He died in 2011, in 84, Ken Russell, unfortunately, a film director who is unknown to the general public and is a little forgotten today; In addition to being clearly moving, who justly continue this British director and his very singular, rather unqualified work.
In 1975, the author of Cult Rock Opera, Tommy, with the legendary rock band, who, we are also in debt to the erotic thriller with the blue days and nights of China; Biopian / musical drama dedicated to composer Mahler; Fantastic film (white worm lair); Thriller with Michael Cain (a billion dollar brain) to name only a few examples.
But his most famous, most sulfur and controversial work remains as devils. It was published in 1971, which has an unusual duo, late Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrev, who undoubtedly found the best role of her career, the devils were considered so shocking and blasphemous, even pornographic, that she was classified in X when she did not leave the Great Britain.
One of the most famous cases of judicial analysis in the Kingdom of France
Inspired by both new written by Oldus Huxley, Ludun the devilsPublished in 1952, and the play of adapting this same work, Ken Russell’s film generates a completely authentic historical work.
It tells the story of the Higher Mother of the Order of Ursulins by the nourishing passion, urban abbé grandier (Oliver Reed), a charismatic and controversial figure that continues to connect with her fervent fans, and during the reign of Loudomun. A terrible Inquisition is then sent to the city walls …
It is known as the Loudun Demons Case, also called Loudun’s case, this witchcraft hunt, which began in the 1630s with the blessing of King Louis XIII, is one of the most famous cases of court annals in the Kingdom of France.
Studio United artists initially offered the idea of this film by Ken Russell, but left the project after reading his final scenario, which is very controversial. Warner Bros. Then he agreed to produce and distribute the film.
“The devils are a difficult movie but the subject is too”
A brutal accusation against religion and its drift, as well as the repression of desire, with the scenes of incredible courage and the change of Baroque aesthetics, the devils are a mind -boggling and hallucinated film that would be impossible to do today.
“We’ve never intended to make a beautiful Christian movie. Charlton Heston has already done enough … This film talks about the transplanted people” Oliver Reed will say about the censorship about which the film was an object.
“The devils are a difficult movie, but it is a subject too. Will release Ken Russell.
“There’s Warner Bros. Powers who don’t want to see some movies”
In fact, the film seems to have become a real inconvenience after the release of Warner Bros. Except for the ancient VHS, it has never been released on the DVD (except the bootleg version …) or even in Blu-Ray, due to veto. And which continues today, which is perfectly invisible to this masterpiece.
It is enough to irritate one of the faders of the film, some Guillermo Del Toro. “There’s Warner Bros. Powers who don’t want to see some movies” Del Toro fell when he gave a masterclass in Toronto in 2014, the studio’s constant refusal to refuse the DVD and Blu-Ray of the Ken Russell film in North America.
Add: “For me, every time I see this movie, I think it’s as strong as it is beautiful, as hysterical and as crazy as I saw it for the first time. This movie has not seen many.
Today, it is not entirely visible in England, provided that it is widespread as an educational experience. This is no accident. This is not a lack of demand. This is the real action of censorship. And it is extremely obvious. ”. Defined do not Hollywood reporterWho declared the filmmaker’s words tried to investigate Warner for a possible reaction. Silence in rows …
Until November 2002, the full version of the film – with a restored reduction – was first shown in London since its release. On this date, only the British Movie Institute officially released the film, DVD and Blu-Ray, in 2011.
That is, if witchcraft continues on this cursed masterpiece, which is not ready to find out from the sanctification in which it has been locked for a very long time. At the same time, we would like to believe in a miracle …
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
