In this ground-breaking book, acclaimed film director Ken Russell unpacks the creative insights, technique, know-how and sheer determination that have enabled him to realise on screen more than fifty diverse and yet intensely personal films. Drawing on his parallel experiences of producing, screenwriting and editing – as well as his favourite (and some unfavoured) movies by other directors – Russell places the role of the director as auteur within the context of film-making as a collaborative enterprise. As a bonus, Russell offers critical insights into his vision and intentions in several of his own movies, including an exclusive focus on his most recent film.