Altered States: The Autobiography of Ken Russell

by Ken Russell

The renowned director of more than fifty films tells his life story in a cinematic style that flashes back to his childhood and the experiences that influenced his art and touches upon his failed marriage and his film industry colleagues

Genres: Film, Biography, Memoir, Autobiography, Nonfiction

337 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1989

About the author

The filmmaker, not the author of IQ Tests.

Ken Russell tried several professions, before choosing to become a film director.He was a still photographer a dancer and even served in the army, but it was film that was to be Mr. Russell's destiny. He began by making several short films, and those paved the way for his brilliant television films of the sixties that are acclaimed for his attention to detail and opulent visuals. His third feature film Women in Love (1969) was a triumph and he became an internationally known filmmaker. In the 1970s his talent truly blossomed, over the next 2 decades he would direct a succession of remarkable films most of them contained his trademark flamboyance that critics generally dismiss but many seem to find this engrossing.He will forever be remembered as a controversial and visionary artist with something of a third eye when it comes to making oddball dramas that have captivating images and themes.

Reviews

[GoldGato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most memoirs and biographies are usually perfect for the summer. You can sit by a beach and dip into the self ramblings without having to interrupt your sand count. But this is a book of a different grade, mainly because it's the autobiography of Ken Russell, so the cold days of winter will suffice. Ken Russell's ramblings require a fireplace and the safety of four walls.

The Bronx reminds me of the Gaza Stip.

There are memories of his childhood and his unusual take on men who like to dance. But mostly, there are his tales of movie sets and travel and dealing with high-octane actors. Russell was the least conventional of the British directors and his words reflect that picture. He is also hounded by fans who actually believe his films are for real to the point of obsession.

The men who have invited me to wrestle nude in front of a log fire are legion.



I thoroughly enjoyed Russell's musings. Life for him was an adventure, one which he could stylize and put to the music of the great composers. Take shelter.

Book Season = Winter (whelks on car bonnets)

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Russell's rummage through his past, recollections of his early life and filmmaking days up to the present of the book's writing. While not a brilliant autobiography, it's an easy read and has plenty to keep fans of Russell interested. From his own reckoning, he was not the wild and crazy man I had assumed he was—though he reaffirms the perception that Oliver Reed was mad as a hatter. Anyway, it's cool to see him tackle the decades, the highs and lows of films I know and love, films I need to see, films that never got made (or never got made by him).

[Timothy Roessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, exuberant, and very well written.

[John Bleasdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Lots of great anecdotes and some wicked wit.

[Ian · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit of an unsatisfying read. I didn't learn much more than I already knew. I still admire the old renegade though! Please note there are no photos included. It would have been nice to see his life in pictures.