The Devils

Co-presented by Spooky Bitch Gang

Directed by Ken Russell | 114 minutes | R 18+ | Retrospective

4.20pm, Sunday, 19 November | Buy Tickets | Buy Passes

Hell holds no surprises for them... Ken Russell's long-suppressed transgressive masterpiece returns to the big screen in its most complete form to date.

In 17th-century France, Father Urbain Grandier (Oliver Reed) seeks to protect the city of Loudun from the corrupt establishment of Cardinal Richelieu (Christopher Logue). Hysteria occurs within the city when he is accused of witchcraft by a sexually repressed nun (Vanessa Redgrave). Suppressed, mangled and withdrawn from circulation; The Devils has had a tumultuous history, however, Ken Russell's misunderstood masterpiece has maintained cultural relevance long-past its release date, due to a virulent and dedicated fanbase. Also notable for its production design work from a young Derek Jarman, The Devils is rare work that maintains its shock value, despite the passage of time. The film hits the big screen for the first time since its initial Australian release, in its most complete form.

"A lunatic opera, an attempt to make a furious poem out of frenzy. Russell's flamboyant theatricality and his interest in the perverse have been too much imposed on his other films; but here, style and subject are perfectly matched." - Jay Cocks, Time

Country: UK
Year: 1971
Language: English

Co-presented by Spooky Bitch Gang