Ken russell (1927-2011)

We have lost another major filmmaker.

Ken Russell passed away this week. A friend of mine said "Kurt Russell died today!" I was shocked, and I rushed to a computer to confirm the news.
It was worse: Titan Brit director KEN Russell had passed on.
He was 84.
(I hope I make it to 84..)

My favorite film of his Altered States- a visual and thematic tour-de-force that I never tire of watching.
I also love Tommy, Whore, The Devils and Mahler.
The others are 50/50 for me.Women in Love got him MASSIVE recognition and I find it hard to watch- seeing Alan Bates & Oliver Reed's dicks flopping around was...strange. But I've seen stranger stuff in other movies.

I had a chance to see The Devils (uncut) in Toronto with Mr. Russell in attendance in 2010. I even bought a ticket to the Rue Morgue show.
But work called me in, and it was either go to work or be on the shitlist.
That has happened a few times to me. Sux. What can you do. Gotta pay the rent...

Martin Scorsese has commented on the passing of Ken Russell and he nailed what was so great about him: NO FEAR. OF ANYTHING.
He mentioned the BBC films Russell made, and how they are excellent.

Watch Ken Russell's films folks.
He'll get a reaction out of you one way or another. He's notorious. He pulls no punches. But that's what we need (and always will need) so zip it.
He was one of a kind.
Anyone who can direct Jack Nicholson singing a Who song is Special.