Ken Russell’s The Devils
About the event
Inspired by the true story of 17th-century priest Urbain Grandier, accused of bewitching a convent of nuns, The Devils lays bare the collusion of church and state through a searing vision of religious persecution, collective hysteria and institutional corruption. Oliver Reed gives one of his greatest performances as Grandier, opposite an extraordinary Vanessa Redgrave as Sister Jeanne, whose repressed desire unleashes a religious and sexual mania. Derek Jarman’s visionary production design and Shirley Russell’s striking costumes help create a feverish world at once historical and startlingly modern. Censored from its original release, Russell’s film became one of cinema’s most legendarily compromised works. This long-anticipated restoration reaffirms The Devils as an overwhelming, uncompromising and singular achievement of British cinema. James Bell, BFI National Archive Senior Curator A BFI re-release. Members can book a joint ticket to the members screening on Tue 10 Nov 18:15 and the Member Salon: Ken Russell’s The Devils for themselves and their guests in advance. Members who watch the film on another date are welcome to attend the free Salon discussion and show their Membership Card for admission, on a first come first served basis. Ken Russell’s The Devils will screen digitally at BFI IMAX on Sunday 1 November 14:30. Screen: NFT1. Screening details: Special screenings available; 35mm; Preview.
