Ken Russell has died aged 84

Veteran British director passed away yesterday

by Robert Munro

The ever-colourful Ken Russell
The ever-colourful Ken Russell

The pioneering British director Ken Russell has died. According to early reports, Russell is said to have passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday.

Russell is best known as the eccentric and divisive director of films such as The Devils (1971) and Women in Love (1969).

Russell had a colourful career, including stints in the Navy and Royal Air Force, before finding his way into film making through documentary work. Last year he gave us an exclusive interview about his life and work.

The BFI will be re-releasing The Devils in its entirety for during their centenary celebrations next year.

Share this with others on...
News

An unexpected friendship Sean Pecknold on bringing a neighbourhood to life in Tennis, Oranges

'Movies give you the energy to give time to time' Vivianne Perelmuter and Isabelle Ingold on their open approach to New Beginnings

Uncertain waters Justin Anderson on unpredictability, the influence of Buñuel, and Swimming Home

Finding a balance Kelly Anderson on Industry City and Sunset Park in Emergent City

Lynne Ramsay and Kirsten Stewart back on the Croisette Cannes organisers add titles to the final mix as opening night looms

More news and features

We're bringing you news, reviews and more from Fantaspoa and Queer East.



We're looking forward to Cannes.



We've recently brought you coverage of Visions du Réel, the Overlook Film Festival, BFI Flare, the Glasgow Short Film Festival, South by Southwest, the Glasgow Film Festival, the Berlinale, Sundance, Palm Springs and DOC NYC.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

More competitions coming soon.