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.

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