Henry Kenneth Alfred Russell or Ken Russell, well-known for his controversial style, worked as a documentary photographer and earned name for short-films including ‘Peepshow’ (1956), ‘Amelia & Angel’ (1959).
Russell joined BBC TV-program ‘Monitor’ for which he directed several documentaries. He received praise for composer Edward Elgar’s drama-documentary ‘Elgar’ (1962). He made his feature-film directorial debut with not-so-successful comedy-film ‘French Dressing’ (1964), followed by short-films ‘Lonely Shore’ (1964), ‘Bartok’ (1964) and more.
Russell’s TV-films ‘The Debussy Film’ (1965), ‘Always on a Sunday’ (1965) and ‘Isadora Duncan, the Biggest Dancer in the World‘(1967) brought him acclaim. His next, ‘Harry Palmer’ espionage-film ‘Billion Dollar Brain’ (1967) didn’t fare well at box-office. He produced, directed TV-films ‘Dante’s Inferno’ (1967), and ‘Song of Summer’ (1968).
Russell’s romantic-drama film ‘Women in Love’ (1969), considered as his signature film, fetched him ‘Oscar’ and ‘Golden Globe’ nominations. His TV-film ‘Dance of the Seven Veils’ (1970) about German composer Strauss, and Tchaikovsky biopic ‘The Music Lovers’ (1971) faced controversy. The historical-horror-drama film about 17th century Roman Catholic priest accused of witchcraft, ‘The Devils’ (1971) and musical-comedy ‘The Boy Friend’ (1971) brought accolades.
Russell directed biopic of sculptor Henri Gaudier-Brzeska in ‘Savage Messiah’ (1972) followed by composer Gustav Mahler’s biopic ‘Mahler’ (1974). His 1975’s film adaption of ‘The Who’s rock-opera ‘Tommy’ and musical-film ‘Listzomania’ were hit and former earned nominations. ‘Valentino’ (1977), his biopic of silent-era actor Rudolph Valentino, was successful.
After TV-films ‘William & Dorothy’ (1978) (about Wordsworth) and ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ (1977), Russell made his only sci-fi film ‘Altered Stated’ (1980) fetching acclaim, followed by ‘The Planets’ (1983) and ‘Vaughan Williams: A Symphonic Portrait’ (1984).
Russell’s erotic-thriller ‘Crimes of Passion’ (1984) was successful on video. His further films include psychological-horror film ‘Gothic’ (1986), ‘Salome’s Last dance’ (1988), horror-comedy ‘The Lair of the White Worm’ (1988), drama-film ‘The Rainbow’ (1989). Though Russell occasionally appeared as an actor in his films, he played a substantial role in his spy-film ‘The Russia House’ (1990).
His later films include biopic ‘The Strange Affliction of Anton Bruckner’ (1991), controversial drama-film ‘Whore’ (1991), TV-drama ‘Prisoner of Honor’ (1991), played title-role in ‘The Secret Life of Arnold Bax’ (1992), TV-series ‘Lady Chatterley’ (1993), ‘The Mystery of Dr. Martinu’ (1992). ‘Treasure Island’ (1995), ‘Mindbender’ (1994), ‘Dogboys’ (1998), horror-comedy ‘The Fall of the Louse of Usher’ (2002), ‘The Lion’s Mouth’ (2002) and short-film ‘A Kitten for Hitler’ (2007).
Tommy is a satirical musical drama film which tells the story of a young boy who receives a terrible shock after seeing his stepfather murder his father over an argument. This makes him psychosomatically deaf, dumb and blind. However, when he stumbles upon a pinball machine, his life takes a turn as he turns out to be a natural prodigy in the game. He soon becomes a champion and starts attracting a religious following.
Scott Blair is a publisher who finds himself involved in a conspiracy after receiving manuscripts from a Russian scientist claiming that the entire Russian nuclear programme is a sham. He begins his own investigation to learn the truth.
A young archaeologist named Angus Flint discover a large and inexplicable skull on a farm owned by two sisters. He soon comes to the conclusion that the skull belongs to the D’Amp ton Worm, a mythical beast that was slain years ago. However, soon the residents of a nearby town begin to disappear.
Gothic
The Devils is a historical horror drama film which tells the story of Father Grandier, a priest who wants to protect his city from Cardinal Richelieu, and his corrupt establishment. When Grandier becomes an obstacle to the latter’s plans, he is accused of being a Satanist who practices witchcraft.
Directed by noted British film director Ken Russell, this documentary short film is about an apartment building in Bayswater where Ken once used to live. The film was made as the building was being demolished to make way for an office, which is bland and unattractive.
Gerald and Rupert are best friends, and they both fall for two sisters, Gudrun and Ursula. While Rupert marries Ursula, Gerald begins a relationship with Gudrun. After some time, they decide to go on a honeymoon to Switzerland, but their relationships begin to go in different directions. Rupert and Ursula give themselves to one another, while Gerald is not able to commit fully to Gudrun.
Altered States is a horror thriller science fiction film which tells the story of Eddie, an unconventional and slightly mad graduate student who conducts experiments on himself using hallucinogenic drugs, in an isolated chamber. Years later, when he is a professor at the Harvard Medical School, he informs two of his colleagues about his experiments, who start to doubt his well- being.
Tommy is a satirical musical drama film which tells the story of a young boy who receives a terrible shock after seeing his stepfather murder his father over an argument. This makes him psychosomatically deaf, dumb and blind. However, when he stumbles upon a pinball machine, his life takes a turn as he turns out to be a natural prodigy in the game. He soon becomes a champion and starts attracting a religious following.
Amelia and the Angel is a short film which tells the story of a young girl named Amelia, who loses the wings which she was supposed to wear in her school play. This fills her with guilt, and she becomes distressed. When she notices an angel walking towards a dark building, she decides to follow him.
Bobby Grady is a thirty year old married man with two children. He is invited to work at a fashion-design studio, where he meets designer Joanna Crane. He soon discovers that Joanna has a double-life, as she also works as a prostitute in the red light district. He becomes obsessed with her, and thinks that he is in love, after having sex with her. Meanwhile, a preacher is obsessed with Joanna as well, and he stalks her everywhere, believing that her soul needs to be saved.
A young archaeologist named Angus Flint discover a large and inexplicable skull on a farm owned by two sisters. He soon comes to the conclusion that the skull belongs to the D’Amp ton Worm, a mythical beast that was slain years ago. However, soon the residents of a nearby town begin to disappear.
Gothic
A young archaeologist named Angus Flint discover a large and inexplicable skull on a farm owned by two sisters. He soon comes to the conclusion that the skull belongs to the D’Amp ton Worm, a mythical beast that was slain years ago. However, soon the residents of a nearby town begin to disappear.
Tommy is a satirical musical drama film which tells the story of a young boy who receives a terrible shock after seeing his stepfather murder his father over an argument. This makes him psychosomatically deaf, dumb and blind. However, when he stumbles upon a pinball machine, his life takes a turn as he turns out to be a natural prodigy in the game. He soon becomes a champion and starts attracting a religious following.
Gothic
