Title: The Devils
Year: 1971
Director: Ken Russell
Country: UL
Language: English
I was hesitant to watch Ken Russell's The Devils (1971) because of the discourse related to the controversial film. I've heard that it is a violent "hard to watch" picture and I didn't want to subject myself to a gore-fest. Thankfully its not that violent - especially compared to today's horror standards. Surprisingly, I found The Devils quite fun. It is Black Narcissus (1947) on crack.
In 17th-century France, Father Urbain Grandier's (Oliver Reed) protection of the city of Loudun from the corrupt Cardinal Richelieu (Christopher Logue) is undermined by a sexually repressed nun's accusation of witchcraft.
The Devils is a mad film; it dissects the insanity brought about when the fear of God meets political hypocrisy. It is a film, burning with mad energy, that is permeated with carnal excess. Its themes are similar to Dryer's Passion of Joan of Arc (1929); but Russell's film has far more exorcism via enema and naked nuns so therefore Warner Bros. is hesitant to give it a home video release.
The relentless atmosphere of anarchy is masterfully shot; giving us compelling & memorable cinematography. The score adds to the film's tension and gradual increase of madness. The set design and costuming are gorgeous. Russel does a tremendous job at immersing us into the 17th Century setting.
The Devils may become one of my favourite films. It is a unique unconventional masterpiece that, if anything, felt like it should have been longer. As brilliant as it is bizarre, this is a must-see.
.
No comments:
Post a Comment