Ken Russell (1927-2011)

Henry Kenneth Alfred Russell (3rd July 1927 - 27th November 2011) was an English film director. He was known for his pioneering work in television and film and for his controversial style. He was criticised as being over-obsessed with sexuality and the church. His subject matter was often about famous composers, or based on other works of art which he adapts loosely. Russell began directing for the BBC, where he did creative adaptations of composers' lives which were unusual for the time. He also directed many feature films independently and for studios.

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[TheSolaris810]

A shame that Britains Enfant Terrible was never knighted. Like all those touched with genius, he made some stinkers, but there were suffiient cinematic nuggets to overlook his digressions. Italy,France, Spain would have been so much kinder to him.

Big Brother was a low point, but I then realised he was using the opportunity to pitch an idea for a film which a talent of his stature should not have been reduced to.

Still, the great films will be here after we are gone. RIP Sir Ken.

[mrshawchs]

Why no mention of "Altered States?"

[BrickLaneBetty]

Ken died at home peacefully.

[MproductionsMovies]

While his filmography might not be as memorable as Kubrick, Polanski, Lynch or Hitchcock, i admire him for his sparkling and almost child-like personality. His words and movements spreads out an eccentric energy that both fascinates and engages me. He's like some sort of a crazed grandpa that you would have loved to spend your day with.

Rest in peace, Ken. Forever shall you rest, forever free from all pains and worries.

[mythtree]

Ken Russell was genius, visionary director... Tommy overblown? wtf this narrator needs to get blown.

[Vicegod]

As time wears on, the geniuses are becoming less and less, Britain should have treated him better but I know he has his admirers there. Sir Russell. Can they ever knight posthumously?

[MarieAntoinette2]

It isn't just the BBC that's dumbed down. It is rampant in the States. Thanks for posting.

[edmund184]

@StintonFilm Given the dumbing down of the BBC I think it's a miracle they even mentioned his passing. PS I sat infront of Ken at the National Film Theatre a few years ago for the showing of 'Aria'. He was a big personality, one of the last of the English eccentrics. In defence of his extravagance maybe he had to put the sex and surrealism in just to get the films made. He was a disciple for culture. Sadly missed.

[StintonFilm]

What a mean-spirited obit from BBC news - the channel Russell did some of his best work for! Loved the interview clip though. BBC South did a better job.

Thanks for uploading this. RIP Sir Ken.