R.I.P – British Cult Film Director Ken Russell Passes Away

It brings me great sadness to announce the passing of director Ken Russell. The British director first got the attention of American audiences when his 1969 film Women in Love, received multiple Academy Award nominations.  Yet, what many genre fans will most remember him for is his hallucinogenic mix of music, sex, and horror in such films as The Devils, Altered States, Tommy (based on The Who’s album), Lisztomania, Gothic, and Lair of the White Worm.  The Hugh Grant starring Lair of the White Worm, based on a novel by Bram Stoker was my first taste of some of the shocking imagery that Russell was known for including in his films.  This lead me to discovering the underrated sci-fi film Altered States followed by the cult film that happens to be my favorite film of his: The Devils.  The 1971 film was a lightning rod for controversy due to its portrayal of sex-crazed nuns who lust after a handsome but corrupt cardinal played by the incomparable Oliver Reed.  Russell’s widow, Elize just revealed to BBC News that,

“He also had just completed an article for The Times on a review of the re-release of his film The Devils, so he was keeping himself very busy.”

She added that he had also recently agreed to direct a musical feature film of Alice In Wonderland and had gotten as far as working on the script and casting.  His daughter said of her father’s death Sunday night,

“My father died peacefully.  He had had a series of strokes. He died with a smile on his face.”

Ken Russell was among the great experimental filmmakers who explored bizarre territory in bold and inventive ways.  His name should be used in the same discussions as such other known cult filmmakers like Kenneth Anger, Alan Parker, and David Lynch.  The film community has lost a great and creative talent.  We here at Destroy The Brain! give our condolences to his family and friends.