THE DEVILS (1971)
Ken Russell | United Kingdom | 1h 54m | English audio and subtitles
For 55 years, Ken Russell's THE DEVILS has been one of the most controversial films in cinema history. Censored by its own studio, condemned for its depictions of religion and sexuality, and surrounded by stories of banned and deleted footage, its extraordinary production history has often overshadowed the film itself.
FOMO presents THE DEVILS as the closing film of MARTYRS & MADNESS, the fourth night of our alternative Halloween Film Week. It follows Sergei Parajanov and Dodo Abashidze's THE LEGEND OF SURAM FORTRESS at 19:30, creating a double bill about faith, conviction and the courage to face death for something sacred.
Where Zurab in Parajanov's classic willingly sacrifices himself to protect his homeland, Grandier in THE DEVILS refuses to renounce his beliefs even when doing so could save his life. Though their circumstances are very different, both men confront the ultimate price of devotion. On the eve of Halloween, these films explore the mysterious and terrifying boundary between faith and fanaticism, and the sacrifices human beings are prepared to make for their deepest convictions.
Based on the real events of the Loudun possessions in 17th-century France, the film follows Father Urbain Grandier (Oliver Reed), a charismatic and outspoken Catholic priest whose enemies are determined to destroy him. When Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave), the sexually repressed superior of a convent, develops an obsessive attraction to Grandier, accusations of demonic possession spread among the nuns. What begins as a scandal becomes a calculated campaign of religious persecution and political manipulation.
Russell transforms this extraordinary episode into a devastating portrait of institutional power, sexual repression and the dangerous intersection of faith and politics. Reed delivers one of his greatest performances as Grandier, a flawed and defiant man whose courage becomes increasingly apparent as he faces torture and death rather than betray his conscience and beliefs. Opposite him, Redgrave is astonishing as Sister Jeanne, bringing religious devotion, sexual frustration and psychological torment to one of the most challenging roles of her career.
For this special Halloween screening, FOMO will also present additional deleted scenes that did not make the final cut, offering a rare opportunity to explore the footage and controversies that have shaped the film's history.
More than half a century after its release, THE DEVILS remains astonishing, provocative and deeply unsettling. Its notoriety may have made it famous, but its filmmaking, performances and moral courage are what make it essential.
FOOD AND DRINK POLICY: SHEREKILEBI Bar in FOMO Cinema opens 1 hour before the first screening of the day and closes at 01:30, serving a wide selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic refreshments, as well as fresh hot popcorn! Outside food is allowed in the bar but not in the cinema. No alcohol or drinks from outside allowed. All guests are invited to arrive early and stay late!
LOCATION: FOMO Secret Cinema, Bazari Orbeliani, Tbilisi. A five minute walk from Liberty Square metro.
HOW TO FIND FOMO: Enter Bazari Orbeliani via Atoneli St above Carrefour and take the stairs on your left to Level 1. Signage on the door. You can also check our Instagram story highlights for a video showing exactly how to find us: https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3OTMzMTA2Mjk0MDI5MjM1
REFUND & CREDIT POLICY: If FOMO cancels a screening, all ticket holders will receive a full refund. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, we’ll issue you a credit for the value of your ticket if you let us know 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. The credit an be used for any FOMO film screening within the following 30 days.
TICKETS are also available to purchase over the bar if not sold out.
FOMO Secret Cinema • Bazari Orbeliani, 0105 Tbilisi, Georgia
