I diavoli

In 17th Century France Cardinal Richelieu gains allegiance with King Louie Xlll in persecuting the Protestant populace. He finds resistance however in the charismatic Father Grandier (Oliver Reid) of Loudon whose walls and lack of religious strife pose a problem to the Cardinal's grand plan. When a sexually repressed nun falsely accuses Grandier of witchcraft, Richelieu's minions go to work to slander and burn.

It is no small order to make the claim that The Devil's is director Ken Russell's most audacious work. Known for pushing the envelope throughout his career The Devil is a relentless non-stop depiction of witch hunt depravity graphically presented by Russell who takes things to such a fever pitch you wonder if he has control during moments as the literal orgiastic trial runs into overtime. Featuring some of Russell's most outlandish as well as outstanding scenes and compositions it's devastating brutality never let's up with the opening portion of the film dealing with a plague. Even comedy relief such as the King's target practice having a very dark tone to it.

As Grandier, Reid effectively shows both virility and sensitivity as he defends the city while left vulnerable to carnal delight and love. Vanessa Redgrave's horny hunch back nun may be the most challenging role of her career that she gruesomely surmounts, the results riveting. Max Adrian as a quack doctor leads a supporting cast of well defined misanthropes bent on revenge and power.

Russell's interpretation of actual history ( with a mighty contribution from wife Shirley's outstanding costuming) paints some remarkable canvases throughout the Devils, most of it hard to look at and you walk away from it amazed and appalled; impressed and ill. The Devils is one tough watch.