bros. over its graphic content. At first, critics were divided, but over the years it has gained recognition as one of the most innovative and influential British films of the 1970s.

Initially, reviews were mixed. Some critics, like Roger Greenspun of The New York Times, felt the film had fun moments due to the performances of Jagger and Fox, while others criticized it for its violence, plot, and style. Gene Siskel praised the first 40 minutes but felt the pace slowed later, and critics from Variety and the Los Angeles Times were harsh, calling it pretentious or boring. However, some reviewers, like Jan Dawson of The Monthly Film Bulletin, called it visually dazzling and praised its writing and performances.

Over time, Performance found a devoted following. By the 1980s and 1990s, it became a cult classic and was celebrated as a key work in British gangster cinema.

The film’s depiction of London’s criminal and bohemian worlds of the 1960s and 1970s helped cement its reputation. In 1999, the British Film Institute ranked it the 48th greatest British film of the 20th century, and Empire magazine included it on its list of the 500 Greatest Movies of All Time.

Today, Performance holds an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics noting its boldness, dark themes, and cultural impact, while Metacritic reports generally favorable reviews. The film is now considered a classic, influencing filmmakers and remaining a benchmark for experimental cinema.

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