Full Breakdown
Warner Bros. Clockwork Unveils Restored 4K Edition of Ken Russell’s “The Devils” at Cannes
5/15/2026, 4:25:09 AM
Cannes Premiere of Restored “The Devils”
On May 14, 2026, Warner Bros.’ boutique label Clockwork screened a newly restored 4K director’s edition of Ken Russell’s 1971 film *The Devils* in Cannes’ Classics section. The print, assembled from the original camera negative, delivered an “astonishing” picture. The sold-out showing took place in the Grand Lumière and attracted high-profile guests, including honorary Palme d’Or winner Peter Jackson.
Censorship History and Restoration Efforts
*The Devils* dramatizes the 17th-century trial of priest Urbain Grandier, starring Vanessa Redgrave and Oliver Reed. Upon its 1971 debut, the Vatican condemned the film as blasphemous, prompting the cancellation of a public Venice screening and bans in Italy and other territories. The film received an X rating in the United Kingdom and United States after extensive cuts. In a 2002 interview, director Ken Russell called the original ordeal “heartbreaking,” noting that the excised footage contained some of his “finest work” and the “thematic heart of the film.” Russell assembled an uncut version for a private London showing in 2004, while the British Film Institute released a DVD of the edited edition in 2011. Warner Bros. Clockwork, after years of refusal, announced the 4K restoration for Cannes, with Elisabeth Russell and biographer Mark Kermode introducing the screening.
Official Statements & Reactions
Cannes director Thierry Frémaux said the film holds special personal significance for many filmmakers, noting that several, including Peter Jackson, sought tickets to the premiere. Kermode praised Warner Bros. Clockwork’s decision to release the full version as a vital step in preserving Russell’s artistic intent.
Criticism & Opposition
The Vatican’s 1971 condemnation led to the cancellation of the Venice public screening and contributed to bans across several European countries. The film’s explicit “rape of Christ” sequence and other provocative imagery prompted an X rating in both the United Kingdom and United States, limiting its initial distribution.
Why It Matters
The restored edition grants scholars and audiences access to Russell’s original vision, challenging historic censorship and underscoring the film’s satirical critique of power and state corruption—issues that remain resonant today. The release also illustrates the role of major studios in supporting film preservation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “heartbreaking” — Ken Russell, 2002 interview with Mark Kermode
- “finest work” — Ken Russell, 2002 interview with Mark Kermode
- “thematic heart of the film.” — Ken Russell, 2002 interview with Mark Kermode
- “For them, Ken Russell and this movie, in particular, has a special importance in their lives,” — Thierry Frémaux, Cannes director
What’s Next
*The Devils* will open in cinemas worldwide on October 16, 2026, distributed by Warner Bros., following its Cannes debut and renewed critical attention.
