The Devils

The Devils is a 1971 movie directed by Ken Russell.

The Devils tells the story of Urbain Grandier, a 17th century Priest who is accused of witchcraft by a sexually-repressed nun. Grandier’s persecution highlights the hysteria and hypocrisy rampant in the church at the time.

It’s possible that The Devils – a highly controversial movie in its time – is more infamous for what viewers were never allowed to see. There’s a sordid history that’s well worth a read that chronicles Russell’s frustrations with various ratings board – who essentially chopped up his movie.

The most controversial scene involves a group of crazed nuns simulating sexual acts on an effigy of Jesus while a priest pleasures himself. It’s the conclusion of a faux mass exorcism – events triggered by a visiting professional witch hunter, who has convinced the nuns to express their repressed demons.

It’s obvious deeply religious people would take offense with the portrayal of sex-craved nuns. However, the cutting of the scene is ironic given the movie’s context. The nuns’ behavior is triggered by priests who want to indict Grandier. Their acts are incredibly suggestive and sensational, presumably leading to the literal Rape of Christ.

It’s disappointing that censorship takes away from what is an extraordinary movie. The Devils is uniquely original, features amazing acting and is a vivid sensory experience.

The symmetry of puritanical colors sets an early tone. We’re viewing a conformist religious society – albeit one about to erupt. Oliver Reed is a magnificent presence as Grandier – he commands the audience’s attention with his thunderous voice and magnetic aura.

These traits aren’t lost on the group of nuns lusting after Grandier. They flee in a uniform line after their hunchbacked leader Reverend Mother (Sister Jeanne) scolds them. However, Grandier’s allure is captured in Reverend Mother’s fantasy: Grandier is walking on water. Reverend Mother emerges to wash his feet with her flowing hair. She awakes, declaring her desire for Grandier to touch “her hump” and join blood with her.

The fantasy is heightened as Jeanne later leads her nuns in prayer. She now indulges in thoughts of Grandier removing himself from a crucifix. She crouches before him, licking his stigmata wounds. She writhes on the ground, clutching her rosary with bloody, mangled hands.

Vanessa Redgrave is tremendous as Reverend Mother. She plays the character with a wonderfully bizarre blend of sexual repression, hopeless cynicism and campy humor. Her crooked neck protrudes – we feel empathy for her physical plight, that is until she shreds the sanctity of both the convent and her potential role as the star witness in Grandier’s witchcraft trial.

When confronted by Dudley Sutton’s Baron de Laubardamont and Michael Gothard’s Father Barre, Jeanne is asked what form the incubus took. She callously replies: “Cock.” After the trial, she is found masturbating, claiming: “I’m purging my own devils. They can’t defeat this bitch.” It feels like Redgrave is having a blast playing such a uniquely acerbic character.

Redgrave is a scene-stealer but The Devils is Reed’s movie. The story is told through Grandier’s spiritual progression. He’s established as a womanizing priest fully aware of his mortality. He later journeys to secure his town’s defenses and realizes a greater spirituality in nature. He returns transformed but is swept up in the fury of witchcraft accusations.

The movie’s final third arrives heavy-handed in its portrayal of the church’s hypocrisy. He gives a series of powerful speeches, indicting the church as a toothless political apparatus. Reed’s Grandier is pricked, shaved, tortured and eventually burned at the stake. The trial and execution are frenzied public spectacles.

Reed’s acting here is subtle yet profound. He embraces his character’s natural sin and eventual reckoning with God. The Baron and Barre want him to confess to witchcraft. Instead, Grandier admits “I’ve been a man, I’ve been with women and I’ve enjoyed power.” While his legs are being crushed, he cries out: “Please God, don’t let this pain make me forget you!”

This theme of hypocrisy is rampant throughout the movie. Russell presents several secondary characters who exploit the fallacies of church politics. Gemma Jones’ Madeleine loses her parents to the plague and seeks out the convent. She’s interviewed by Reverend Mother who coldly states that only undesirable or poor women become nuns.

Gothard’s Father Barre is the visiting witchcraft expert who tries to coerce confessions from the nuns. He looks more like a 70’s rock star than 17th century expert. His methods fail – including being tricked by Graham Armitage’s Louis XIII – who offers a sacred relic supposedly filled with the blood of Jesus. Armitage is wonderfully bizarre as the fanciful and keenly aware monarch.

Eventually, Barre “saves” the nuns by freeing them from the responsibility of their actions. This turns the nuns into the wild, cavorting, lust-crazed “devils” that represent the evidence of Grandier’s witchcraft.

The BEST – Alligator Fights

The Devils is largely political and social commentary but it’s also a delightfully weird movie. As the plague ravages his town, Grandier delivers last rites before being confronted by a noble man whose daughter carries the priest’s baby. They duel using a baby alligator, which is just amazing.

The BEST Part 2 – A Phallic Souvenir

After Grandier is burned, the Baron visits Reverend Mother – whose services are no longer needed. “With Grandier gone, you are no longer possessed.” She asks: “What shall I do?” She is gifted a bone from Grandier’s charred body – presumably for her own pleasure.

The BEST Part 3 – Bye Bye Blackbird

Armitage’s Louis XIII is a fun, decadent spoof of privilege. He is briefed on strategy by the wormy Cardinal Richelieu as he sport shoots a series of Protestants decked out in bird costumes.

The WORST – The Injections

As part of Reverend Mother’s treatment, she is vaginally injected with holy water. It’s a cruel and completely unnecessary act – and a harsh scene to watch.

The WORST Part 2 – 17th Century Medicine

Brian Murphy and Max Adrian play Adam and Ibert respectively, the town’s surgeon and chemist. Their treatments for those afflicted with the plague include baby alligators and releasing swarms of hornets. Each actor plays up his role – they are creepy and vile. When they are tasked with determining if Reverend Mother has indeed been affected by Grandier, their measurements are sinister.

FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4.25/5

It’s probably easy to cast aside The Devils as a controversial, sacrilegious movie. However, there is astounding depth to Reed and Redgrave’s performances. Russell creates a brilliant, beautiful, horrid and weird atmosphere that is truly unique. The Devils is an experience and a must watch.