Ken Russell, who died on 28 November 2011, was a UK film director. He started his career working more in television, but he will be remembered for his films, which attracted a huge fan base and a good deal of controversy.

Some of Russell's better known films include:

Women in Love (1969) a DH Lawrence adaptation. Many viewers remember it for a nude wrestling scene between actors Oliver Reed and Alan Bates.

The Devils (1971) based on a true story of hysteria and 'demonic possession' in a 17 century FRench convent. It was almost banned for its sexually explicit images.
Tommy (1975) based on an earlier rock opera by The Who.

There are plenty more including Altered States, about a man who takes drugs to get back to mankind's essential self, and a number of biographical films, especially films based on lives of composers, such as The Music Lovers.

Russell went on filming all his life, but never matched his earlier successes. His films, though, are much loved for their colour, energy and boldness.