Like what you see? Help keep it going! This site runs on the support of readers like you. Your donation helps cover costs and keeps fresh Rolling Stones content coming your way every day. Thank you!
Anita Pallenberg in Barbarella and the Swinging Sixties Myth
“Barbarella, an astronaut from the 41st century, sets out to find and stop the evil scientist Durand Durand, whose Positronic Ray threatens to bring evil back into the galaxy..” Sci-fi film directed by Roger Vadim starring Jane Fonda, with Anita Pallenberg (as The Great Tyrant) Keith would occasionally join Anita during the filming in Rome, Italy, in the summer of 1967.
An iconic figure in the world of rock and roll, Anita Pallenberg is usually remembered for her close ties to the Rolling Stones—especially her relationship with Keith Richards—but that’s only part of the story. She wasn’t just hanging around rock stars; she was shaping the look, attitude, and mood of an entire era. Anita left her mark on fashion, film, and the wider counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s with a style and confidence that felt effortlessly rebellious. One of her most talked-about moments came with her appearance in Barbarella(1968), a film that perfectly matched her otherworldly presence. Even in a brief role, she stood out, adding to the movie’s cult appeal and cementing her place as a true sixties icon beyond the Stones’ orbit.
Inside Barbarella: Anita Pallenberg’s Black Queen Moment
Barbarella is a cult classic science fiction film directed by Roger Vadim and based on the French comic strip of the same name. It starred Jane Fonda in the title role, but Anita Pallenberg played a key supporting part as the character of Black Queen. In the film, Pallenberg’s role was one of the more mysterious and alluring, fitting seamlessly into the psychedelic and avant-garde atmosphere of the movie. Her character, part of a strange, futuristic world, embodied the bold, free-spirited, and rebellious nature that Pallenberg herself exuded.
Pallenberg’s appearance in Barbarellawas more than just a minor role; she became an iconic part of the film’s visual language, bringing her unique style and mystique to the screen. Although her role was not as prominent as Jane Fonda’s, it stood out due to her enigmatic presence, which resonated with the era’s fascination with experimental fashion and alternative lifestyles. The movie itself was known for its campy, psychedelic aesthetics, and Pallenberg’s contribution helped elevate it into a significant piece of pop culture history.
The Great Tyrant : Hello, pretty pretty. Barbarella : Hello… The Great Tyrant : Do you want to come and play with me? For someone like you I charge nothing. You’re very pretty, Pretty-Pretty. Barbarella : My name isn’t pretty-pretty, it’s Barbarella.
Bohemian, Bold, and Ahead of the Curve: Anita Pallenberg’s Style
Anita Pallenberg’s involvement with the movie also solidified her as a fashion icon. Known for her bohemian, eclectic style, she became a muse for many in the 1960s and 1970s. Her looks often combined rock and roll glamour with a rebellious edge. She frequently mixed high fashion with street style, wearing bold prints, furs, and an assortment of accessories that became the hallmark of her unique fashion sense. Many of her outfits, including those seen in Barbarella, were ahead of their time and became highly influential in shaping the counterculture aesthetic of the period.
Her sense of style, with its mix of avant-garde fashion and rock star edge, influenced generations of women who saw her as both a muse and a symbol of empowerment. She was often photographed with members of the Rolling Stones, particularly Keith Richards, further solidifying her status as one of the defining personalities of the rock and roll era.
The Woman Who Shaped the Stones’ Look and Attitude
Although Pallenberg’s role in the film was a notable moment in her film career, she is perhaps best remembered for her relationships and work with the Rolling Stones. She was a muse to both Keith Richards and Brian Jones, and her influence can be heard in some of their music, as well as seen in their fashion choices. Pallenberg was involved in the creative process behind the scenes, contributing to the artistic direction of the band’s image.
Despite the turmoil in her personal life, including struggles with substance abuse and the complicated relationships she had with the Stones’ members, Anita Pallenberg remains a symbol of the rebellious spirit of the 1960s. Her role in Barbarella, alongside her personal and professional ties to the Rolling Stones, contributed to her lasting impact on both pop culture and the world of fashion.
Like what you see? Help keep it going! This site runs on the support of readers like you. Your donation helps cover costs and keeps fresh Rolling Stones content coming your way every day. Thank you!
