Entertainment · Film · 1 day ago
Restored Cut of Ken Russell’s ‘The Devils’ Returns to Theaters
Ken Russell’s 1971 film The Devils has returned to theaters in a restored director’s cut.
The story follows Urbain Grandier, a priest in 17th-century France who clashes with political authorities and is burned at the stake as a heretic.
The film was long seen in incomplete versions after being censored.
The restored cut includes previously missing material, including a mass-hysteria scene once thought to be destroyed.
The recovered footage restores parts of Russell’s original vision.
The film uses its story of religious repression to explore state violence and brainwashing.
The restored version opened for a theatrical run on October 16.
The restored director’s cut of Ken Russell’s 1971 film The Devils opened in theaters on October 16.
The cut includes previously missing material, including an orgy scene once thought to have been destroyed.
Film critic Mark Kermode is presenting the film before audiences at the New York Film Festival.
Kermode describes the restored film as no longer “damaged goods” and says it is Ken Russell’s movie again.
Production designer Derek Jarman’s sets are also highlighted in coverage of the restored film.
- Who
- Director Ken Russell made The Devils, and film critic Mark Kermode is presenting it.
- What
- A restored director’s cut of the film has returned to theaters with previously missing material.
- When
- The theatrical run opened October 16. The film was released in 1971.
- Where
- The film opened for a theatrical run; Kermode is presenting it at the New York Film Festival.
- Why
- The restored cut returns missing material, including a scene of mass hysteria.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Ken Russell’s film The Devils was released.
Mark Kermode saw The Devils at a late-night double feature in East Finchley, London.
The restored director’s cut opened for a theatrical run.
- Film
- The Devils
- Director
- Ken Russell
- Original release
- 1971
- Theatrical run opened
- October 16
- Restored version
- Director’s cut with previously missing material, including an orgy scene
- Presentation
- Mark Kermode is presenting the film at the New York Film Festival
2 sources
What people are saying
Ken always said The Devils was his only political film
But he also referred to it as ‘damaged goods,’ because of what happened.
And it’s no longer ‘damaged goods.’ Now it’s Ken’s movie again.