1. The Devils (1971)
Why It's Controversial:
Good odds on bet for most controversial film of all time, The Devils, if you are really religious, contains a lot of objectionable content to push your buttons. Uncompromising blasphemy landed the film in hot water with the censors. There is the famous 'Rape of Christ' sequence one of Sister Jeanne's demented hallucinations in which Jesus (in the form of Oliver Reed) gets of the cross and she engages in sexual acts with him. There is the exorcism of Sister Jeanne which is excruciating to watch. There is the orgy of the nuns where they give into collective madness and do a lot of very rude things. The censors did not just object to sex in the film. The excruciating torture of Father Grandier (Oliver Reed) at the end of the film is also heavily cut. Finally, there were cuts made to a sequence featuring Sister Jeanne masturbating with one of Grandier's charred bones at the end of the film. There were also accusations from nun extras at the time of molestation.
Reasons Why It's Good:
It is directed by Ken Russell and it stars Oliver Reed. It is not just an all out assault on the Catholic Church. Russell was a Catholic and he knew his stuff. He is also an awesome director. No matter whether you love him or loathe him, his films never create the ultimate crime of being boring. The same applies to Oliver Reed. He enlivens any movie he is in - no matter how dull. As Father Grandier, he is in his element - complex, charismatic and authoritative. Truly a remarkable performance. And Vanessa Redgrave deserves full marks for her tortured turn as Sister Jeanne - I can't see another actress taking on the role with as much gusto. The sets - designed by the late director Derek Jarman - look fabulous and highly stylised, giving the film a really distinctive flavour. The story is compelling and the acting universally excellent. It is set in a really interesting period of French and European history to which it is authentic. The Devils is a film that has charmed me since I was 14/15 years of age. I could watch it time and time again and never fail to be shocked or thrilled. Simply fabulous.