"The Devils," when it was first released to theaters, is the only movie that I have ever walked out on. I just could not take one more moment of Oliver Reed's face sizzling as he was burned at the stake. It is a movie image I wish I could erase from my memory. I agree with reviewers who call this a disturbing film. It may be a masterpiece of sorts, and it does graphically portray the brutality of the Inquisition but it does so in a way that tries to transport us there. No thanks. This is one of those movies that seems to assume you cannot be moved by anything less than a club over the head. It is great movie making, but I will never watch it again. I'll take Ken Russell's "The Elephant Man" any day.
Review of The Devils
