Ken Russell’s 1971 film "The Devils," long censored for its controversial content, is now being presented in a newly restored, uncensored form for a limited theatrical run. The restored version includes a previously excised sequence known as “The Rape of Christ,” which had been removed prior to the film’s original release despite the movie receiving an X rating from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). This footage was believed lost but was recently rediscovered after extensive efforts by British historian Mark Kermode.
"The Devils" is an adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s nonfiction book, "The Devils of Loudun," recounting a 17th-century witchcraft trial involving nuns and a Catholic priest in the French town of Loudun. The film’s narrative centers on Father Urbain Grandier, portrayed by Oliver Reed, a charismatic yet morally flawed priest who becomes the target of accusations of devil worship and possession orchestrated by Sister Jeanne des Anges, played by Vanessa Redgrave. Grandier’s defiance of religious and political authorities, including Cardinal Richelieu and King Louis XIII, escalates tensions that culminate in hysteria and violent persecution.
The newly reinstated scene was considered particularly provocative for its explicit portrayal of blasphemy and sexualized imagery involving religious iconography, which Warner Bros. initially deemed too extreme even for an X-rated release. The film’s critique of institutional corruption and fanaticism was seen as politically charged, with Russell describing it as his most overtly political work.
After its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, the restored "The Devils" was screened at the London Film Festival, marking the first time the film’s star, Redgrave, viewed the production as originally intended by Russell. The release follows a broader trend in film preservation aimed at presenting key works in their complete form, regardless of their controversial nature.
Critically, "The Devils" has received mixed responses over the years. While Oliver Reed’s performance has been widely praised for its intensity and complexity, some reviewers find the film’s composition and tone challenging. The film’s graphic content, including scenes of torture, nudity, and religious desecration, remains polarizing, reflecting Russell’s reputation for provocative and boundary-pushing filmmaking.
The film’s depiction of Grandier’s downfall—accused of satanic possession, subjected to brutal torture, and ultimately executed—remains a powerful indictment of the mechanisms of power and hysteria. Notably, the film concludes with a shocking image involving a human femur presented as a grotesque symbol, underscoring Russell’s bold visual style.
The limited release of the uncensored "The Devils" offers audiences a chance to reevaluate this contentious film in its full context, contributing to ongoing discussions about censorship, artistic freedom, and the representation of historical events on screen.