Category: Reviews

Synopsis

Wanting to maintain control over France in the 17th century, Cardinal Richelieu (Christopher Logue) tries to influence King Louis XIII (Graham Armitage). He proposes that they must tear down feudal states and centralize the government, using Protestants as a scapegoat. One such state is Loudun, which Urbain Grandier (Oliver Reed) controls after the governor's death. Though he presents himself as a devout priest, Grandier is notorious for having affairs with multiple women. At the nearby convent, Sister Jeanne des Anges (Vanessa Redgrave) is obsessed with him despite her commitment to chastity. After learning of his secret marriage, Jeanne falsely accuses Grandier of witchcraft to Father-Canon Jean Mignon (Murray Melvin). In response, Mignon contacts Baron Jean de Laubardemont (Dudley Sutton) to find evidence of Grandier's crimes. Little does Mignon know that this gives the Baron and Cardinal the opportunity they need to gain control of Loudun.

Review

First, major kudos to Mark Kermode and the team at Warner Bros. Clockwork for restoring The Devils. I can't speak to what audiences saw in 1971, but it's wild to think this film received so much backlash. While I get the Vatican's condemnation, I don't get how critics like Roger Ebert and Vincent Canby dismissed it. For one, this is one of the most gorgeous movies I've ever seen, with its elaborate sets and inventive camera work. The late Derek Jarman's production design is nothing short of phenomenal, mixing neoclassical architecture with harsh minimalism. Cinematographer David Watkins does a great job giving the film a grand scale while also making you feel uneasy. Also, composer Peter Maxwell Davies's score is a bizarre mix of period music and chaotic instrumentation. Some might say Ken Russell was overindulgent in the film's style, but I'd say it fits the overall tone.

As unbelievable as it is to see women swooning over him, Oliver Reed gives a commanding performance as Urbain Grandier. Even if you disagree with his actions, Reed gives the character such confidence and bravado that you buy into it. He knows he's done for because he strongly opposes the established system, so he indulges while he still can. Vanessa Redgrave is marvelous as the deranged Sister Jeanne des Anges, driven mad by years of repression. Her dead-eyed stare and maniacal giggle are terrifying, while also adding to the film's occasional dark humor. Logue, Melvin, and Sutton are great as corrupt officials who use fearmongering to establish control over Loudun. Though having limited screen time, Armitage is entertainingly flamboyant as the king, and Gemma Jones shines as Grandier's timid wife. Every actor, from the leads to the extras, delivers committed performances that add to the film's grandiose scale.

The biggest difference between the theatrical and director's cuts is two scenes that drew tons of controversy. The first shows naked nuns straddling a Jesus statue, while the other shows Sister Jeanne pleasuring herself with a femur. While these scenes are no doubt shocking, they also serve the film's message about the damaging effects of sexual repression. This goes hand-in-hand with the film's other themes, namely using false morality to control the masses and maintain authority. Honestly, many of the film's themes resonate more today than they did back then, especially with the worsening political climate. At roughly 114 minutes, the film moves at a glacial pace, but it never feels boring or needlessly padded. If you can stomach some truly haunting imagery and want something more challenging, you can't go wrong with this. Overall, The Devils is a misunderstood masterpiece that's finally getting the recognition it deserves.

Buy The Devils from Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0ja08vF4.

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