Tributes after ‘unique’ director dies aged 84

TRIBUTES have been paid to the “unique” talent of British film director Ken Russell, following his sudden death at the age of 84.

The director of Women In Love and The Devils passed away on Sunday, his wife Elize said.

The Oscar-nominated film-maker, who began his career in television, had a reputation as an enfant terrible of the British movie world.

Women In Love (1969) is known to a generation for its nude male wrestling scene, with Oliver Reed and Alan Bates.

Glenda Jackson, who won a best actress Oscar for her role in the film, said it was a “privilege” to know Russell as both a film director and a friend.

She said Russell had an “incredible visual genius”, “a passion” and “a third eye” when it came to film- making.

But the MP, who also starred in Russell’s The Rainbow (1989) and The Music Lovers (1970), said he had not been given the recognition he deserved in later years.

“It’s an absolute shame that the British film industry has ignored him. It’s an absolute disgrace... he broke down barriers for so many people,” she said.

The maverick film-maker was known for his uncomfortable stories about the church and for using sexually challenging material. The Devils, initially featuring a scene with naked nuns, was banned in many countries.

Film director Michael Winner said Russell would be best remembered for the 1971 movie, starring Vanessa Redgrave.

“What the censor took out of The Devils was almost as long as the rest of the movie,” he said. “[He] was the most innovative director.”

Russell’s widow Elize said she was “devastated” by her husband’s death, which happened at their home in Lymington, Hampshire.

She said Russell had been working on the script and casting for the movie Alice In Wonderland The Musical, which he was directing.

The film-maker first gained a reputation while directing for BBC arts programme Monitor.

On the big screen he followed up the notoriety of Women In Love with films such as The Music Lovers and Valentino.

In 1971 he won huge acclaim for his adaptation of the Broadway hit The Boy Friend — a 1920s musical pastiche — casting model Twiggy in the lead role.

Four years later he brought to life The Who’s rock opera Tommy with a star cast including Reed, Jack Nicholson, Tina Turner and Elton John.

Russell filmed what is thought to be his final TV interview for Sky Arts earlier this year. The programme is being broadcast this Friday.