Newsfeeds are at the hagiographic stage at the moment, but Russell made a lot of crap in later years such as The Lair of the White Room and Whore. Still, he was a distinctive visual talent and that's a rarity these days.
Hilly Administrator
Posts : 8059 Member Since : 2010-05-13
Subject: Re: Ken Russell (1927-2011) Mon Nov 28, 2011 4:50 pm
Great shame indeed. Last film I saw of his was Lisztomania, probably best to see it blotto but quite visual and with a bit of a neat soundtrack. RIP Ken.
Largo's Shark 00 Agent
Posts : 10588 Member Since : 2011-03-14
Subject: Re: Ken Russell (1927-2011) Mon Nov 28, 2011 4:57 pm
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Last edited by Largo's Shark on Tue Oct 05, 2021 8:34 pm; edited 1 time in total
lachesis Head of Station
Posts : 1588 Member Since : 2011-09-19 Location : Nottingahm, UK
Subject: Re: Ken Russell (1927-2011) Mon Nov 28, 2011 5:13 pm
My favorite work of his, not nescessarily his most individual but still unique in many ways was that most Bondian of Harry Palmer's - Billion Dollar Brain.
RIP Mr Russell, your style and creativity will be greatly missed.
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Ken Russell (1927-2011) Mon Nov 28, 2011 5:17 pm
lachesis wrote:
My favorite work of his, not nescessarily his most individual but still unique in many ways was that most Bondian of Harry Palmer's - Billion Dollar Brain.
Ah, Françoise Dorléac. Poor girl. Great soundtrack by RRB.
Largo's Shark 00 Agent
Posts : 10588 Member Since : 2011-03-14
Subject: Re: Ken Russell (1927-2011) Mon Nov 28, 2011 5:23 pm
BRAIN is a very flawed film and it's probably Russell at his most commercial, but despite that it's got some brilliant direction (i.e. the needle love making sequence), the beautifully tragic Françoise Dorléac, Caine as Palmer at his most self-assured, and a stunning score by Richard Rodney Bennett.
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Subject: Re: Ken Russell (1927-2011) Mon Nov 28, 2011 5:47 pm
At the risk of overdosing, the title music is even better with Binder's opening credits:
More evidence that Saltzman was the real force behind Bond whatever the revisionist histories suggest.
Largo's Shark 00 Agent
Posts : 10588 Member Since : 2011-03-14
Subject: Re: Ken Russell (1927-2011) Mon Nov 28, 2011 5:52 pm
That's what I keep saying, Cubby was just the opportunist businessman while Harry was the ideas man, but no one listens to me. And not just the Palmer flicks of course, but also classic socialist realist dramas like SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY MORNING, LOOK BACK IN ANGER, THE ENTERTAINER, holiday staple THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN, and my favourite film of all time - Welles's CHIMES AT MIDNIGHT.
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Subject: Re: Ken Russell (1927-2011) Mon Nov 28, 2011 5:57 pm
Well, that's the point isn't it? What did Cubby do outside of Bond? Saltzman had some decent credits before and alongside the Bond films.
Coming back to Russell, the Guardian now has an excellent obituary by its longtime film critic Derek Malcolm.
Subject: Re: Ken Russell (1927-2011) Mon Nov 28, 2011 8:56 pm
Just been laughing at The Mail's story on Elise, who became his last wife.
Quote :
'Unbankable' director Russell in love By ALISON BOSHOFF and MARK REYNOLDS
His romantic record was in an advanced state of disrepair. At 73, with three failed marriages under his belt, Ken Russell was looking for a woman who wasn't afraid of a little renovating work.American Elise Tribble moved in with the film director four weeks ago after she answered a lonely hearts advertisment he had posted on the Internet.
Like many couples relishing a fresh start, they have been doing a little DIY, stocking up at their local B&Q store. Miss Tribble has also been on duty for more glamorous occasions, such as a recent film premiere, where she met Russell's first ex-wife. And his second. And his third.
The controversial director best known for the movies Women in Love and The Devils placed an advertisement on the Internet earlier this year after tiring of life alone at his home in East Boldre, Hampshire.It read: 'Unbankable film director Ken Russell seeks lady soulmate mad about movies, music and Moet & Chandon champagne.' He received more than 1,000 replies. After narrowing them down to 100, he struck up an e-mail correspondence with Miss Tribble, a New Yorker in her mid to late 40s. (One of her messages declared: 'The thought of you fills me with light').