# Ken Russell’s 'The Devils' Sets Are Unusual

> Ken Russell’s 'The Devils' uses sets that feel real, not staged, for 1971’s historical film.
- Title: Ken Russell’s 'The Devils' Sets Are Unusual · IndieWire
- Summary: Ken Russell’s 'The Devils' uses sets that feel real, not staged, for 1971’s historical film. Ken Russell’s 'The Devils' sets, designed by Derek Jarman…
- Keywords: ken russell, the devils, derek jarman, production designer, 1971 film, historical film, period film, lou dun, urbin grandier, ursuline nuns, oliver reed, vanessa redgrave
- Source: IndieWire — https://indiewire.com/features/craft/ken-russell-the-devils-restoration-derek-jarman-sets-1235222226
- Author: Sarah Shachat
- Published: 2026-10-19T21:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ken russell, the devils, derek jarman, production designer, 1971 film, historical film, period film, lou dun, urbin grandier, ursuline nuns, oliver reed, vanessa redgrave
## The Devils' Historical Basis
The Devils begins with a title card stating it’s based on real historical events from 1630s Loudun, France.
## Derek Jarman’s Role
Production designer Derek Jarman built a Capital-T Tower at Pinewood Studios for the film’s sets.
## Sets Designed for Realism
Jarman used 17th-century wall moulds to create sets that look crumbling, not staged.
## Key Characters in Film
The film features Oliver Reed as Urbain Grandier, Vanessa Redgrave as Sister Jeanne, and others.
## Key takeaway

Ken Russell’s 'The Devils' sets, designed by Derek Jarman, create a historically accurate 1630s France for the film.