Last night the world lost one of its movie authors when famed British director Ken Russell died peacefully in his sleep, aged 84. Which seems somewhat at odds with his hellraiser public reputation, or his gloriously controversial filmography.
Ken Russell never shied away from putting an edge in his films. Films like "The Devils" or even genre fair like "Lair of the White Worm" still make people frown because he didn't just include nudity but, when necessary, would put masturbating nuns in them.
Aside from that he was also a very good character actor, as seen in films like "The Russia House".
But I hope he will be best known not for the controversy of his films, but for the sheer artistry and vision in them. There are many reasons why people loved and hated Ken Russel as an artist but either way it's an odd thought that he will no longer be around. Our condolences to those he left behind, and movie-lovers worldwide. He will be very much missed.
The news was made public by the BBC on their webpage (link).
Ken Russell never shied away from putting an edge in his films. Films like "The Devils" or even genre fair like "Lair of the White Worm" still make people frown because he didn't just include nudity but, when necessary, would put masturbating nuns in them.
Aside from that he was also a very good character actor, as seen in films like "The Russia House".
But I hope he will be best known not for the controversy of his films, but for the sheer artistry and vision in them. There are many reasons why people loved and hated Ken Russel as an artist but either way it's an odd thought that he will no longer be around. Our condolences to those he left behind, and movie-lovers worldwide. He will be very much missed.
The news was made public by the BBC on their webpage (link).
RIP Ken Russel. Thanks for "Altered States", it was fantastic!
I haven't seen The Devils yet as I'm waiting for an uncut edition. But I'd like to watch other Ken Russell-films though. Which other films is recommended to watch?
Crimes Of Passion was a great little sleazy film from the 80's, his last good film, unless you liked Whore from the early 90's? But The Devils was his masterpiece...R.I.P Ken...
"Women in Love", "The Music Lovers", "The Devils", "Savage Messiah", "Lisztomania", "Altered States" - All masterpieces. R.I.P to the most under-appreciated British director of his generation.
Meanwhile, the devils is still not on dvd/BR, the uncut version that is.