RIP KEN RUSSELL

[Tim Hole]

Ken died last night at 84, after suffering a series of strokes.

He has been a mentor to me since film school and was a good friend. He was the probably the most darkly funny and controversial man I have ever met. He had some crazy ideas and plenty of crazy stories to tell.

He was a singular fellow, I have never—and likely will never—meet anyone like him.

Rest in Peace...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvlU2gQDQvU&feature=related

Contains images NSFW...

 

[Andy White]

Altered States and The Devils were highly influential movies for me.

I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Ken Russell personally... only through his movies and interviews, but it's a sad day.

 

[Graeme Nattress]

THe BBC have a good article up: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15917073

Graeme

 

[J Davis]

oh wow so sad to see this ... his Altered States became a classic ... his Lair of the White Worm became cult. Cheers to you Ken.

 

[David Collard]

Didn't know he directed "Tommy", one of those films you say "They don't make them like that anymore".

When you think about Ken's work, I can't help but reflect on the quality of today's director's. They're not in his league.

Rest in peace.

 

[Paul Russell]

Tommy, Mahler, The Devils. Anne Margaret rolling around in baked beans.
Only Ken Russell could have made those movies.