Kermode Uncut: What To Do About The Devils

[@callmecal7057]

I haven't seen the film in any form and refuse to do so until the full version is released. No one should have the right to censor a labour of love to an audience who want to experience it. Keep up the fight, Kermode.

[@hamburgareable]

"If you saw the film and you still dont feel like youve been run over or squashed by a truck, you didnt pay enough attention to the movie!" I can feel the effect right now!

[@RFranklinCarter]

I'd love to see the uncensored director's cut of "The Devils." We still can't see a movie released in 1971? I just hope to live long enough to see it!

[@olmomecene]

Here in Italy back when this was released a journalist got fired and expelled from the order of journalists because he praised the movie... the amount of unjustified hate this movie got is astonishing

[@BirdArvid]

The Catholic Church is very strong in Italy

[@indobleh]

Damn Oliver Reed was such a good actor!

[@1800hotdog]

I saw this rare film on film in my film school. I am humble that I got to see it.

[@mvjonsson]

Warner Bros has stated that the film will in the future not be shown in any version. Supposedly the reason for it being unrestored was not really the "blasphemous imagery of the cut Rape of Christ scene", but a personal dispute between Ken Russell and one of the high executives on Warner Bros. It is very tragic. The film is a masterpiece and deserves to be fully restored and released on bd.

[@allaboutdmagic]

Just look at the back cover of Richard Crouse's book on the film to see many high profile directors who love The Devils: Terry Gilliam, David Cronenberg, Joe Dante, Del Toro, Bryan Singer, John Landis.

[@RobDW24]

Guillermo del Toro has expressed his love for the film wouldn't he be a big enough director to get behind the campaign?

[@lunanielsen9144]

Dead Riot Terry Gilliam

[@kolesteele4242]

My dad owns this on DVD uncut. Probably one of his more rare buys, I like to watch it with my date’s the 3rd or 4th time we hangout. : )

[@ajs41]

The Devils is pretty tame compared to modern-day horror and slasher films. Ridiculous that it's still being censored.

[@seanian8986]

RELEASE THE RUSSELL CUT

[@armanddebella7594]

I did see Ken Russell's.'the devils' back in the late 70's or early 80's at an art-house for film.I thought it was a disturbing work and brutal in it's content yet brilliant and bold in it's presentation.Like Kubrick,Kur -osawa and other great directors, Russell was an original visionary Genius.This film is proof of that. This is one of his great works. Warner bros.should release it as it is considered by many to be a masterpiece. 🔚🔚🍔

[@pricklyphlox]

I can solve this for you. WB does not see enough $ in the release to take on the risk from Christian fanatics.

[@jcav9410]

Also, Guillermo del Toro could be another voice to demand the release of this film.

[@thelivingjed9676]

I had no idea about this until I finished watching the BFI DVD literally 5 minutes ago. I was confused. When the credits rolled, I thought, "Wait, where's the infamous scene I've heard about?" Checked the back to see if I watched the right version and found it was the only version. It's a pretty good film as it is, but I'm really disappointed.

[@Charmingman93]

Has anyone tried to get the catholic churches support?

[@TheMistriBox]

I saw this as a Teenager in the 90s on British TV and it haunted me ever since. I didnt understand it and havent seen it since. As my love for strange new visuals and imagery has grown in both music and art I would love to see a full Directors Cut so I can appreciate it properly as an adult. The controversey over its release proves the power of the film and how a well constructed concept can cause a reaction of fear; even in such times where the internet has desensitised many of us and shown us much worse. Hope to see it again someday.

[@VidzVideo]

im sure that Mark has a good copy of the cut scenes from Ken as they where good friends. So maybe this footage could mysteriously find its way into the hands of someone capable of creating a directors cut to be released in the way the Starwars "Despecalized" versions were released. i dont know the rules but i think it comes under a fan edit or something so providing you own the movie it isn't illegal to download. that may prompt WB to release a propper Directors cut to make the "pirate copy " obsolete and in the mean time we get to watch the complete film!

[@jcav9410]

We have HBO's Game of Thrones filled to the brim with violence and sexuality... So why is "The Devils" still censored while GoT is one of the highest watched television shows of today? You know, Warner's sheepishness regarding this film has prevented many of my favourite internet-based film reviewers such as Brad Jones (Cinema Snob) from taking on this film. It would be interesting to see their reactions. Yes, The Devils might be too shocking for modern audiences. But at least, as I watched the "Hell on Earth" documentary, it seems to deal multiple topics in different levels, but one main overarching subject within it seems to be one: Struggle. Struggles from the one between federalism and centralism - The self-government of Loudun against the desires of Louis XIII/Richelieu to have an homogeneous French territory - To Grandier's own struggle between his desire of women and his role as parish priest, later ersatz governor of Loudun. And maybe that's the real reason why The Devils deserves recognition.

[@nononannette4017]

It's 2021. Half of America is complaining about "cancel culture." Why aren't these people telling WB to un-cancel "The Devils?"

[@roedalacket]

I watched this video with great enthusiasm and hoping that this video will convince Warners to release the film uncut on blu-ray, and that Nolan will see it and make it happen. Then I noticed that it's almost 5 years old and nothing has happened. I guess Christopher Nolan never saw this video.

[@REAL6]

We need this released WB!!!!!!!!

[@nicholasdickens2801]

I'd love to be able to see this film. Can't even find a bootleg of it. Sadly after the recent events with Sony in regards to The Interview self-censorship is a big issue that the studios need to address.

[@nelsonx5326]

I saw 'The Devils' at the Elgin Theater in NYC in 1976, and the movie is disturbing. I believe I saw the uncut version, but I'm not sure. If what I saw was censored then the original version must be off the charts intense. I'm a Christian, but I'm not weird about it, I can handle a touchy subject; I thought 'The Last Temptation of Christ' was great. But 'The Devils' was brutal. I can see how it upset the church going community. I wonder how I would feel seeing it again all these years later.

[@bettinabettina7155]

Luckily I saw this movie in the 70 s and rented it again in the 80s. I do not believe in censorship in anyway. This is a masterpiece and true story. Yet it's ok to pass out pornographic material by priests in many of the churches in Italy.

[@gypsyjay4246]

Mr Kenmore, I just watched The devils in its full cut online....withe rape of Christ scene intact....and it was extraordinary...thank you for bringing to attention this film.....only irreversible has had the same effect on me.....ken Russell was a visionary...both mesmerising and horrifying...once again thank you...thank you

[@martincrodgers]

I'd buy the DVD, if they released it.

[@madahad9]

It reminds me of the Twilght Zone epissode The Howling Man where the devil is being held prisoner at a remote abbey. Is Warner Brothers afraid to release this film as if it is something evil. By today's standards and the Asain extreme horror flicks The Devils is tame by comparison. It is really the religious aspects they fear most, I believe. It's like when Bunuel's masterpiece L'Age d'or was forbidden to be shown until the 80's---some sixty years after it's initial release. Mocking religion in a serious way usually provokes that reaction. I have seen the truncated version and love it and hope Warners will see reason and allow Criterion (the best people to package this) to release it but would I love to see that on the big screen in all it's demented glory. I have been a long time Ken Russell fan, saddened by his passing, and hope all his films are re-released by Criterion in the future---even ones as batshit crazy as Litstzomania or Crimes of Passion. I work at a movie theater and a co-worker told me that Kathleen Turner (who was appearing in some play at a nearby theater) came in to see a movie. Sadly I was not on duty and would have loved to asked her what it was like to work with Ken Russell. An opportunity missed.

[@rubaidaallen2764]

Excellent film.

[@chrissmith8526]

You can watch it online

[@apcreed]

Bah, why should they decide what we get to see or don't? Just give a warning on the cover if they are that bothered.

[@FRIDAY8BALL]

launch a petition Mark.

[@PauLtus_B]

The simple "Why not" about the full release isn't getting an answer so this is a weird thing.

[@curiousnomad]

Critereon Collection please make this happen! Scorsese, Coens, Etc please step up.

[@themanwithnoname2816]

Makes us feel lucky that we have the snyder cut of Justice league

[@SomeSunshineOutside]

link to online petitions?

[@juliettem-jenkins7748]

I demand to have some booze ! AND the director's cut released !

[@JeffBarberDigideus]

If you want to make Warners do anything, you have to hit them where it hurts. A serious campaign of approaching their investors would have more impact than any internet petition, but ultimately, if warners want to take their ball home and not play, you cant force them. Personally, I have no faith in Warner Bros. ever doing what is right. they are far more interested in their DC comics catalog right now. perhaps when their superhero movies utterly fail (they will, no question. they are in such a stupour over not knowing how to respond to Marvel's dominance of the genre. We may have to wait a few decades until they decide to sell off their movies division, but the reasons they have given for not releasing a directors cut of "The Devils" is utterly stupid. Ultimately Warner Bros need to grow up and trust that we, as adults, have the right to decide for ourselves what we watch. i mean, its not like we have restrictions on the sort of porn thats made in this country is it.... oh wait.... Damn

[@its-morbintime]

I don't know where this campaign is or how its going but...I'd love to see where this goes. I only own the 107 minute version (so I had to turn to Vimeo to see "The Rape of Christ" - yes, that scene really is on vimeo) and in the age of the internet, where information is at the fingertips more than ever, why censor it? Its been over 40 years - nearly 50 - I'm sure nothing in it will still be AS BAD today. Especially since, since this movie has been made, we've had Video Nasties, Human Centipedes and Serbian Films. How much worse could it get?

[@ardshielcomplex8917]

No-one seems to have realised why Warners continue to refuse "The Devils" release, consider the Catholic Church and its covert influence then it all makes sense.

[@theemancipation88]

Doesn't know Nolan personally? I'm pretty sure he was presented a Kermode for best director a few years ago - surely that would be classified as 'knowing' one another.

[@DavidAndersen84]

Americans are very religious. I know from the documentary "Not Yet Rated" that the American MPA does still take advice from the Catholic Church, particularly in the appeals process. That may have something to do with Warner Brothers being so skittish. The actual ratings system in America is extremely corrupted. As far as I am concerned it should be dismantled. The ironic part is it has always been a matter of studios voluntarily acquiescing to the ratings so the Catholic Church won't boycott a film for its movies. But it is all ancient history now. By today's standards his films are tame. I love his work. Every few years I share his films, especially "Women In Love" with a friend, and they always go mad for Ken Russell.

[@brendanmilburn9067]

There's a simple answer to that, release the movie without an MPA rating. Unlike other countries the USA is allowed to release movies unrated, there's no need to deal with the MPA at all with this movie.

[@shamasnazir997]

WARNER BROTHERS REFUSE TO RELEASE THIS MOVIE OF 40YEARS EVEN WHEN THE DIRECTOR KEPT REQUESTING TILL HIS DAY DEATH,EVEN IN THE DAYS OF SAW HOSTEL AND PARANORMAL ACTIVITY ASK YOUR SELVES WHY THE CONTINUE TO REFUSE THIS MOVIE UNCUT,I'LL TELL YOU WHY...IT'S BASED ON AN EVENT WHEN THE CHURCH TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE WHOLE FRANCE WANTED TO DESTROY ALL WALLS SEPARATING DIFFRENT TOWNS WHEN THE PLAGUE WOULD SPREAD WALLS WERE BUILT TO STOP THE SPREAD A BIT LIKE THE COVID-19 CARDINAL RECEILUE WAS FUMING WHY THE LOCAL PREIST WOUKD ALLOW THE DESTRUCTION OF THE WALLS ,A PLAN WAS SET BY THE CATHOLIC CHURCH TO ELIMINATE THIS MAN,THEY USED HIS WOMANIZING,HIS SECRET MARRIAGE AND A MIN WHO WAS INFATUATED WITH THE PRIEST THEY TORTURED HIM AND GOT FALSE WITNESSES THE MADE A SPECTACLE OF THE NUNS CLAIMING TO BE POSSESSED LOUDON MADE MONEY IN THIS CIRCUS OF A CASE IN THE END GRANDIERS TOUNGE WAS CONTINUOUSLY PRICKED HIS LEGS WERE SMASHED WITH WEDGES AND SLEDGEHAMMERS, HIS FEET BURNT THEY TRIED EVERY TORTURE TO GAIN A FALSE CONNFESSION BUT HE REFUSED HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE STRANGLED THEN LIT ON FIRE BUT THEY DIDN'T LET HIM BE STRANGLED HE WAS BURNED ALIVE IN A PYRE IN FRONT OF THE LOUDON PEOPLE THE TOWN AND PEOPLE HE HAD TRIED TO SAVE WATCHED HIM BURN SCREAMING,HED GOT A RICH,INFLUENTIAL JJYDGES DAUGHTER PREGNANT HE WAS A MEMBER OF THE JUDGES IN COURT,EVERYONE WHOD HAD ENIMITY WITH THE PRIEST USED THIS TO THEIR ADVANTAGE,THE CHURCH FRAMED AND CONDUCTED A MOCK TRAIL A MAN TORTURED BURNED FOR A CRIME HE HAD NOT COMMIT ,THIS IS THE REASON IT WILL NEVER BE RELEASED UNCUT,THE MOVIE IS ABOUT AN EVENT THAT TOOK PLACE,ABOUT THE PREIST WHO SAW REDEMPTION ,THE CARDINAL WHO SOUGHT CONTROL AND THE PEOPLE WHOM SAW A SHOW 6 minutes ago

[@Redem10]

Damn it Warner is your version of the film is cursed or something and it cause people to die if they see it!

[@Pumpsboy]

The Devils, will never, ever, be released uncut, dam u Warner's

[@guitaoist]

Scared to release the devils? How about SAW 1-6? Is that a picnic compared to naked nuns? Double standards

[@brendanmilburn9067]

Lionsgate releases Saw movies, not Warner Bros.

[@9460dave]

Please feel free to join our campaign page at; facebook.com/FreeTheDevils #FreeTheDevils

[@maxxkarma]

Nolan is out since Tenet.

[@mikevalenzuela3974]

The one director with enough clout yo get this movie released is Martin Scorsese.

[@semirecumbentoneYT]

Who would miss this? You see now how humankind have degraded to brutes of evil, that this world is full of. You know Passion of the Christ? All these movies - completely the opposite and utmost horrific, than what Christ was all about. He would cry knowing what people like in this world: commercial sadistic sex and violence. Christ was trying to teach us the opposite - love and goodness. Just some thoughts to you my friends.

[@Wilks363]

"I just hope Santa buys Mark a new suit for Christmas..!"

[@liamearly4883]

Bootleg it

[@johnathankirschbaum8815]

This was the Snyder cut of 2014

[@brendanmilburn9067]

And still is of 2021. The movie has still not been re-released on disc uncut in the USA or elsewhere, the UK has done some DVD releases of the censored theatrical version and that was 9 years ago. WB has still been head strong in refusing any physical release of the movie be available in the USA and refused an official release of the director's cut.

[@BLINDTUBEMARES]

My god, there is no god. Release it...

[@johnmc3862]

Masterpiece my a$$! Some good scenes but it's mainly nuts.

[@BirdArvid]

Americans are very, very afraid of distasteful tonality although to whom that tonality is distasteful is unclear. Well, the religious right, of course, would prefer dancing, kissing and of course.. "the unmentionable" to be nowhere near any film screens in the US; an extremely backward country when it comes to the expression of sexuality, especially by women, who are losing their rights as we speak, ruled over by old white religious men. They're too narrow-minded to see that The Handmaid's Tale is a cautionary tale, which the US is inching towards, every year. Frightened, old, religious, patriarchal, reactionary.. And Christopher Nolan won't do anything; he and all the other "spectacle" directors are too beholden to Hollywood..

[@krishnamurtiism]

I for one personally find the ‘Rape of Christ’ sequence offensive, and not necessary to the overall narrative. We get that the nuns are being blasphemous, we don’t need the added imagery of them ravishingly a statue of the naked Christ. Artistic freedom is important, but so is sensitivity.

[@brendanmilburn9067]

It's fine if you find it offensive, however it doesn't change that it is not legally dangerous or harmful nor should people who want the director's intended version released be refused access to the material. And WB is even refusing the censored theatrical version to be released.

[@buffstraw2969]

@Terence Eagle So because you didn't like it, I can't see it? I can't make up my own mind? Who da phuq appointed you as my moral guardian?

[@princesshassim6009]

Dear Mark, seems i'm catching up to you on this rather late. I live in Canada - which is a relatively SAFE distance from the USA - and i feel your anxiety on this subject hon. THE DEVILS is a really great movie even if it's not to everyone's taste; but in my opinion why the film won't be released may well come down simply & purely because Americans - especially in the deep south are still deeply hooked on Christianity, and certainly in the case of the south have a paranoid over-righteous view of themselves which we're all sadly familiar with and which if i am honest isn't too far removed from the insanity of the authorities IN the film itself set in the 17th. Century. Dear me, if they only knew that Ken & Ollie made the film for nothing and were just trying to do a film about racial and religious hatred. I was watching an old Parkinson interview a few mins ago where Ollie was saying about how many people died during the Thirty Years War in which the film is set, and i can tell you.....FAR TOO MANY DIED IN THAT WAR ALONE, AND TOO MANY WERE INNOCENT CIVILIANS. To quote Ollie's words in the interview, 'praise god may it never happen again'. Take Care.