Review of The Devils (1971) by Christopher L — 12 Jul 2004

Starring: Vanessa Redgrave, Oliver Reed, Dudley Sutton, Max Adrian, Gemma Jones, Murray Melvin, and Michael Gothard.

Written abd Directed by Ken Russell.

Rated [b]R[/b] (for disturbing graphic scenes of violence and gore, perverse sexuality, thematic material and some language).

Running time approximately 1 hour 43 minutes.

Ken Russell's film [i]The Devils[/i] is a brilliant and provocative experience. When it opened in 1971, it was subject to much controversy, and even now, if this film had been made, all involved would suffer just as much praise and ridicule as those connected with Mel Gibson's masterpiece [i]The Passion of the Christ[/i]. The film takes place in Loudun, France in 1634 at an Ursuline convent, where Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave, in a magnificent performance) lusts after Father Urbain Grandier (Oliver Reed, very good). The true story unfolds almost like Arthur Miller's [i]The Crucible[/i], with accusations flying about, and an unforgettable and heartbreaking climax. This is one of the best films ever made. [b]**** (out of ****) A[/b].

[left]Note: I wouldn't want to call this a horror film, even thought that's exactly what it is. To call a film a horror flick nowadays usually means it's schlock like most every horror film out there. So, yes, this is horror, but it's [i]great[/i] horror...and it's true, too.[/left].

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