Ken Russell’s ‘The Devils’ Feels More Relevant Than It Did 55 Years Ago. That’s Because It’s About a World Gone Mad
I’m an ardent fan of Ken Russell, yet I always considered “The Devils” to be a transgressive novelty: a voluptuous exercise in extreme blasphemy and extreme horror. No doubt: It’s both those things. Yet I didn’t think it was anything more than that. (For me, that was enough.) Whe
The reappraisal of Ken Russell's "The Devils" as a film that feels more relevant today than it did 55 years ago is telling. The movie, known for its provocative content, has often been reduced to its shocking value, but its exploration of a world in chaos resonates deeply with contemporary audiences. The film's themes of hysteria, paranoia, and the dangers of unchecked power are eerily familiar in today's climate of social media frenzy and deepening divisions.
The fact that "The Devils" feels more relevant now speaks to the timelessness of Russell's vision, as well as the cyclical nature of history. The film's portrayal of a society on the brink of collapse, where fear and superstition have taken hold, is a stark reminder that the past is not always a reliable guide for navigating the present. As the media landscape continues to evolve, it's clear that Russell's work remains a touchstone for artists and filmmakers looking to challenge and subvert expectations.
What's next to watch is how other classic films will be reevaluated in light of current events. Will other works from the 1960s and 1970s, such as those by Luis Buñuel or Dario Argento, also be seen as more relevant today? The conversation around "The Devils" is just the beginning, and it's likely that we'll see a renewed interest in films that tackle themes of social commentary, rebellion, and the human condition. Keep an eye on retrospectives and reissues of classic films that challenge the status quo – they may hold more relevance than we think.
Originally reported by variety.com. ScandalNews adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.