Ken Russell directed at least one movie.
Henry Kenneth Alfred `` Ken '' Russell ( 3 July 1927 -- 27 November 2011 ) was an English film director , known for his pioneering work in television and film and for his flamboyant and controversial style . Later in his life he turned to making low-budget experimental films such as Lion 's Mouth and Revenge of the Elephant Man , and they are as edgy and ` out there ' as ever '' . Women in Love is a 1969 British romantic drama film directed by Ken Russell and starring Alan Bates , Oliver Reed , Glenda Jackson , and Jennie Linden .