Sympathy for the Devil

Jean-Luc Godard on Black Power, Rape, Murder, Fascism, Acid, Pornography, Sex, Revolution, Brutality and all the other things that make life worth living.
Sympathy for the Devil (1968)
Timing: 1:55 (115 min)

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6.3/10
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6.2/10
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Release date
Country
Production
Budget
$500 000
Box office
$0
Website
Director
Scenario
Producer
Iain Quarrier, Michael Pearson, Eleni Collard
Camera operator
Composer
Artist
Audition
Editing
Ken Rowes, Kenneth F. Rowles
Whole Team (22)

Short description

While The Rolling Stones rehearse "Sympathy for the Devil" in the studio, an alternating narrative reflects on 1968 society, politics and culture through five different vignettes.

What's left behind the scenes

  • The premiere of the film was accompanied by a conflict (and even a fight) between director Jean-Luc Godard and producer Ian Quarry. During the presentation of the film at the National Film Theatre in London, Godard, upon learning that the ending of his film had been changed, punched the producer in the face. To defuse the situation, the cinema manager tried to intervene on behalf of the producer – whereupon Godard attacked him as well. The manager retaliated with a punch, causing Godard to fall off the stage to the astonishment of nearly six hundred people in the audience. Getting to his feet, Godard announced to the audience that he would soon show the original version of the film, projecting it onto the outer wall of the cinema building. Despite the conflict, the manager later did provide the director with the equipment to carry out such an action.
  • Director Jean-Luc Godard (1930-2022) was asked to come to the UK to film a movie in support of abortion legalization. Shortly after his arrival, however, the UK softened legislation regarding abortion, and the need to film such a film disappeared. Godard agreed to stay in the UK on the condition that he could film either with “The Beatles” or with “The Rolling Stones.” The first offered to film with Godard declined, while the latter stated that they were fans of his work and agreed.
  • Working on the film was fraught with difficulties and complications. In particular, the studio burned down, and Brian Jones (1942-1969) of “The Rolling Stones” was arrested for possession of cannabis.

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