Performance (1970)

In the grimy underbelly of East London, the tale unfolds of Chas, a ruthless thug who thrives in the service of notorious gangster Harry Flowers. Despite the veneer of camaraderie, they refrain from using the word "gangster," preferring a veil of ambiguity around their dangerous liaisons. Chas, a man with a sadistic streak, revels in his occupation, allowing the darkness within him to bleed into his personal life as he concocts schemes independent of Harry's operations. A violent encounter with Joey Maddocks, a figure from his past, forces Chas into the shadows, inciting a desperate need to vanish from Harry's sight and ultimately, to slip out of the country. In his pursuit of refuge, he stumbles upon a conversation that leads him to a Notting Hill flat, tucked away in anonymity. Here, he finds solace in the company of Turner, a once-celebrated rock star turned recluse, and his two free-spirited companions, Pherber and Lucy. The bohemian lifestyle and free love embraced by Turner's household is alien to Chas. Yet, as he orchestrates his departure from England, he finds himself ensnared in the eccentricities of Turner's world. Turner, on the other hand, perceives in Chas a potential spark to re-ignite his lost passion for music. As Chas navigates the treacherous waters of his violent past and Turner's unconventional present, the story of "Performance" unfolds — a captivating exploration of lives intertwined, where the quest for escape becomes a journey into self-discovery. The line between the thug and the artist blurs, creating a riveting narrative primed with tension and transformation.

Performance is a crime movie featuring James Fox and directed by Nicolas Roeg.

It is possible to buy Performance on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.