Review of The Devils (1971) by Mark Y — 30 Jul 2008

Possible plot spoilers.

Surprisingly a very pro-Catholic film! Father Grandier goes from pride and sinning to a humilated, but redeemed state.

Director Russell experimented with "shock cuts" (i.e. A tranquil scene goes straight into a harrowing sequence just as a person is vomiting milk, or when we go straight into a scene showing a character's tongue being pierced painfully.) It's arguable if the shock cutting technique was a good idea or not considering that many viewers couldn't get past that.

I recently saw the uncut version on YouTube, and I was reminded of the power of "The Devils." It is a film meant to rub one's fur the wrong way (Not only the shock cuts, but also some crazy acting from many of the villains, and strange bits of black humor), and it's easy to miss its serious themes underneath the wild goings-on.

I am a very devoted Christian Catholic and I wasn't offended. (Though I did flinch once during one of the restored scenes) It is a film strictly for adults, and it's quite easy just to enjoy the "campiness." I delight in most of Russell's flights of fancy, but I've always argued that he's an artist. (Primarily, I mean during 1965-1980. There's only been a tiny handful of watchable films, TV progams etc by Russell since then.).

Anyway, I consider "The Devils" to be a viable work of Catholic art. I would love to hear disagreements with that statement. :).