Ken Russell: maverick and visionary

The film world is mourning the loss of director Ken Russell, who has died at the age of 84.

The sometimes eccentric Briton was best known for his films ‘Women in Love’ and ‘The Devils.’ He made his breakthrough with a provocative adaption of D.H. Lawrence’s sexually-charged novel ‘Women in Love.’ It earned him an Oscar nomination for best director.

He won acclaim for his maverick vision, but also criticism for levels of violence in his films. His greatest commercial hit was ‘Tommy’, a rock-opera by the band The Who.

Russell’s family say he died peacefully in his sleep.

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