The Devils (film)
The Devils is a 1971 film directed by Ken Russell and starring Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave. It is also known as The Devils of Loudon and the story was adpated from the Aldous Huxley book of that name. At the time of its release, and later, the film has been regarded as controversial for its use of religious imagery and its strong and relatively explicit sexual themes.
Set in 17th century France. Reed plays Urbain Grandier, a dissolute and pround but popular and well-regarded priest in the fortified city of Loudun. Needing to control the city and crush its Protestantism, Louis XIII (Graham Armitage) and Cardinal Richelieu (Christopher Logue) conspire to have Grandier accused of witchcraft and of corrupting the local convent, headed by the deformed Sister Jeanne (Redgrave). She is a neurotic obsessed with Grandier, brought in to attack the Protestants she inspires many into an baseless attack on Grandier as an incubus and witch. He is tried in a hysterical atmosphere of religious extremes and outrageous behaviour by the lunatic Father Barre (Michael Gothard), condemned and burned.
The details of the plot owe rather more to Russell than Huxley or the play by John Whiting. The characters are all extremes, their character a set of stylized absolutes - allegorical figures rather than people. The stark and anachronistic set, with walls of sterile white brick. was designed by Derek Jarman. The music is by Peter Maxwell Davies.
Referenced By
1971 in film | Ken Russell | Loudun | Loudun, Vienne | Oliver Reed | The Devils | Vanessa Redgrave
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