Warner Bros. Clockwork has extended the theatrical run of Ken Russell’s The Devils across North America after the uncensored director’s cut opened to $1.725 million in 350 locations, a $4,925 per-screen average.
The release was originally planned as a one-week exclusive. Strong opening weekend business changed that, and the NC-17 film will keep playing at multiplex and arthouse venues. It is the first time the definitive cut of Russell’s 1971 The Devils (Tommy, Women in Love, Altered States) has been officially available to audiences everywhere.
Vanessa Redgrave and Oliver Reed star in the dramatized account of Urbain Grandier, a 17th-century priest accused of witchcraft after the supposed possessions in Loudun, France, and of Sister Jeanne des Anges, the repressed nun whose confession sets the accusations in motion. David Watkin (Out of Africa) shot the film, Michael Bradsell (Local Hero) edited it, and Derek Jarman made his feature debut as production designer.
The cut was reconstructed in 2004 under Russell’s supervision with Bradsell, Mark Kermode, and Paul Joyce. The 4K restoration was completed from the original camera negative at WB Water Tower Color. After its Cannes premiere, the film sold out screenings at TIFF, the New York Film Festival, Beyond Fest, the BFI London Film Festival, and Sitges, and the trailer has passed 21 million views.
“The restoration… is a stunner, in particular sharpening the film’s stylized black-and-white-and-blood-and-mud color palette to glistening effect,” wrote Guy Lodge of Variety.
International dates include Poland on October 23, France on October 28, Australia and New Zealand on October 29, Germany and Austria on October 29, and the UK and Ireland via the BFI on October 30. Greece and the Netherlands follow on November 12. Check local listings for North American showtimes.
