Ken Russell Festival

Press, 25 November 1982, Page 18

Ken Russell Festival

“An Appalling Talent,” the title of the two-week festival of Ken Russell’s work which starts at the Academy tomorrow, certainly sums up this incredible director’s controversial output. The nine movies to be screened start off with “Tommy,” his extraordinary view of the world of rock music. The films are: “Tommy” (1975), tomorrow to Tuesday, 6 and 8.15 p.m.: An overblown and strident version of Pete Townshend’s rock opera about a deaf, dumb and blind boy who wins through to rock stardom following a miracle cure. Starring Ann-Margret, Oliver Reed, Roger Daltrey (as Tommy) and Elton John (as the Pinball Wizard). Guest artists: Eric Clapton, John Entwistle, Keith Moon, Paul Nicholas, Jack Nicholson, Robert Powell, Pete' Townshend, Tina Turner and The Who.

“The Music Lovers” (1971), Wednesday and Thursday, 7.15 p.m.: Brilliant visual imagery personifies the genius of the tortured, tragic Russian composer, Tchaikovsky, who gave the world much of its magnificent music. Much of Tchaikov-

sky’s romantic music is heard in the film, with Andre Previn conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. Starring Richard Chamberlain, Glenda Jackson, Max Adrian, Christopher Gable.

“The Boyfriend” (1971), same sessions as above: Twiggy is the assistant stage manager who gets her big chance to go on when the prima donna

fractures her ankle. The musical numbers are campy and wonderful, with Tommy Tune standing out as a dancer, and Christopher Gable a perfect singing-and-dancing leading man. Glenda Jackson makes a guest appearance.

“Altered States” (1981), Friday and Saturday, December 3-4, 7.15 p.m.: A brilliant young scientist, exploring the delicate balance between drugs and reality, embarks on a life-threatening experiment. This is an extraordinarily creative film that takes the-viewer on an incredible journey to a world of terrifying ' imagery. Starring William Hurt, Blair Brown, Bob Balaban and Charles Haid.

"The Devils” (1972), same sessions as above: Russell’s most controversial film to date, this is a monument to hysteria and bad taste. Based on an actual occurrence in the French town of Loudon in 1643, and involving the demoniacal possession and sexual obsession of a group of nuns, the film treats viewers to an abundance of entirely gratuitous visual obscenities. Starring ’ Oliver

Reed and Vanessa Redgrave. “Women in Love” (1970), Monday and Tuesday, December 6-7, 7.15 p.mj Based on the sensationally frank and controversial novel by D. H. Lawrence, the film tells the story of two profound sexual relationships — one successful, the other disastrous. Candid, explicit, passionate, tempestuous and cruel, the controversy ’over the more erotic scenes died down with Glenda Jackson’s Academy Award for Best Actress, and Russell’s nomination for best director. Also starring Alan Bates, Oliver Reed and Jennie Linden.

“Savage Messiah” (1973), same sessions as above: The classic story of the down-and-out, poverty-striken lad who makes good. But this is not exactly from rags-to-riches, only from rags-to-recognition. The story is based on the life of the brilliant young French sculptor, Henri Gaudier-Brzeska, and. examines the relationship of a young artist and the Polish-born woman, Sophie, who was twice his age. Starring Dorothy Tuttin and Scott Antony. “Valentino” (1977), Wednesday and Thursday, December 8-9, 7.15 p.m.: The meteoric rise and stormy career of the silent screen star, Rudolph Valentino, the greatest lover the screen has ever known. Erotic, visually flamboyant, excessive and beset by baroque horrors, “Valentino” marked the film acting debut of Rudolf Nureyev. Also starring Michelle Phillips, Carol Kane and Huntz Hall.

“Lisztomania” (1975), same sessions as above: This one turns out to be an electrical rock fantasy. The explosive quality of the movie focuses on the lives and loves of two classical composers — Franz Liszt and Richard Wagner — as things might have gone if they had been rock stars. Starring Roger Daltrey, Sara Kestelman, Paul Nicholas, and Fiona Lewis. Guest stars: Ringo Starr and Rick Wakeman.

hans petrovic

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