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Article: Russell Unveils `Salome': Wilde Catamites On Parade
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- May 27, 1988
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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KEN RUSSELL loves icky, gooey things we'd normally squeal at and
step over. But his gothic mis-visions of writhing maggots,
undulating snakes, bodies doused in blood and other viscera, usually
have art-trash appeal. Not so in "Salome's Last Dance."
Continuing his series of scatological portraits of famous artists
(from Liszt to Lord Byron), Russell picks on Oscar Wilde this time,
going for bawdiness-as-usual. But for all "Salome's" frontal nudity,
dry-ice clouds, Ancient Rome couture and silver nipple cups, the
result is just so much wear and tear on your senses. There is
nothing but Russell hot air, with characters speaking in endless,
repetitive passages.
It's Guy Fawkes Day, 1892. ...