The Devils (1971) is one of the, most controversial films, yet it is still a classic, also a political thriller, discussing the problems of Church and State. Causing an almost immediate sensation upon its release, The Devils has been widely banned across the globe. The late film director Ken Russell was the embodiment of outrageous cinema. Fifty three years ago, Ken Russell’s historical drama shocked the world with raw violence and mass orgies
I watched the film The Devils (1971) at my village on my laptop in September 2024. The critics described this movie as lurid, violent, gross, depraved etc. They were correct, but neglected to mention the film is tremendous. Seeing it after 53 years since its release, I believe to say it has not congealed into a “classic.” I felt that the films plays as if it were filmed last week and released yesterday.
The Devils (1971) is based on the story of Urbain Grandier as recounted in Aldous Huxley’s famous book ‘The Devils Of Loudun’. This is the story of a Catholic priest who is accused of witchcraft by a sexually repressed hunchback nun. Ken Russell one of the most provocative directors of British cinema brings this sensory feast to the screen with the help of intense performances by the late, great Oliver Reed, and an unflinching Vanessa Redgrave. Exorcisms and torture ensue leading to a shocking climax executed by the burning vision of director who is a Catholic, was never shy about interrogating the validity and nature of the church to which he subscribed.
The Devils follows the fate of Loudun, a self-governing town under the temporary protection of the debonair, womanising priest Father Urbain Grandier (Oliver Reed). Cardinal Richelieu (Christopher Logue) plots with King Louis XIII (Graham Armitage) to take control, but their men face strong opposition from Grandier.
However, the obsessive lust for Grandier held by Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave) leads to the nun making a false accusation that he has possessed her. This accusation was exploited by the establishment in order to oust Grandier. Hysteria then unfolds among Loudun’s Ursuline nuns, leading to a mass orgy, a chaos for which Grandier is blamed. Charged with heresy and cavorting with devils, he undergoes a show trial which will only ever go one way.
“The Devils”—a nightmarish tale of politics and religious mania in 17th century France. This movie has frightened Warner Bros. studio executives, when they watched the director’s original cut. They found the content was too extreme—including the infamous “Rape of Christ” sequence. Hence, they demanded a series of cuts. Thus, this becomes a rare case of a movie studio banning a movie they made. Almost 53 years on, Warners have not released the original version, even though times and tastes have changed.
About the Author
Dr. K. Raja Gopal Reddy is a seasoned internationally qualified Insurance professional.
What you are reading here, may not answer all the questions we have, but has the absolute power of asking unsettling questions which increase the interest in the strange world, and show the contradictory wonders lying just below the surface of the commonest things of life. Look at this disturbing but beautiful thought of Friedrich Nietzsche “God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him”.
Dr. Reddy can be reached at: raja66gopal@gmail.com
