Blasphemy + Horror Films 🎥 Ken Russell - My Director Pick

THE DEVILS - Ken Russell - Director Pick

If you follow YestoSex you know my film and music recommendations lean into artists that shock, twist and rewire one’s thinking. Films shamed, censored and banned by the powers-that-be while delivering cinematographic brilliance and often a cult following.

This week’s Director Pick – Ken Russell –  is no different.

THE DEVILS (1971) - Now Streaming on Criterion Collection

Introducing THE DEVILS, Ken Russell’s 1971 scandalously salacious film now streaming on Criterion. Known for his historical dramas, this X-Rated masterpiece was banned for its cruelty, orgiastic sexuality, and blasphemous 17th-Century Catholic church shenanigans.

If this is enough to deter you, I get it, my intention is not to offend. If this is the case, may I suggest, instead, indulging your "Trick and Treat" time with Russell’s lighter, comedic, supernatural horror film, The Liar of the White Worm (1988). While still serving up a taste of blasphemous religious horror this one debuts Hugh Grant and will help ease you into Russell’s visually stunning yet shocking imagery.

If religious horror is not your jam I suggest saving Russell for your next date night and opting instead for his 1969, academy award winning, romantic drama, Women In Love. This adaptation of D.H. Lawrence’s novel will take you on a historical romp through bohemian politics and 1960's sexual revolution. 

Tanya’s Tips: If blasphemous horror is not your jam check out last years YestoSex Halloween Gaillo pick: Gaillo Films to Shag Thru.

Ken Russell - Director Pick

Following in the flamboyant and visually stunning footsteps of Italian Director, Federico Fellini, Russell couples British wit and fantasy with liberal adaptations of historical texts. Tracing back to his early days at the BBC, he began his directing career creating adaptations of 19th Century composers. 

His love for music resonated again with his 1975 film, Tommy based on The Who's 1969 rock opera.

Russell’s indistinguishable, hands-on direction is characterized by his desire to shock and awe audiences and critics alike.  A true iconoclast, he rejected commerciality and spoke truth to rigid social hierarchies that wreaked of the putrid ‘status quo’.

Building on his successes, global media giant Warner Brothers gave him a long leash and relative budget that may never be seen again in filmmaking. While Warner Brothers were not able to censor Russell's provocative tone and cinematography they continue to censor and hold for ransom the uncut version of THE DEVILS. 

While I have not seen it, I understand this uncut gem has found its way to streaming on Shudder. Be careful what you wish for. The cut version offers a punch the average film connoisseur may find challenging to stomach. 

THE DEVILS

Circling back to this historical psychological horror film starring Vanessa Redgrave and Oliver Reed, THE DEVILS had the singular fate of winning a silver ribbon for best foreign film from the Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists in 1972 while simultaneously being banned throughout Italy.

Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave - THE DEVILS (1971)

Adapted from Aldous Huxley's 1952 non-fiction novel The Devils of Loudon and John Whiting's 1960 play; book, play and film were all inspired by the notorious case of supposed sexual frenzy and demonic possession in 17th-Century France whereby a charismatic Catholic priest, Urbain Grandier, was accused of bewitching nuns. 

Russell comments that THE DEVILS takes its inspiration from his own Catholic faith. 

It's about the degradation of religious principles," he says. "And about a sinner who becomes a saint." 

Born and raised a Catholic, the making of THE DEVILS would end Russell’s journey with Catholicism. 

Trick or Treat 

If you have not had the pleasure of indulging in Ken Russell’s films including familiars like Altered States (1980) or Omnibus (1968) and Savage Messiah (1972) you are in for a treat! If you love films as much as I do I’ve got yet another treat for you.

Ready to dial in movie night this weekend? Try ditching the alcohol for cannabis or even micro-dosed classical psychedelics. A good alternative to alcohol both cannabis and psychedelics, dosed properly, can help elevate your senses and let you drop into movie night. 

Remember, if new to recreational drugs, start slow.  Track your dosing. You will only get better with practice.

Tanya’s “Trick and Treat” TipsxX: If settling in for movie night with cannabis get your snacks ready and consider starting with an edible. Taken before the opening credits, you may find your sweet spot just as the film starts taking shape.  Remember, less is often better, you can always augment your edible by lighting up a preroll or vaping mid-movie.